Branaugh Law Offices, P.C. has served Arvada and beyond since 2002. Our attorneys are equipped with a wealth of law experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the Colorado legal system. From individuals and families, to businesses both large and small, for-profit and non-profit in our surrounding community, our law firm strives for personal service, peace of mind and positive results for our clients. Please click on the tabs above for more information on the type of work you are interested in today.

You’ve worked hard all your life to care for those who are important to you – your family, your friends, your community, and the causes you support to make the world a better place. When you are gone, you want to ensure that the care you provided in life continues and that your assets are put to use in accordance with your wishes. A smooth transition requires planning, which depending on the size of the estate, can be complex. Branaugh Law Offices, P.C. is experienced in helping individuals and families with expert estate planning services, providing you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that those who rely on you in life will be able to continue to do so after your death.

We offer the following Estate Planning services:

1. Wills - The drafting of a proper Will is essential to ensuring that your wishes are carried out upon your passing. We will make sure that your Will reflects your wishes for the disposition of your Estate, complies with applicable laws, and is properly executed, to prevent any problems down the road.
2. Trusts - A Trust can be used to protect your assets, prevent heirs from becoming targets for con-artists, help your Estate to avoid Probate, protect assets designated for minor or incapacitated parties, address a spendthrift heir or beneficiary, or support a worthwhile charity. Trusts may or may not be necessary depending on your unique situation. Upon review of your personal situation, needs, and goals we will explain all of the benefits that a Trust could provide to you if appropriate.
3. Powers of Attorney – The person holding a power of attorney is your voice when you are no longer able to participate in financial and/or medical decision-making. We will explain how this can work for you, and why it is still important even if you have a Living Will.
4. Living Wills - A Living Will (also known as an “Advance Directive for Medical/ Surgical Treatment”) states an individual’s wishes regarding end-of-life treatment in the event that you are deemed to be in a “terminal condition” or a “persistent vegetative state.”
5. Inheritance and Estate Tax Planning – We can explain to you the tax liabilities that may be imposed upon your estate and how you may be able to protect your loved ones from additional tax liability. Of course, it is always a good idea to consult a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as well for tax advice.
6. Trust Administration – If you are acting as a Trustee of your own Trust or the Trust of a friend or family member, we can advise you of your legal and ethical duties to the beneficiaries of the Trust in this fiduciary role.
7. Special Needs Trusts – A Special Needs Trust ensures that whatever happens to you, a person with special needs will continue to be cared for, without interference with any public benefits to which that individual may be entitled. We can inform of you of the types of trusts that are available should this be applicable to your specific situation.
8. Will and Trust contests - We can assist beneficiaries and family members to protect their rights and resolve issues relative to a Trust or Estate where there is a fiduciary who is not complying with legal and/or ethical duties, or when there are questions concerning the validity of a previously-executed Will or a Trust..

Estate Administration - Our firm has extensive experience with Estates that require a Probate proceeding, and many clients turn to us to assist in their role of Executor (or Personal Representative) when a family member dies. We can handle the administration of the Estate and various filings with the Court through the often-confusing Probate process. We have the experience and resources to provide for an efficient transition of the decedent’s assets to his or her heirs.

When you have a loved-one who can no longer make financial and medical decisions, we can help with the process of completing the required filings and notices with the Court to establish a Guardianship and/or Conservatorship, attending any hearings on the appointment of a Guardian and /or Conservator, and continuing representation of the appointed Guardian and/or Conservator to ensure compliance his/her fiduciary duties and ongoing reporting requirements. We also have experience representing Protected Persons (or proposed Protected Persons) throughout and after the filing of a Petition for Appointment of a Guardian/ Conservator.

A conservator has many duties, including but not limited to management of a protected person’s assets, providing accountings to the Court, and filing tax return, all of which duties may require the assistance of an experienced attorney. Conservators may be held personally liable if an accounting is inaccurate or inadequate. Proper accounting can be a complicated task, however, and having an experienced attorney working with you can help to protect yourself from unnecessary liability, and can insure that your accounting policies and practices are adequate.

Your willingness to act as a Guardian for a Ward comes with great legal and ethical responsibilities. In addition to making decisions on your Ward’s care and best interests, you are also responsible for filing an annual Guardianship Report with the court.  In this report, you provide information about a Ward’s residential situation, care, health, and mental capacity in order to demonstrate the ongoing need for a Guardianship to the Court and keep family members and Interested Parties apprised of the Ward’s status. You may also be required to offer more detail during a Hearing to evaluate the effectiveness of the Guardianship. We offer detailed support on the proper completion and filing of all documents, and will appear with you at any required hearings.

We are familiar with the many challenges victims face as a result of personal injury from a car accident. It can be difficult dealing with resultant injuries and the extensive damages suffered, and following an accident, victims are commonly left with questions and concerns regarding how they can successfully obtain fair compensation. There are many complicated insurance claim issues that require an expert personal injury attorney who is well versed in the laws specific to automobile accidents in Colorado.

With expertise in the collection, analysis and presentation of solid evidence, we will assist you in preparing your claim for submittal to an insurance carrier by investigating all angles of your case by employing the following:

• Collecting and reviewing accident reports;
• Collecting and reviewing police records;
• Analyzing damages and comparing to other jury verdicts in Colorado;
• Reviewing medical reports of injuries; and
• Contacting insurance companies on behalf of your case.

It is our goal to resolve your claim by negotiation before it needs to be decided by a judge or jury. Settlements can be negotiated between the lawyers, with you, the client, determining whether or not a settlement will be accepted. A settlement typically pays you money in return for dismissing your claims. You should not assume, however, that any claim you bring will be settled. However, we will help guide you through the process and advise you as each decision needs to be made.

Damages:

Examples of compensatory damages, otherwise known as economic damages that we would attempt to obtain compensation for are:

• Current and ongoing medical expenses that include hospitalization, surgical procedures, doctor visits, emergency room visits, medication and assistive devices.
• Wages lost as a result of recovery and time elapsed between the injury and claim conclusion.
• Loss of earning ability, when a victim’s potential to earn a living has been adversely affected by the effects of the accident.

More difficult to determine are the non-economic losses suffered in a car accident that often include the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional distress

Statutes of Limitation

Every state has certain time limits, called Statutes of Limitation that govern the period during which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. In Colorado, the time limit for most auto negligence cases is generally three years (most other personal injury claims in Colorado are governed by a two year Statute of Limitation). If you miss the statutory deadline for filing a case, your case may be time barred (thrown out of court). We can help you to navigate the process and assist in resolving most claims long before any Statutes of Limitation.

Branaugh Law Offices, P.C. has extensive experience with the needs of Non-Profit Entities from their formation to maintenance and even dissolution. We can help your charity, church, private/family foundation, or other organization navigate the IRS rules and requirements, limit your liability, and advise your organization on other general business matters, including:

• Non-profit formation and filing of Application for Tax Exemption;
• Drafting and reviewing Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreements, leases, and other policy documents; and
• Dissolution.

Business Succession Planning – Your business may well be your largest asset, and as such it will be a major part of your Estate. We can help ensure that your business remains in good hands through the tailoring of a specific estate plan that addresses this need and provides for a smooth transition to your chosen beneficiaries.