Best Estate planning lawyers in Denver, CO (2026)

How we ranked: Our editorial team assessed Denver estate planning attorneys based on four weighted criteria: depth of practice focus in estate planning and related services (35%), online reputation signals including professional recognitions and client accessibility (30%), breadth of service offerings across wills, trusts, probate, and elder law (20%), and stated commitment to client education and transparent processes (15%). We prioritized firms that present clear specialization in estate planning rather than general practice attorneys, and gave weight to those offering free initial consultations or accessible entry points for prospective clients.

1. Chayet & Danzo

Chayet & Danzo stood out to us for its dual specialization in estate planning and elder law, a combination that serves aging clients particularly well. The firm describes itself as award-winning and offers free initial consultations, lowering the barrier for families exploring their options. We appreciate that this Denver practice addresses not only traditional estate planning documents like wills and trusts but also integrates probate services and elder law concerns such as long-term care planning. This interconnected approach presents as particularly valuable for families managing multi-generational wealth transfer and care coordination. The firm's willingness to meet prospective clients without charge suggests confidence in their service value and client-centered priorities.

2. Osterman Law

Osterman Law earned our second position based on its stated 40-plus years of experience protecting Colorado families. This longevity suggests institutional knowledge of state-specific estate planning nuances that newer practices may lack. We selected this firm for its emphasis on flexible consultation options, offering both virtual and in-person meetings alongside free initial consultations. The practice focuses on core estate planning tools including wills, trusts, and probate matters. For our editorial pick, the combination of decades of practice history with modern accessibility through virtual options positions Osterman Law as a reliable choice for Denver residents seeking established counsel with contemporary service delivery.

3. Lyndsey Richard LLC

Lyndsey Richard LLC presents as an award-winning practice that emphasizes simplifying estate planning for clients of varied backgrounds. We value this stated commitment to accessibility and clear communication, which addresses a common complaint about legal services feeling opaque or intimidating. The firm offers services across wills, trusts, and estates, with messaging that suggests a welcoming approach to client education. For our editorial assessment, the combination of professional recognition (the award-winning designation) with an explicit focus on making estate planning approachable for everyone positions this practice as particularly suitable for first-time estate planning clients or those who may have felt excluded from traditional legal environments.

4. The Hughes Law Firm

The Hughes Law Firm is our editorial pick for clients seeking trusted counsel with multiple office locations. The practice serves both Centennial and Denver, extending geographic convenience across the metro area. Their messaging focuses on securing family futures through probate, wills, and trusts consultations. We selected this firm in part for its clear articulation of family-centered values and its invitation to call for consultation, suggesting responsive client service. The multi-location presence may indicate established operations with sufficient resources to serve a broad client base while maintaining the personalized attention that estate planning demands. For families with members across the Denver metro area, this geographic flexibility appears advantageous.

5. Legacy Law Group Colorado

Legacy Law Group Colorado operates from Denver's Tech Center and presents with particular depth in trust services, specifically noting both revocable living trusts and irrevocable trusts alongside wills. We appreciate this specific articulation of trust types, as it suggests the firm handles not only basic revocable trusts but also more specialized irrevocable trust planning for tax mitigation, asset protection, or charitable giving. The Tech Center location may appeal to professionals working in that business corridor who value convenience to their workplace. For our editorial assessment, this firm's emphasis on detailed trust planning positions it well for clients with more complex asset protection needs or those seeking sophisticated wealth transfer strategies beyond simple wills.

6. Solem Law

Solem Law features attorney Eric Solem, described as a renowned Medicaid attorney, leading a team with expertise across elder law, estate planning, and estate litigation. We selected this firm for clients who anticipate Medicaid planning needs, whether for current long-term care situations or future contingency planning. The practice describes itself as offering full-service estate law, suggesting capability across the spectrum from planning through administration and even contested matters. This breadth is particularly valuable when estate plans must coordinate with public benefits eligibility or when families face potential disputes. The specific mention of Medicaid expertise distinguishes Solem Law in a market where many practices focus exclusively on private wealth transfer.

7. The Law Offices of M. Kent Olsen

The Law Offices of M. Kent Olsen emphasizes experience and personal attention from attorney Kent Olsen, who appears in Super Lawyers listings for estate planning and probate work. We value that this practice explicitly addresses estate planning, administration, and litigation, a fuller service range than planning-only firms offer. This litigation capability becomes important when families face will contests, trust disputes, or beneficiary disagreements. The firm's invitation to reach out by phone or contact form suggests accessibility, and the emphasis on caring counsel alongside experience indicates attention to the emotional dimensions of estate work. For our editorial pick, clients anticipating complex family dynamics or potential disputes may find value in counsel experienced across both planning and contentious proceedings.

8. David Urban Law

David Urban Law describes itself as a trusted legal and business advisor offering representation to both individual and corporate clients in the Denver area. We selected this firm for business owners who need estate planning integrated with business succession considerations. The dual focus on individual and corporate matters suggests attorney David Urban brings a commercial perspective to estate work, which becomes important when closely held businesses, partnership interests, or professional practices form significant estate assets. This practice appears to blend traditional estate planning with business advisory services, potentially streamlining coordination for entrepreneur clients. The positioning as both legal and business advisor suggests strategic counsel beyond document preparation alone.

9. Wills & Wellness Estate Planning

Wills & Wellness Estate Planning presents itself as Denver's top estate planning and administration firm, serving clients with wills, trusts, and probate matters. We were intrigued by the "wellness" component of the firm's branding, which suggests a holistic approach connecting estate planning to broader life planning and well-being considerations. While we cannot verify the "top" claim as objective fact, the confident self-description indicates a practice with strong belief in its service model. The firm handles both planning and administration, providing continuity when clients later need assistance with trust administration or estate settlement. For our editorial assessment, clients drawn to practitioners who view estate planning as part of holistic life design may find this firm's philosophical approach appealing.

10. Holland & Hart

Holland & Hart rounds out our list as a large regional firm offering sophisticated estate, trust, and business succession planning services. The firm's description emphasizes tax-efficient planning and complex structures, positioning it for high-net-worth clients or those with intricate business holdings. While larger firms sometimes trade personalization for resources, they offer deep benches of specialists, multi-state coordination capabilities, and institutional continuity that boutique practices cannot match. We selected Holland & Hart for clients whose estates involve multi-jurisdictional assets, closely held business interests, charitable foundations, or other complexities that benefit from a full-service firm's resources. The emphasis on both establishment and administration suggests long-term relationship capability beyond initial planning.

FAQ

What should I look for when choosing an estate planning attorney in Denver?

Focus on attorneys who specialize primarily in estate planning rather than general practitioners, as state-specific laws and tax considerations require focused expertise. Look for clear communication about services and fees, accessibility through free consultations or transparent pricing, and a service range matching your needs whether that includes basic wills, complex trusts, business succession, or elder law integration. Professional recognitions and client reviews provide helpful signals, but personal rapport during an initial consultation often matters most since estate planning involves discussing sensitive family and financial matters.

How much does estate planning typically cost in Denver?

Estate planning costs in Denver vary widely based on complexity and firm structure. Simple wills for individuals or couples might range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, while revocable living trust packages often fall between three and six thousand dollars. Complex estate plans involving irrevocable trusts, business succession planning, or tax mitigation strategies can cost significantly more. Many Denver firms offer free initial consultations where they can provide estimates based on your specific situation. Some practices use flat-fee pricing while others bill hourly, so clarify fee structures early in your search.

Do I need a trust or is a will sufficient?

This depends on your assets, family situation, and priorities. Wills are simpler and less expensive but require probate court proceedings after death, which are public and can take months. Revocable living trusts avoid probate, provide privacy, and allow for incapacity planning, but cost more upfront and require transferring assets into the trust. Colorado's probate process is relatively streamlined compared to some states, making wills viable for many families. Trusts become more valuable with real estate in multiple states, complex family structures, minor children, or significant assets. A qualified Denver estate planning attorney can assess which approach suits your circumstances during a consultation.

How often should I update my estate plan?

Review your estate plan every three to five years or after major life changes, whichever comes first. Significant events requiring updates include marriage, divorce, births, deaths, substantial changes in asset values, moving to a different state, changes in tax law, or shifts in your wishes regarding beneficiaries or fiduciaries. Colorado estate planning attorneys often recommend periodic reviews to ensure documents remain aligned with current laws and your circumstances. Some firms offer ongoing relationships with periodic check-ins, while others work on a project basis. Even if nothing has changed, a review confirms your plan still reflects your intentions and complies with current Colorado law.

Editorial opinion only. Rankings reflect our independent assessment based on the criteria above, drawn from publicly available information current as of 2026-05-14. No firm paid for placement or editorial review.