About Justin Fish Legal
Custom-Tailored Estate Planning
Because one size does not fit all.
Your estate plan should be created to address your specific situation. The goal is simple: a plan that fits your family, your values, and the people who may someday rely on it.
Experience you can trust
Colorado Estate Planning Guidance with Clear Expectations
These trust signals help visitors quickly understand who Justin is, how long he has served Colorado families, and what they can expect when they reach out.
19
Years practicing law
14
Years serving Colorado
1,000s
Families helped
Flat-Fee
No surprise billing
Our approach
Custom-Tailored Estate Planning for Families, Businesses & Loved Ones
No two families are exactly alike. That’s why every estate plan we create is designed around your specific goals, concerns, assets, and the people you care about most.
Picture two very different articles of clothing. The first is a custom-made shirt. You search for a tailor who is experienced and has the expertise to create exactly what you want. You pick out the cloth and the buttons. The tailor measures and remeasures. Minor alterations are made and extra time and care is taken to ensure that the shirt fits you perfectly. If someone else tried it on, it wouldn’t fit them like it fits you.
Contrast that with a hospital gown. By necessity, its purpose is to provide coverage for as many body shapes and sizes as possible. The cloth is thin and rough. The pattern is hideous. The entire time you have it on, you’re worried about whether it’s providing adequate coverage. The problem with this one-size-fits-all solution is that it really isn’t much of a solution.
Your estate plan should be like a custom-made piece of clothing. It should be created to address your specific situation. A 75 year-old widow has different concerns and planning needs than a young family with minor children. A blended family with children from previous marriages will have issues to address that a single 30-year old won’t. With estate planning, one-size definitely does not fit all.
Why This Matters
- Different families need different plans
- Your questions get answered directly
- Your plan should be understandable
- Your documents should stay current
What makes a good plan
Five Principles Behind Every Estate Plan We Create
The documents matter. The thinking behind them matters even more. These five principles guide every recommendation we make.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Estate planning is unique, in that you may never see the result of the work done for you. You want to be assured that your plan will accomplish what it is you want it to do. For this reason, you need an attorney who has experience and expertise in estate planning; who follows changes in the law and incorporates that knowledge into your planning. Additionally, you want an attorney that you’re comfortable being open with and sharing personal information.
Your free initial consultation is an opportunity for you to ask questions and determine whether there’s a fit.
Communication
This is a key part of your planning. Openness and honesty are essential. I once met with a couple and asked them if they had any concerns about how their kids got along. The wife started talking about what great friends they were and how they never had any disagreements. The husband’s face said something completely different. After further discussion, the wife explained that they both had some serious concerns about how their kids would interact when they weren’t around.
The wife was embarrassed to share anything that cast a negative light on her family. It’s not my job to pass judgment. Instead, I gather as much information as I can in order to propose the best solutions.
Education
This works hand in hand with Communication. As a client, it’s your responsibility to educate me on your values, hopes and concerns. With this information, I can then educate you on different planning options and outcomes. I don’t expect my clients to become experts at estate planning. That’s my job. But I do want my clients to understand and feel comfortable with how their plan works.
Collaboration
I believe that the best plans are those that include input from your team of professionals. This might include your CPA, financial advisor or insurance agent. I always welcome questions and input from your advisors.
Keeping Your Estate Plan Current
When I present seminars, the first question I ask is who has the oldest Will or Trust (so far the oldest is a Will from 1974). I then ask that person if anything has changed in their life since then. Of course the answer is always yes. Your life will change and your estate plan should reflect that. We provide services to ensure your plan reflects changes in your life as well as changes in the law.
"Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning. "
— Winston Churchill
The Hard Part Shouldn't Fall to Your Family
A clear plan keeps your wishes in your hands and takes the guesswork off the people you love. It starts with one free conversation — no pressure, and a flat fee you’ll know before you decide.