Grant & Associates Law Firm, P.C. (970) 356-5666

Client Resources

Practical checklists for the moments people most often call us about, and links to the Colorado courts and agencies you may need. They are general information, not legal advice for your situation; for that, talk to one of our attorneys.

Before your consultation

  • Gather the papers about your matter: court documents and any dates you have been given, letters from an insurer or another lawyer, contracts, police reports and photographs.
  • Write a short timeline of what happened, while you remember it.
  • List the other people or businesses involved, so we can check for conflicts.
  • Write down your questions.

The frequently asked questions cover parking, hours and what a consultation costs.

After a car accident

  • Check for injuries and call 911. Move to safety if you can.
  • Take photographs of the vehicles, the scene, the road and your injuries.
  • Get the other driver's name, license, plate number and insurance, and the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
  • See a doctor, even if you feel fine. Some injuries show up hours or days later.
  • Report the crash to your own insurer promptly, as your policy requires.
  • With the other driver's insurer, be polite, give the basic facts, and decline a recorded statement until you have talked to a lawyer.
  • Keep every bill, receipt and record of time missed from work.
  • Most injury claims from a car, truck or motorcycle crash must be filed within three years (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)), and there are shorter deadlines in some cases, so call early.

More: What to do after a car accident in Colorado and our personal injury page.

If you have been arrested or charged

  • Do not talk about the case with the police, the alleged victim or anyone else until you have talked to a lawyer. Politely say you want an attorney.
  • After a DUI arrest, request your DMV hearing within seven days: from the arrest, or from the date on the DMV's letter if you took a blood test. If you miss that deadline, your license revocation goes ahead without a hearing (C.R.S. 42-2-126). The DMV explains how to ask.
  • Keep all your paperwork: the summons, any bond papers, the notice of revocation, any test results.
  • Write down what happened while you remember it: times, places, what was said, and who was there.
  • Never miss a court date. A missed date can mean a warrant.
  • Call us before your first appearance if you can.

More: our criminal defense and traffic violations page.

Thinking about divorce

In a Colorado divorce both spouses exchange sworn financial statements and the documents behind them. Starting to gather them early saves time and money:

  • Tax returns for the last few years, and recent pay stubs.
  • Statements for bank, investment and retirement accounts.
  • The deed and mortgage statement for your home, and titles for vehicles.
  • Statements for credit cards, loans and other debts.
  • Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.
  • If you have children, their school and activity schedules and who usually handles what.

More: our divorce and family law page and the Colorado Judicial Branch's divorce and separation information.

Planning your estate

  • A list of what you own and how it is titled: real estate, accounts, retirement plans, life insurance, a business or farm.
  • The beneficiaries named on your accounts and policies today.
  • Who you would trust to manage your estate, to make financial and medical decisions if you cannot, and to care for minor children.
  • Copies of any will, trust or power of attorney you already have.

More: our estate planning page.

After a loved one dies

  • Find the original will, if there is one, and keep it safe. Do not write on it or take it apart.
  • Order several certified copies of the death certificate.
  • Make a list of the person's accounts, property, debts and regular bills.
  • Keep paying insurance on property such as the house and vehicles.
  • Wait before giving away or selling belongings until you know who has the authority to do it.

More: our probate services page.

Colorado courts and agencies

Questions about any of this? Call us at (970) 356-5666 or send us a message.

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