How to Keep Your Estate Private with a Trust

Dan McKenzie • June 18, 2026

When you think about the future, you want to ensure your family is taken care of. You also want to protect your family's personal business. Many people do not realize that a simple will must go through probate. This is a court process that handles your estate after you pass away. Because it goes through the court, your will becomes a public record. Anyone can look up what you owned and who received it. If you want to keep your estate private, there is a better way.

What is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement where you place your assets into a secure account managed by a trustee. This person handles everything in accordance with your written rules. Unlike a will, a trust does not have to go through the court system. This means there is no public court filing, no public record, and no asset list submitted to a courthouse.

Benefits of a Living Trust → Discover the difference between a will and a living trust

Why Privacy Matters for Your Family

Using a trust means the details of your estate stay confidential. When the time comes, the trustee distributes your property directly to your family members. The only people who see the details are the ones you choose to inform. While beneficiaries—the people who inherit the property—have a right to see parts of the document, it remains a private family matter. Whether you are spending your weekends hiking in the foothills or planning your children's future, your personal financial matters should remain private.

Setting Up Your Trust in Colorado

To ensure your plan works properly, your trust must be properly structured and funded. This means changing the ownership of your assets so the trust holds them. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you set up this system so your family stays protected and your personal affairs stay entirely out of the public eye.

If you are ready to secure your family's privacy, we are here to help. You can schedule a consultation with The McKenzie Law Firm, LLC by calling us at 720-821-7604. We proudly serve families throughout Centennial and the entire Denver metro area. Let us help you find peace of mind today.

The McKenzie Law Firm, LLC practices law exclusively in Colorado. This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation.

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What Happens to a Bank Account When Someone Dies in Colorado?

By Dan McKenzie • September 15, 2026

Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and many families are surprised to learn that financial matters can freeze instantly after a passing. When a person dies, their legal financial identity stops immediately. This means they can no longer hold property, sign agreements, or authorize payments. Even if you hold a power of attorney—a legal document allowing you to make decisions on someone’s behalf while they are alive—that authority ends the moment they pass away. Families across the Denver metro area are often caught off guard when trying to access funds to pay for immediate expenses.