Veronica (Roni) Jarnagin | Colorado Business, Contracts, Wills and Trusts, Probate Administration

• Boulder County Estate Planning Council
  2023 - Present

• Cum laude, IU School of Law
  1996

Recently, I helped a 2nd-generation Broomfield mfrg biz plan for, and begin to implement, the transfer of the company to the 3rd generation, including transfer restrictions and buy-sell terms in the updated operating agreement. We also discussed how to balance out their assets for children not involved in the business and completed a trust-based estate plan.
I also advised business owners as to converting an existing LLC into c-corporation to take advantage of the potential capital gains tax savings when they sell the enterprise in 5-10 years.
I assisted the spouse of a gentleman who went missing after a rafting accident. It was a delicate but necessary endeavor to help her and the adult kids achieve financial stability after such a devastating loss; upon resolving that issue, I helped her complete her own trust-based estate plan.

Word-of-mouth referrals, mostly from very pleased clients and professional colleagues, have generated much of my solo business. It is heartening to me to have their trust and appreciation such that they\\\'re happy to endorse me to friends and family. I also network with area Chambers of Commerce and women\\\'s business groups.

Interview and seek out an attorney who is Responsive, Accountable, Transparent, Practical and Experienced in the area of law in which you need assistance. Ask about their process of working with clients like you; how they price their work (hourly vs flat fee); how soon they can help you find a solution; and whether they are willing to provide client testimonials or references.

Knowing the client\\\'s situation is most important; and the local community is a large part of that. I conduct a deep dive into: (a) for estate planning: the WHO are the family members, community or charities to benefit from the estate plan; WHAT type of assets and how are they owned/taxed; and WHO will serve various roles in the plan.
(b) for business: what form of entity, employees, industry, service or product, types of customers, and how they want that business to look in 10 years.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation (see the link on my website) where I will learn more about the facts surrounding your case, ask further questions, perhaps list the legal and practical issues I think are involved, and then I explain my process. In general, I work on a time-based fee, specifically tailoring the plan or advice that you need. You get a personalized service and/or deliverable, and the fee you pay is personalized as well. During our consultation, I will provide an estimated range of the time/fees necessary to accomplish the goal. Then I will send a tailored engagement letter and request an upfront retainer (expected fees) at the bottom of that range. Generally speaking, I do not work on flat-fee basis because, in my opinion, the law firm sets the flat fee at a level where "the house always wins" and you might pay more than is actually necessary.

No matter what, please remember that anything we discuss during the initial consultation remains entirely confidential, even if we do not work together on your legal matter. I need the basic facts surrounding the situation you are calling about. Per the Rules of Professional Conduct I must conduct a check to determine if I have any conflicts of interest (such has having represented one of the other persons or companies that might - under the Rules - prevent me from representing you. So, . . .
Please be prepared to provide names of all parties/family members/heirs, their city and state, as well as type of business (LLC, sole proprietor, S-Corp, C-Corp, partnership).

Past is not prologue, but it IS a great teacher! I'm not just a lawyer who has been doing this for 30 years. I also was co-owner in a Family Business. From 2017-2019 I took a detour and worked as a Sr. Wealth Strategist in the financial/investment industry. Of course, my MBA and LLM education have provided further training in income-tax and business issues. Finally, I've actually handled litigation in both the business and trust/estate worlds. That litigation experience has made me a better planner in both regards. YOU get the benefit of my prior litigation experience because we will discuss where and how I've seen disputes arise and will try to avoid future litigation, or at least better prepare you and your business for that exposure.

“I feel so confident because of what you did for me.” Brooke I feel fulfilled when a client walks away completely satisfied that I have done everything I can to help their situation. Almost all of my solo work has developed by word-of-mouth referrals - be it from happy clients or professional colleagues who are pleased at the personal service and resolution that I helped them achieve. I love solving life's "puzzles" together.

I really enjoy nature and wildlife photography. Another unique hobby: When I lived in Indiana I sang the National Anthem for the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Fever and Pacers, Butler University men's basketball, Indiana University's men's and women's basketball, and even sang at . . . TNT Wrench Head Monster Truck Jam!

Whether it's a church, neighborhood, networking or charitable events, I enjoy pitching in. You'll see me from time to time at area Business Chambers and women's business or finance associations.