Estate Planning Attorney in Carbondale & the Roaring Fork Valley: Serving the Western Slope
Welcome to Hoffman Law Office LLC. Person-centered wills, trusts, and special needs planning for Colorado mountain families.
Estate Planning That Honors Your Life in the Mountains:
Person-centered plans tailored to Colorado families. We listen deeply, implement fully, and stay with you through every life change-so your legacy, adventures, and loved ones are protected.
Planning for Every Stage of Valley Life
Choose what fits your family. We'll take it from there.
Name guardians for your kids and put a simple plan in place, so the people you choose are the ones who step in.
Own property in Colorado and somewhere else? We help you plan so your family doesn't face extra court steps in more than one state.
Set up your business and plan for what happens to it, so your work and your family are both looked after.
Plan for your loved one's future and help protect their eligibility for public benefits.
Update your plan, choose who can act for you, and make your wishes clear to the people you love.
Work with an estate planning lawyer in Carbondale on flat-fee plans that protect your legacy and loved ones.
Facilitating peaceful resolutions through confidential, neutral mediation.
General Practice
General practice help including elder law and Medicaid planning questions, plus other day-to-day legal needs for valley families and businesses.
A plan that protects a loved one with a disability without putting SSI or Medicaid at risk.
Free notarization for our clients, in person or remotely, with witnesses available for your signing.
Crafting personalized durable financial and medical powers of attorney, with witnesses and notarization.
Help forming your business, putting clear contracts and owner agreements in place, and working through transactions or disputes. Business matters are billed hourly with a custom quote up front.
How it works
We keep the process clear and unhurried.
1. First conversation
A short discovery call to learn your family, goals, and questions. Schedule online or call (970) 340-2003.
2. Plain-English plan
Z drafts wills, trusts, and related documents tailored to Colorado law and your situation.
3. Signing
Free notarization for clients, with witnesses provided when needed.
4. Funding help
We help put the plan into effect and are here when life changes.
Clear flat fees for estate planning
Estate planning matters are billed on a flat fee. We'll explain what's included before you decide to move forward. Other matters, such as business law, are discussed separately.
What clients say
5.0 ★★★★★ on Google
★★★★★
"We used Alex for all of our estate planning documents. He made the process as easy as possible and was extremely professional. After seeing how easy and stress-free it was, I can't believe I put this off as long as I did."
Estate planning clients
★★★★★
"He quickly understood our needs and provided clear, practical options for our will and trust. Communication was seamless, and he made what could have been a stressful process feel easy. We now have a trust and will set up — a big stress off our minds."
David
★★★★★
"Alex has helped me twice with legal matters, most recently with questions regarding trust administration. Both times, he was professional and knowledgeable, as you would expect. What I didn't expect, however, was how patient he was in listening to my questions and how efficient he provided answers and advice. I can say without hesitation, that Alex is a skilled lawyer whom I would recommend to anyone in need of legal assistance."
Nancy
Individual results vary. Past clients' experiences do not guarantee a similar outcome.
MEET THE TEAM
Alexander “Z” Hoffman founded Hoffman Law Office LLC here in the Roaring Fork Valley. He starts with your people and your goals, then drafts the plan. Kelly runs the client process, business development, and the firm’s special-needs work. Together they help families in Carbondale, Aspen, Basalt, Glenwood Springs, and across the Western Slope protect what they have built.
Z and Kelly live in the valley with their sons and their dog, Birdie. Off the clock they are usually at the boys’ games, on the river, on a bike, or skiing.
Attorney & Founder
Alexander “Z” Hoffman
Z founded Hoffman Law Office to give Roaring Fork families clear, personal estate planning. He drafts wills, trusts, and special-needs plans, then stays with the funding so the documents work when the family needs them.
License
Admitted to the Colorado courts of record and the Colorado Bar, 2006
Experience
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Hoffman Law Office LLC, Attorney and Founder
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Hoffman & Van Clief LLP, Partner
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Rocky Mountain Dispute Resolution, Mediator
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Sanaria Inc., Chief Legal Officer
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Protein Potential, LLC, General Counsel
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Sanaria Institute for Global Health and Tropical Medicine Inc., Executive Director
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Gerash, Steiner & Toray, PC, Associate Attorney
Training
Mediation Training Course (40 hours), Colorado Bar Association CLE
Education
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Tulane University, New Orleans, LA (B.A.)
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University of Denver, Sturm College of Law (J.D.)
Director of Operations and Business Development
Kelly Hoffman
Kelly Hoffman is Director of Operations and Business Development at Hoffman Law Office. She runs the client process, business development, and the firm’s special-needs and disability planning work alongside Z.
She came to the practice in 2026 after more than 15 years in special education and nonprofit leadership, including classroom teaching, district special-education leadership, and program leadership for adults with autism. That work is why the firm starts with the person, their benefits, and daily life before it drafts a trust.
Kelly lives in Carbondale with Z, their sons, and their dog, Birdie. She spends her free time hiking, skiing, practicing hot yoga, and mountain biking in the valley.
Education
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M.Ed., Educational Leadership, Colorado State University
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B.S., Special Education, Western Michigan University
We're based in Carbondale and work with families up and down the Roaring Fork Valley and across the Western Slope. Can't come to us? We meet by video too.
Carbondale | Basalt | Aspen | Snowmass | Glenwood Springs | New Castle | The Western Slope
Virtual meetings available.
Mailing address: PO Box 460, Carbondale, CO 81623
Phone: (970) 340-2003
Estate Planning FAQ
What's the difference between a will and a trust?
A will directs who receives your property and who cares for your minor children, and it generally goes through probate. A revocable trust can hold your assets during life and pass them to your beneficiaries without probate. We'll help you decide which fits your family.
Do I need to fund my trust?
Yes. A trust only controls the assets that are titled in its name or that name it as beneficiary. We walk you through retitling property and updating accounts so your plan works as intended.
What should I bring to our first meeting?
Bring a list of your assets (home, accounts, retirement plans, business interests), any existing estate planning documents, and the names of the people you're considering as guardians, personal representatives, or agents.
How do your flat fees work?
Most estate planning engagements are quoted as a flat fee after we understand your situation, so you know the cost up front.
Can we meet virtually?
Yes. We meet by video as well as in person, so you can work with us from anywhere in the Roaring Fork Valley or on the Western Slope.
Do you offer services in other languages?
Yes. We can arrange Spanish-language assistance for your discovery call or meeting when you need it. Call (970) 340-2003.
How do I get started?
Schedule a Discovery Call using the button on this page, or call (970) 340-2003, and we'll take it from there.
This information is general and is not legal advice. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Our Values: Person-Centered Planning
At Hoffman Law Office LLC, person-centered planning isn’t just a buzzword — it is the foundation of everything we do. We believe every estate plan, business agreement, or mediation process should start with you: your dreams, your family’s unique story, your values, and what truly matters most in your life. No cookie-cutter templates. No one-size-fits-all solutions.
Rooted in our commitment to person-centered planning, we listen deeply, honor your individual values and circumstances, and craft plans that reflect what matters most to you. Whether you’re a family navigating special needs, planning for retirement, protecting your legacy, or building a secure future for your business, we’re here as your partners, with warmth, clarity, and care every step of the way.
Why Person-Centered Planning Matters
Traditional legal documents often treat people like checkboxes. We do the opposite. We listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and build plans that reflect your real life — especially here in the Roaring Fork Valley, where families balance mountain lifestyles, second homes, multi-generational living, outdoor passions, and the desire to protect what they’ve built.
Our Approach Combines
Deep listening and genuine curiosity
Clear, compassionate communication
Clear guidance under Colorado law
Warm, practical solutions that feel right for your family
What You Can Expect When You Work With Us
Unhurried conversations where your voice is truly heard
Plans written in plain English, not legalese
Honest guidance about what matters most — even when it means recommending simpler (or more complex) options
Ongoing support as your life and the law change
A true partnership built on clear communication and respect