The Dumb Friends League has a history of service. For more than 100 years, we have sheltered and cared for lost, abandoned and abused pets. 

Thanks to wide community support, we offer programs that help both pets and people. 

We are proud to be the metro-Denver area’s local humane society. You are invited to visit our website and our two shelters to learn more about us.

 

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Gift Planning
Gift Planning
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Gift Planning

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Does Your Will Measure Up?

Find out how much you know about avoiding common mistakes on the road to creating a will that fulfills your goals.

  • 1. What percentage of Americans have current wills?
  • A. 40%
  • B. 80%
  • C. 55%
  • D. 30%

  • 2. If you die without a will, who will decide where your assets will go and how?
  • A. Your spouse, based on a legal formula
  • B. Your closest living blood relative, based on a legal formula
  • C. The state where you legally reside, based on a legal formula
  • D. Your spouse, based on a lawyer's review of your assets

  • 3. How can you update your will if there are minor changes?
  • A. By marking any changes in your will and initialing them
  • B. You need to create a new will
  • C. By asking your attorney to prepare a codicil
  • D. You can leave your will as it is, if there are only minor changes, because the joint property you have will simply go to the other person

  • 4. Why should you include a specific gift distribution list with your will?
  • A. To abide by the laws of your place of residence
  • B. To make sure there is no confusion or wrangling among heirs
  • C. To save your attorney time when drafting your will
  • D. To fulfill the legal requirements of drafting a will

  • 5. Probate proceedings are governed by the law of the state where the deceased person resided at the time of death.
  • A. True
  • B. False

  • 6. An outdated will may be as bad as, or worse than, not having a will at all.
  • A. True
  • B. False

  • 7. Why do people commonly fail to create a will?
  • A. They may be afraid to address their mortality
  • B. They may not think their estates are large enough
  • C. They may not want to take the time or spend the money to create a will
  • D. All of the above

  • 8. If you have a will, you
  • A. Can direct the division of your property only according to certain rules
  • B. Cannot make special financial arrangements for family members who are minors, disabled or unfamiliar with money management
  • C. Can minimize the taxes on your estate by creating trusts
  • D. Cannot provide support for your favorite charitable organizations

  • 9. Which is a change that may trigger a will update?
  • A. Family situation
  • B. A new domicile
  • C. Assets acquired or disposed of
  • D. All of the above

  • 10. Whether or not you have a will, much of your property may pass in other ways. For example, joint property generally goes to the other owner and property with a named beneficiary goes directly to that person. These alternative arrangements are an adequate substitute for a will.
  • A. True
  • B. False




Copyright © The Stelter Company, All rights reserved.

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes apply to federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.

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I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.

-- Jean Cocteau

Sheilagh R. Malo

For over half a century, Mrs. Sheilagh R. Malo was the very heart and soul of the Dumb Friends League and the best friend a forsaken animal ever had. A member of our Board of Directors for 53 years, Mrs. Malo served as vice president, secretary and treasurer, a position she held for 40 years. With her vision, hard work and devotion, Mrs. Malo was responsible for helping the Dumb Friends League grow into one of the strongest animal protection organizations in the country.

In addition to her passion for animals, Mrs. Malo was also an avid gardener, and it was her dream to build a beautiful garden where people could pay homage to their beloved pets. Named in her honor, the Sheilagh R. Malo Pet Memorial Garden will forever be a reminder of her dedication to homeless animals and her tireless support of the Dumb Friends League.

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