Joel Hassell

Joel is a founding partner of Huber Hassell, specializing in Estate Planning, Business Law, and Corporate Governance.

Joel earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and holds an LLM in Wealth Management focusing on estate planning from Texas A&M University. He has been a licensed attorney since 1994. Joel’s extensive experience spans over three decades in the legal and corporate sectors, emphasizing technology and executive leadership.

Before founding Huber Hassell, Joel served as CEO of Canoe Ventures, LLC, where he was instrumental in providing real-time dynamic ad insertion solutions for major cable networks. His tenure at Canoe Ventures allowed him to spearhead significant technological advancements and foster relationships with industry giants like ABC/Disney, NBC Universal, Fox, Paramount, A&E, AMC, and Warner Brothers Discovery. In addition to his executive role at Canoe Ventures, Joel founded and led DigiForge, LLC, a technology firm supporting the U.S. cable industry, which was later acquired by Tivo. His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership were pivotal in the successful growth and eventual acquisition of the company.

Joel’s career is marked by his ability to manage and grow technology-driven enterprises. His achievements include founding Intellocity USA, Inc., which he grew from a startup to a company sold for a significant profit. His strategic insight and technical expertise have earned him recognition, including an Emmy for Technology and Engineering and being named one of the 100 Power Players by CableFax.

Texas A&M University School of Law

LL.M. (2024) | Wealth Management

2023 - 2024

University of Denver

J.D. (1992)

1989 - 1992

Western State University College of Law

B.S. (1987) | Laws

1985 - 1987

Colorado Bar Association Public And Legal Services

2023 - Current

Activities: Orange Book Committee

State Bar of Colorado  # 24280

Member

1994 - Current

Colorado

Colorado Supreme Court

Since 1994

Q. Can a provision be made in a Revocable Trust for alternate beneficiaries after the sole original beneficiary dies?

September 16, 2024

A: Yes, in Colorado, provisions can be made in a revocable trust for alternate beneficiaries to inherit after the sole original beneficiary dies. This is standard practice, where alternate (or contingent) beneficiaries are named to receive trust assets, such as real estate, upon the death of the original or primary beneficiary.

Alternate Beneficiaries Receiving Residual Real Estate:

Colorado law allows for alternate beneficiaries to receive any remaining assets of a trust, including real estate, once the lifetime or primary beneficiary passes away. This is often referred to as a "remainder interest." If the real estate is the only remaining asset in the trust, it can be left to alternate beneficiaries, and the trust will remain open until the final distribution of that asset.

Informing Alternate Beneficiaries:

There is no legal requirement in Colorado that alternate beneficiaries be informed when the trustor (settlor) dies, especially if their interest does not come into effect until the death of the original beneficiary. This avoids creating undue risk to the primary beneficiary, as they have the right to benefit from the trust during their lifetime, and alternate beneficiaries have no claim until after the original beneficiary's death. However, once the original beneficiary dies, the alternate beneficiaries should be notified, as they would then have rights to the trust assets.

Avoiding Risk to the Primary Beneficiary:

To protect the primary beneficiary from potential risks like foul play, it’s common practice to structure the trust so that alternate beneficiaries are not informed of their contingent inheritance until necessary. The trustee has a fiduciary duty to administer the trust in the best interest of the beneficiaries and would typically manage communications accordingly. ... Read More

Q. Regarding witnesses to a Will and the self-proving affidavit, I think I understand that a person who might be inheriting

September 16, 2024

A: As a Colorado-licensed attorney, I am not licensed to practice law in Connecticut, and the following is based on a brief review of Connecticut law. Please consult a Connecticut attorney for more specific guidance.

In Connecticut, the rules governing the witnessing of a will and the execution of a self-proving affidavit are fairly strict. For a will to be valid, it must be signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses, both of whom must be present at the same time. The witnesses must also sign the will in the presence of the testator. This means that if one of the witnesses signs later, for example, after the testator has left, the will would not be valid under Connecticut law.



Additionally, Connecticut law discourages beneficiaries from serving as witnesses. If someone who stands to inherit from the will serves as a witness, their inheritance may be void unless there are two other disinterested witnesses—people who are not beneficiaries. This rule helps avoid conflicts of interest and ensures that the will reflects the true intent of the testator.

The self-proving affidavit, which is signed at the same time as the will, makes it easier to validate the will during probate. Like the will, the affidavit must be signed by the testator and two witnesses in the presence of a notary public, with all parties present at the same time. If one of the witnesses signs the affidavit later or outside the presence of the testator and the notary, the affidavit will not be valid. However, this does not necessarily invalidate the will itself; it simply means that the will is not considered self-proved, and witnesses may be required to appear in court to validate the will during probate. ... Read More

Q. Found a dog that was chipped, guardian did not respond to calls/text for a month. Now wants the dog back, help.

September 6, 2024

A: In Colorado, many municipalities and counties have specific ordinances that address the handling of lost and found animals. These ordinances typically establish procedures for reporting found animals, time limits for reclaiming lost pets, and the responsibilities of animal control. For example, in unincorporated Jefferson County, animals must be reported to Jeffco Animal Control or a local shelter. Holding periods typically apply before the animal can be rehomed or adopted. Check with your local municipality or county.