Colorado Springs attorney Henry Eastland followed in his father’s footsteps, even though it wasn’t his original intention.

Like his father, he always wanted to be a lawyer. But unlike him, he wanted to work in the courtroom.

“My father was a lawyer in Philadelphia, and he did wills and estates. When I went to law school, I thought I was going to be a trial lawyer,” said Eastland. 

He received his undergraduate degree from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, where he was class valedictorian. He then graduated from Cornell University of Law School in Ithaca, New York.

It wasn’t until Eastland’s first gig at a law firm that his eyes were opened to what he truly wanted to do.

“I didn’t particularly enjoy the jury trials,” he said. “The practice of law is different from the theory you learn in law school.”

He did, however, enjoy helping people who had experienced a death in the family through wills and estate planning.

“When I went out on my own, I sort of developed a specialty in wills and estate planning...all of the sorts of stuff the probate court handles. I’ve been doing that ever since—for 48 years,” he said.

In addition to nearly half a century of experience, Eastland served as the chairman of the local probate section of the El Paso County Bar Association from 2001 to 2002. He was elected president of the bar association for 2010-2011.

IN YOUR TIME OF NEED

Eastland said the thing he enjoys most about his job is being able to help people.

“It makes me feel good that I’m able to help them get through a bad time in their life,” he said.

Eastland’s office, located at 320 E. Costilla St. in Colorado Springs, specializes in:

• Wills

• Trusts

• Estate administration

• Guardianships

• Conservatorships

• Contested estate matters

Because of the pandemic, Eastland has adjusted the way he does business. Normally, he’d discuss wills and estate planning with clients in person, and then they’d return in a week to sign the papers. However, due to COVID-19, a lot of those first meetings are now done over the phone.

There’s also virtual court hearings.

“That’s something brand new that lawyers have never really done before,” he said.

While there’s much more to estate planning than meets the eye, Eastland said the average person only needs to have a will and a medical power of attorney. He warns seniors to be cautious and avoid buying more legal services than they absolutely need.

“There are lawyers in town that sell people these living trusts, which are common in California,” he said, “but the average person in Colorado doesn’t need a living trust. The amount of money that is exempt from both federal and state inheritance taxes is now $11 million. If you don’t have $11 million, you may not need to have an elaborate, fancy estate plan.” 

Even so, some lawyers will try to sell a $5,000 living trust. 

According to Eastland, the only documents he and his wife have are a will and medical power of attorney. 

“If I didn’t think I need it, why would I sell it to a client?” he said.

Eastland’s office operates with hourly fees. He added that he’s always good for a free phone call and happy to answer any questions. 

For more information, visit the Eastland Law website or call 719-587-0035.