Santa Barbara Estate Planning & Elder Law

The primary goal of estate planning is to provide for the orderly and efficient transfer of your assets upon your death. This includes minimizing taxes and other expenses, and ensuring that your wishes are carried out as you intend. A good estate plan will also protect your loved ones in the event something happens to you.

Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after they die. If the person had a valid will, then the probate process will be relatively simple. If the person did not have a will, then the probate process can be more complex and time-consuming. In California, there are several ways to avoid or minimize the need for probate. For example, you can transfer property into joint tenancy or transfer property into a living trust. Reach out to get more info!

There are a few things you can do to deal with a personal health crisis. If you have a health condition that could potentially worsen over time, it’s important to plan for your future and make sure your affairs are in order.

This includes creating a will, power of attorney, and advance directives. You should also consider appointing someone to be your healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for health care.

These documents will ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event that you become unable to make decisions for yourself. In addition, it’s wise to have a conversation with your family about your wishes and what they should do if something happens to you. By taking these steps ahead of time, you can help relieve some inevitable future stress. Reach out to learn more.

There are a few key things to consider when estate planning:
-Who will inherit your property and assets?
-What will happen to your children if both you and your spouse die?
-Do you have any debts or other financial obligations?
-Do you have any pets that need to be taken care of after you die?

These are just a few of the many things to think about when estate planning. It’s important to consult with an attorney who can help you create a plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

There are a few different ways to set up a special needs trust, and the process can be a bit complex. The most important thing is to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the process and make sure everything is done correctly.

A special needs trust (or “trust”) is a legal arrangement in which assets are transferred to a trustee, who then holds and manages those assets for the benefit of someone else – usually a person with disabilities or special needs. This type of trust can be very helpful in ensuring that someone with disabilities will have access to necessary financial resources, without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits.

If you’re interested in setting up a special needs trust you can book a consultation now.

Elder law generally refers to the legal issues that impact older adults. This can include things like estate planning, wills and trusts, Medi-Cal, retirement planning, and more. Many elder law attorneys also have experience helping seniors with issues like abuse and neglect, guardianship, and long-term care planning.