Making a Change: Working with a New Santa Barbara Estate Planning Lawyer
Many of us hesitate to change professional relationships, especially when it comes to legal matters. As a Santa Barbara estate planning lawyer, I often meet people who feel somehow “tied” to their original estate planning attorney, even when that relationship no longer serves their needs. Perhaps you created your plan decades ago, lost touch with your original attorney, or simply want a fresh perspective that better aligns with your current values and goals.
Understanding Your Rights
Let’s be clear: your estate planning documents belong to you, not to any particular attorney. Just as you have the freedom to change doctors, financial advisors, or other professionals, you have every right to work with an estate planning attorney who makes you feel heard, understood, and confident about your future.
Signs It’s Time for a Change
Consider seeking a new perspective if:
- You’ve lost touch with your original attorney
- Your current attorney seems unreceptive to your questions or concerns
- You feel your planning goals have evolved beyond their expertise
- Communication styles or philosophical approaches no longer align
- You want someone more accessible or responsive
The Transition Process
Moving to a new attorney doesn’t have to be complicated. Your new legal team can:
- Review your existing documents to understand your current plan
- Identify areas that need updating based on life changes
- Suggest modern planning strategies that might better serve your goals
- Help ensure your plan reflects current laws and best practices
Remember, estate planning isn’t a one-and-done transaction – it’s an ongoing relationship that should evolve as your life changes. You deserve to work with someone who not only understands the technical aspects of estate planning but also appreciates your unique family dynamics and personal values.
If you’d like a fresh set of eyes on your existing estate plan, we’re here to help. Our compassionate team offers complimentary reviews of existing documents and would be honored to help you ensure your plan truly reflects your current wishes. Contact us at 805-946-1550 to schedule a consultation and discover the difference that the right legal partnership can make.
Author Bio
Julianna Malis is the Founder and Managing Partner of Santa Barbara Estate Planning & Elder Law, a Santa Barbara estate planning law firm she founded in 2014. With more than 25 years of experience practicing law, she has dedicated her career to representing clients in a wide range of legal matters, including estate planning, elder law, Medicaid and Medicare planning, probate, and other estate planning areas.
Julianna received her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific — McGeorge School of Law and is a member of the California State Bar Association.
