Estate Planning
We understand estate planning can be a sensitive and complex process, and we are committed to guiding you through it with compassion and expertise. Our team will work closely with you to develop a customized plan that meets your unique needs and goals.
In California, most estate plans revolve around:
(1) a living trust to hold your assets and control their distribution if you become incapacitated or after you pass
(2) a will to control the distribution of any assets accidentally left out of your trust,
(3) guardianship documents to protect minor children, and
(4) powers of attorney and health care directives to allow trusted individuals to help if you lose capacity.
Together we identify the best people to help in emergencies based on their skills. Our planning process is designed to meet your family’s specific needs and goals.
Benefits of a Living Trust
Most families and individuals benefit from creating a simple revocable trust to hold their real property, investment and bank accounts, personal property, and various other assets. The advantages of creating a trust include:
(1) Avoid California’s cumbersome probate process – stay out of court!
(2) Maintain privacy
(3) Protect you in the event you lose capacity, and
(4) Direct your trustee how to distribute assets to your beneficiaries.
My Family Situation is Unique
Every family faces unique challenges and goals. We also help our clients plan for loved ones with special needs, protect assets from creditors or predators, accomplish multi-generation tax planning objectives, and seek judicial approval to modify irrevocable trusts to achieve significant tax advantages.
Hear from our Clients
“Five star business. As a Salvadoran American learning to navigate the complex world of planning for someone’s life after death felt out of reach. I am deeply appreciative to have found Stefanie who was instrumental in breaking the stigma for latino families in Santa Barbara County not understanding the importance of planning for the future. Stefanie at Montecito Law Firm facilitated the estate planning process, asked the necessary questions, and alleviated my grandparents stress finalizing a plan for his future. Like the saying “aprecio la ayuda de los que me aprecian,” meaning we appreciate those who show appreciation towards us, Montecito Law firm especially made us feel like we were among family. Thank you MLG, looking forward to seeing you again.”
“Stefanie Herrington and her law practice are wonderful. We have used her services several times over the last few years and have been so pleased. Stefanie makes you feel more like she is your neighbor and you have a lot in common. Aside from her personal connections, her law skills are top notch. She has made all our legal needs easy to understand and we were pleased with the results. On top of being a genuinely nice person and wonderful lawyer, she sends us treats each year. It might be a small box of chocolates or a bag of wildflower seeds. Like I said, she makes you feel like a neighbor who shares her gardens bounty.”
“We had put off our estate planning for some time as it seemed a daunting task. Stefanie Herrington at the Montecito Law Group however, made it simple and straightforward. She provided us with excellent information and strategies related to our estate planning. Along with the team, we were provided with quick and professional service. In no time, our estate plan was complete. We are so grateful to have our affairs in order. A big thank you to Stefanie and her team at the Montecito Law Group.”
“So pleased with Stefanie and her team. I reached out based on a recommendation of a (tough customer) friend that had gone through the entire cycle with Stefanie. The guidance and patience my family and I have received already has been so informative and reassuring … I would give more stars if I could, 11 out of 10. Thank you so much.”