Comprensive Planning Today, Peace of Mind For the Future

There's no job too big or too small!

Protect Your Assets

While Qualifying for Medi-Cal to get the Care You Deserve

Living Trusts

Properly plan to provide for your loved ones through a Living Trust

Trust Administration

Administer a trust as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

Probate Help

Avoid legal nightmares in court by hiring an Experienced Probate Attorney

Estate Planning

Making sure your assets are passed on to your heirs according to your wishes.

FREE CONSULTATION REQUEST

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Contact Us


Estate Planning
Law Offices
1609 Cravens Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501


1 800 403-6078


info@ElderLawCalifornia.com

Free Consultation with an Attorney

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Estate Planning and Medi-Cal Planning, Probate, Wills, Living Trusts, Conservatorship, and more.

What is Medi-Cal Planning?

MediCal is the only government program that will cover the cost of long-term care in a skilled care facility. The process of MediCal planning is to properly protect the financial integrity of the individual(s) while getting them the benefits they currently need or might need in the future.
Learn more about Medi-Cal Planning

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will is a legal document that details exactly how you want your affairs handled and how your assets should be distributed to your heirs after you die. A trust is a fiduciary relationship in which a trustor gives a trustee the right to hold title to property or assets for the benefit of a third party.

What happens if I die without a will?

When someone dies without a will in California they are said to be “intestate”. The intestacy laws found in the California Probate Code will dictate who will inherit the estate.  Assets will be distributed to surviving relatives in a specific order, whether they are a surviving spouse, children, parents or other relatives.

How can my estate avoid probate?

In California, you can have an estate planning attorney create a living trust to avoid probate for just about any asset you own, including your home, other real estate, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, vehicles, and more. You will need to have an attorney create a trust document that is similar to a will.  The trust document will name someone to take over as trustee after your death. This person is also called a successor trustee.

Who needs a Power of Attorney?

Anyone who wants to grant permission to another person to perform certain legal acts on his or her behalf needs a power of attorney (also known as a POA). A power of attorney document enables another person to handle financial matters, make health care decisions, or even care for your underage children.

What assets make up my estate?

Estate Assets are typically comprised of:

  • Publicly Traded Securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
  • Real Estate / Home
  • Ownership Interest in a business
  • Personal property
  • Vehicles 
  • Cash
  • Retirement plans like an IRA or 401-k
  • Life insurance death benefits
Do I still need a will if I have a living trust?

You may still need a will to capture any assets that may not have been transferred to the trust during your life. A “Pour-Over Will” will transfer assets to your trust. Once you establish a living trust, you must take steps to transfer all of your assets into the trust. Assets that are not in your trust, that do not have beneficiary designations or are not jointly titled with another individual, may still be subject to probate. You should discuss the transfer of tax-deferred assets, such as an IRA, 401-k, or pension plan, with an estate planning attorney or your tax accountant.

What questions do you have?

Client Testimonials

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I spoke to Robin and Isabel and they have outstanding customer service skills genuinely kind friendly and knowledgeable as to the needs I had ! i recommend elder law services of california 100% for accurate helpful resolutions to real estate and protection of assets for your elderly loved ones
My family greatly appreciated the law service that Judd, Sergio and Robin provided my brother and his estate before his passing. They traveled to the hospital, explained everything accurately, expedited the process due to his health and secured my brother's estate. The trust that was generated is securing his whole estate just as he willed. This couldn't have been done any better.
Think of every superlative you know. Got 'em?Now you know my experience with Elder Law Services of California!A lady there, Ms. Montano, is a gem! She opened my eyes to how aLaw Firm can be of enormous help if you contact one like this one!
We went for a living trust and we had very professional service.If you decided to do one, this are the place to do it, thanks 👍
Friendly staff, when the time comes for me to finalize my affairs, I would recommend this law office
Friendly and professional office
Very helpful ! They really guide you . I am very satisfied and recommend then!!
Very pleased with the assistance my parents received with the drafting of their revocable Living Trust, from Attorney Judd Matsunaga. Will definitely refer to family, friends, and associates.
Top notch! They have done services for my husband and I. Also my mother. My sister will also be using their services.They are caring. Professional. Are quick to answer questions whether by phone or email. The pricing is spot on and they go above and beyond the norm. I love the many locations.They are great communicators and are able to help us past some of the legal jargon. They are also a "teaching" institute. Judd Matsunaga writes articles coaching his readers. AND they conduct many seminars - free of charge!I can't say enough positive things about Elder Law Services of California and I'm one to not write positive feedback unless my statements are true.A++++ all the way! 5 star and more........
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Elder Law Services was very personable and professional! We recommend them to anyone who is in need of Elder Law representation.

Nancy, from Los Angeles CA

Business Owner

“Our family is so thankful for the services provided by Elder Law Services of California. They are completely professional, honest, and courteous throughout my mother’s Medi-Cal application from the beginning to the end. They were with us all the way. We can’t thank you enough.”
Ricardo, from Los Angeles CA

Business Owner

Elder Law Services was extremely informative, detailed, and professional in the completion of our Trust.

Luis,

Retired

“Thank you very much for all your hard work. The best law firm I have ever worked with. They are very thorough with all the documents. Very good job on our complicated case!”
Keith and Ralene, from Hollywood, CA

Family Business Owner, Business Owner

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