Estate Planning
July: Sandwich Generation Month
By Julianna Malis, Attorney at Law July is Sandwich Generation month. If you’re wondering what the Sandwich Generation is, the average age of parents raising children in the US has continued to rise, leaving many middle-aged Americans in a category commonly referred to as the the “sandwich” generation: often still raising kids at home when…
Read MoreHow to Prepare for Care with an Unmarried Partner
Planning for the death of an unmarried partner is critical, but so is planning for the possibility that one partner becomes sick, disabled, or incapacitated at some point during their lifetime. Under the laws of most states, an unmarried partner has zero rights to manage finances or make medical decisions when something happens to the…
Read MoreThree Ways to Protect Your Children in an Emergency
If something were to happen to you and your spouse, what would happen if the authorities or medical personnel did not know that you have minor children at home waiting for you? Picture this; your children are at home and more frightened as each hour passes and you have not returned. The babysitter is scrambling…
Read MoreWho Will Make Your Healthcare Decisions if You Cannot?
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is held on April 16th each year. It exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and healthcare providers about the importance of advance care planning. The NHDD initiative encourages patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare, and providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be. NHDD…
Read MoreEstate Planning Tips for Blended Families
Santa Barbara Will and Trust Lawyer Offers Estate Planning Tips for Blended Families Modern American families come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and configurations. This creates unique circumstances when creating wills and trusts and putting long-term care plans in place. There is always the potential for conflict when it comes to estate planning in general,…
Read MoreHow to Protect an Inheritance for a Loved One Battling Bipolar Disorder
Santa Barbara Trust Lawyer: How to Protect an Inheritance for a Loved One Battling Bipolar Disorder Our Santa Barbara trust lawyers are often asked by parents if it is possible to protect an inheritance for an adult child who battles Bipolar Disorder. Unfortunately, one of the hallmarks of the condition is excessive financial spending while…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Basics of Probate in Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara Estate Administration Lawyer: Understanding the Basics of Probate in Santa Barbara, CA By Julianna M. Malis, Attorney at Law The thought of going through the probate process here in Santa Barbara county can strike fear in the hearts of most people, and with good reason. The time it takes is long and grueling,…
Read More3 Easy Ways to Protect Your Kids in an Emergency
Santa Barbara Wills and Estates Lawyer Discusses 3 Easy Ways to Protect Your Kids in an Emergency If something were to happen to you and your spouse, what would happen if the authorities or medical personnel did not know that you have minor children at home waiting for you? Picture this; your children are at…
Read MoreSanta Barbara Estate Planning Attorney Answers, “Can I Name More Than One Person as My Power of Attorney?”
Granting someone power of attorney means that you are giving them the authority to make important decisions on your behalf should you be incapable of making them yourself. The scope, duration, and other specifics are up to you. While the laws vary in each state, it’s usually as simple as drafting a document or filling…
Read MoreWill and Estate Lawyer Answers, “Can I Exclude My Spouse or Child from My Will?”
Excluding someone from your will, particularly if it’s your spouse or your child, can be complicated. In some states, it’s not even allowed. Leaving out people who wouldn’t automatically receive any of your estate is usually as simple as just not including them. However, if you do want to be specific about excluding someone to…
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