Estate Planning Lawyer
The Law Offices of Gregory I. McMurray, P.C.
Santa Barbara, CA
Estate Planning Lawyer
Santa Barbara Estate Planning Attorney
Probate Administration
Probate is the process of gathering the assets, paying the creditors and transferring the property and belongings of the decedent to their heirs. Despite what you may have heard, probate does not need to be lengthy, expensive or complicated. The probate system is intended to help heirs and beneficiaries clear title to the assets as quickly and easily as possible and to prevent false claims against the decedent’s estate.
At the Law Offices of Gregory I. McMurray, P.C., we have helped many clients with probate and estate administration by filing the necessary pleadings and preparing the documents required under California law. We also work with beneficiaries to help them understand and comply with the appropriate laws. Our experience will guide you through the often intimidating process of determining the best course of action to protect your loved one’s assets, and help alleviate the anxiety of this already difficult time.
Estate Planning
Regardless of your age, or the size and complexity of your estate, an estate plan is important for everyone. Planning for your estate will ensure that your final property and health care wishes are honored, and that loved ones are provided for in your absence.
An estate plan can help you appoint family members and other loved ones to receive your property after your death. It will also ensure that your property will be transferred to those you have identified, as quickly and easily as possible. Often times an estate plan can help you minimize the amount of taxes that will need to be paid in order for your property to pass to your beneficiaries after your death. In certain circumstances, an estate plan can avoid the time and costs associated with the probate process.
The estate planning process typically involves working with your financial, tax and legal advisors to develop a customized estate plan.
Many estate plans include the following:
- Last Will and Testaments
- Revocable Living Trusts
- Guardianships
- Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care
- Durable Powers of Attorney for Financial Management
- Advance Medical Directives
- Conservatorships
- Planning for Disabled Children
- Gifting Strategies
- Business Succession Planning
- Family Limited Partnerships
- Probate
Establishing and Managing Guardianships and Conservatorships
Many people don’t realize that setting up and maintaining a guardianship or conservatorship is a document-intensive process that can involve complex legal issues. Guardianships and conservatorships are court-supervised proceedings by which a minor child or an incapacitated person’s affairs are handled. Guardians and conservators can be appointed to care for a person or manage an estate. When managing an estate, the guardian or conservator must file financial accountings with the probate court. In addition, they must seek court approval before engaging in certain transactions. If you have questions about establishing or managing a guardianship or conservatorship, or if you simply want more information, call us today for a free consultation. The Law Offices of Gregory I. McMurray, P.C., has the experience and legal knowledge to satisfy the requirements of guardianship or conservatorship.
Focused on Your Estate Needs
At the Law Offices of Gregory I. McMurray, P.C., we focus on your concerns and desires so that we can offer you the best possible options in preparing your estate plan. We understand the complexities of the law. More importantly, our experienced legal team will make sure that you understand the documents you are signing and the tools you are using to protect your family.
Contact Us For Your Estate Planning Needs
One of the best ways to help assure that your assets will be managed for your family as you intend is to develop a comprehensive estate plan designed to meet your individual needs. Contact us to start with a thorough review of your estate planning needs during a consultation at our Santa Barbara office. Call 805-965-3703, email us at mcmurray@mcmurraylaw.us or use the form below to schedule your consultation.
Our Commitment To You
At the Law Offices of Gregory I. McMurray, P.C., we are committed to providing the highest standard of service. We understand that clients hire our firm for results, and they also expect quality service.
Our goal in each case is to exceed our clients' expectations. Our attorneys, Gregory McMurray and Elvia Garcia, are experienced trial lawyers who have been handling family law, criminal law, personal injury and estate planning cases for more than a decade. When you need an attorney, you'll be glad you choose us. We can be reached at 805-965-3703 or email us at mcmurray@mcmurraylaw.us .
Mr. McMurray was my lawyer when I was arrested by the SB County Sheriff’s department. I won’t go into details, but I was in serious trouble… Mr. McMurray was truthful and helpful through the entire process. I ended up avoiding jail time all together and I haven’t looked back since. I can happily say he got me a second chance.
I hired Ms. Garcia about 6 months ago to represent me in my dissolution of marriage action. Divorce was a very hard decision for me to make, but from the first call I had with Ms. Garcia, she made me feel comfortable. She kept me informed the entire process. She was very responsive and always willing and able to answer any questions of concerns. I cannot thank her enough for her expertise and making this process easier than I had expected. I definitely recommend her to anyone.
From my very first phone call, Mr. McMurray and his excellent staff handled my situation with the utmost profession-alism. The process was very fast and I was proactively informed and updated every step of the way.
I feel that I got my value for my money and to top it off I was treated with respect the whole way through. I feel a million times lighter and am very happy with the result. Thank you so very much Elvia!
A very good friend of mine referred me to Mr. McMurray. He is an extremely intelligent person. He is diligent in his work and a true advocate for his clients. He takes a personal interest in understanding how you want to be represented. He then brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the law and manages your case in an expedient way.
Contact Us About Your Case
Or Call Us at 805-965-3703