Santa Barbara Estate Planning Lawyer

Secure Your Legacy with Personalized Estate Planning

At Karine Wegrzynowicz Esq PC, we believe that proactive estate planning is essential for protecting your assets, honoring your wishes, and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Serving Santa Barbara and California’s Central Coast, our dedicated legal team offers personalized estate planning solutions tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Why Estate Planning Matters?

Without a well-structured estate plan, the state of California dictates how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.

Proper estate planning allows you to:

Maintain control over asset distribution
Minimize taxes and legal expenses
Appoint guardians for minor children
Establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney
Protect your privacy by avoiding probate
Ensure business continuity
Provide for loved ones with special needs

Our goal is to make the probate process as smooth, stress-free, and cost-effective as possible while honoring your loved one’s wishes with dignity.

Our Estate Planning Services

We offer a range of estate planning services tailored to your specific needs:

Wills and Trusts
Create legally binding documents that outline your wishes for asset distribution and guardianship of minor children.
Revocable Living Trusts
Avoid probate and maintain privacy by placing assets in a trust that you control during your lifetime.
Durable Powers of Attorney
Designate trusted individuals to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated.
Advance Healthcare Directives
Specify your medical care preferences and appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
Special Needs Planning
Ensure long-term care and financial security for loved ones with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits.
Business Succession Planning
Develop strategies to transfer ownership and management of your business smoothly and tax-efficiently.

Start planning today—your peace of mind and your family’s future are worth it.

Begin Your Estate Planning Journey Today

Whether you’re a newlywed, new parent, business owner, or retiree, our estate planning solutions are designed to adapt to your life’s changes. We take the time to understand your circumstances and provide guidance that aligns with your objectives.

Secure your legacy and provide peace of mind for your loved ones with a comprehensive estate plan. Reach out to us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Documents Are Included in an Estate Plan?

A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a will, revocable living trust, durable power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, and, when necessary, guardianship designations or special needs trusts.

Do I Need a Will if I Already Have a Trust?

Yes. A “pour-over will” ensures that any assets not placed in your trust during your lifetime are transferred to it upon your death, offering an extra layer of protection.

What Happens if I Die Without an Estate Plan in California?

If you pass away without an estate plan, California’s intestate succession laws determine how your assets are distributed—typically to your closest living relatives. This process can be lengthy, expensive, and may not reflect your personal wishes.

Can Estate Planning Help Avoid Probate?

Yes. Revocable living trusts and proper asset titling can help you avoid probate, keeping your affairs private and allowing your beneficiaries to access assets more quickly.

How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?

You should review and potentially update your estate plan every 3–5 years, or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, or significant changes in financial circumstances.

What Is The Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

A will becomes effective after your death and usually requires probate. A trust is active as soon as it is created and funded, allowing for more flexible, private, and efficient management of assets during your lifetime and after.

How Can I Get Started With Estate Planning in Santa Barbara?

Contact Karine Wegrzynowicz Esq PC to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through each step and create a personalized plan that gives you confidence in your future and peace of mind for your family.

Client Reviews

Karine was amazing from start to finish. She walked us through every step, answered all our questions, and made sure our wishes were honored in every detail. We’re so grateful we found her.

Emily & David K.

Working with Karine was a breath of fresh air. She was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and compassionate throughout. I felt truly cared for and never rushed. I can’t recommend her enough.

J. Reynolds

I had put off estate planning for years, but Karine made it feel approachable. She’s professional, kind, and clearly passionate about helping families. I now feel confident about the future.

Sam T.

Karine made the entire estate planning process feel simple and stress-free. She took the time to understand our family’s needs and explained everything clearly. We now have peace of mind knowing our future is protected.

The Martinez Family

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