Business Details
Estate Planning Attorneys You Can Trust
At Botti & Morison Estate Planning Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families secure their financial futures through comprehensive estate planning solutions. With over 60 years of collective experience, our team specializes in trusts, wills, probate administration, elder law, and asset protection. Christopher Botti, a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California, leads our team alongside skilled attorneys who bring a collaborative approach to each case.We offer tailored guidance to meet unique client needs, focusing on eliminating probate costs, minimizing tax burdens, and ensuring proper guardianship for minors. Our free workshops educate the community on estate planning essentials, while our dedicated team ensures compliance with IRS standards. Operating across Southern and Central California, we prioritize transparency, personalized service, and long-term client relationships to protect legacies according to individual wishes.
Services
Trusts
Wills
Power of Attorney
Health Care Directives
Medi-Cal Planning
Asset Protection
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Estate Planning Review
Litigation Services
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 combined years of experience resolving complex estate and probate matters.
- Our attorneys offer a unique team approach, leveraging collective expertise for each client.
- We provide free educational workshops to help clients understand estate planning essentials.
- Our board-certified specialists ensure adherence to the highest legal standards.
- We offer free no-obligation consultations and personalized estate planning solutions.
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California
What people say
Easy and inexpensive
Helpful workshop
Excellent advice
Painless process
Highly recommend
Services
Revocable Living Trusts
Our revocable living trusts help clients avoid probate, maintain privacy, and ensure seamless asset distribution. These flexible plans adapt to life changes while preserving control during the grantor's lifetime. We tailor trusts to meet specific goals, from protecting minor children's inheritance to minimizing estate taxes. Our experienced attorneys ensure compliance with California laws while maximizing benefits for beneficiaries.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through California's probate process, handling court filings, asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution. Our team simplifies complex procedures while protecting personal representatives from potential liabilities. With over 60 years of collective experience, we resolve disputes efficiently and ensure adherence to legal requirements, providing peace of mind during challenging times.
Medi-Cal Planning
Our Medi-Cal specialists help families qualify for government benefits while preserving assets. We implement strategies that comply with changing regulations, including irrevocable trusts and asset repositioning. Our planning ensures eligibility for nursing home care without depleting life savings, balancing immediate needs with long-term financial security for California residents.
Wills and Estates
We draft comprehensive wills that clearly express final wishes while minimizing potential conflicts. Our documents cover guardianship appointments, asset distribution, and special provisions for dependents. While wills require probate, we strategically incorporate pour-over trusts when appropriate to streamline estate settlement and maintain control over asset allocation.
Asset Protection
Our strategies safeguard assets from creditors, lawsuits, and excessive taxation using legal tools like irrevocable trusts and family limited partnerships. We assess individual risk profiles to create customized protection plans that balance accessibility with security. Our approach preserves wealth for intended beneficiaries while maintaining compliance with evolving tax laws.
People
Christopher E. Botti
Founding Attorney
Board-certified estate planning specialist with 30+ years' experience. Graduated from Whittier College School of Law, focusing on trust administration and probate litigation. Develops comprehensive strategies to protect client assets while ensuring legal compliance.
Karen Dion
Attorney
Seasoned legal professional with 25 years in consumer bankruptcy and estate planning. Expertise in client advocacy and negotiation. Provides clear guidance on asset protection and estate organization while maintaining compassionate client relationships.
Chris Michail
Attorney
Specializes in California trust administration and tax planning. Combines technical expertise with practical solutions for wealth preservation. Develops innovative strategies to minimize estate taxes while ensuring smooth intergenerational asset transfers.
Questions
What happens if I die without a will in California?
Your estate will go through probate court, where state law determines asset distribution. Minor children's guardianship and beneficiary designations may not reflect your preferences without proper estate planning.
How can a revocable living trust help my family?
It avoids probate, maintains privacy, and allows immediate asset distribution. The trust remains flexible during your lifetime while providing clear succession plans for beneficiaries.
What are advanced health care directives?
These documents appoint medical decision-makers and outline treatment preferences if you become incapacitated, ensuring your wishes are followed without court intervention.
How do I qualify for Medi-Cal long-term care?
You must meet specific income and asset limits. Our specialists help restructure assets while maintaining eligibility, ensuring access to government benefits without depleting personal savings.
Can I modify an existing estate plan?
Yes, we review and update plans to reflect life changes, ensuring documents remain valid and continue meeting your intentions as circumstances evolve.
What's the cost of probate in California?
Statutory fees range from 4% of the first $100k to 0.5% of $25M+ estates. Additional costs include court fees, appraisals, and potential litigation expenses.
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