Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Estate Planning and Elder Law Solutions
Santaella Legal Group has dedicated its practice to helping families and individuals navigate complex legal matters related to estate planning, elder law, and business formations. With over 30 years of experience, our team combines deep legal expertise with a client-focused approach to deliver tailored solutions. We prioritize clear communication, offering bilingual services in English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for all clients. Our proactive planning strategies and commitment to understanding each client's unique needs have earned us a reputation for excellence.Recognized by Avvo as a Top Attorney for Elder Law, we provide compassionate guidance through life's most challenging legal decisions. Our membership in the Academy of Special Needs Planners underscores our specialization in creating comprehensive trust arrangements. We maintain a steadfast commitment to ethical practice, transparency, and achieving optimal outcomes for every client we serve.
Services
Estate Planning
Elder Law
Special Needs Trusts
Medi-Cal Planning
Business Formations
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of combined legal experience in estate planning and elder law
- Bilingual English/Spanish legal services for improved accessibility
- Client-focused approach with personalized case evaluations
- Proven success in complex Medi-Cal and special needs trust cases
- Active membership in professional legal associations for continued education
Associations and certifications
- Avvo
- Academy of Special Needs Planners
What people say
Kind and caring
Work has been consistently superior
Excellent attorney
Made the process easy
Passionate about the law
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients protect assets and establish clear directives for their future. We create customized wills, trusts, and healthcare directives that comply with California law while addressing individual family needs. Our attorneys guide clients through complex decisions about guardianship, asset distribution, and long-term care planning.
Elder Law
Elder law services focus on protecting seniors' rights and financial security. We assist with long-term care planning, nursing home advocacy, and legal protections against elder abuse. Our team helps families navigate complex regulations while maintaining dignity and independence for aging loved ones.
Special Needs Trusts
Special needs trust creation ensures continued eligibility for government benefits while providing supplemental care funds. We help families establish legally sound trusts that meet strict regulatory requirements while maintaining quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Medi-Cal Planning
Our Medi-Cal planning services help clients qualify for critical healthcare benefits while protecting assets. We develop strategic plans that comply with California's complex eligibility rules, ensuring access to long-term care services while preserving family resources.
Business Formations
Business formation services guide entrepreneurs through entity selection and legal registration. We help clients choose between LLCs, corporations, and other structures to optimize liability protection and tax benefits while ensuring compliance with California business regulations.
People
Ivette M. Santaella
Attorney
With over 30 years of legal experience, Ivette Santaella specializes in estate planning and elder law. Her personal experience managing her mother's estate inspired her focus on special needs trusts. Recognized by Avvo as a Top Elder Law Attorney, she combines corporate legal expertise with compassionate client service.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Depending on your assets and family situation, we may recommend trusts or specialized arrangements to protect your legacy.
How can Medi-Cal help with long-term care costs?
Medi-Cal provides financial assistance for qualifying seniors' medical care. Our attorneys help clients navigate eligibility requirements while protecting assets through strategic estate planning.
What happens if I don't create an estate plan?
Without planning, California's intestacy laws will determine asset distribution. This often creates family conflicts and may not reflect your wishes regarding guardianship or medical care preferences.
How does a Special Needs Trust work?
Special Needs Trusts provide supplemental funds for disabled beneficiaries without jeopardizing government benefits. We structure these trusts to meet strict legal requirements while maintaining quality of life.
What business entity should I choose?
Entity selection depends on liability protection needs, tax considerations, and growth plans. We explain options from sole proprietorships to corporations to help you make informed decisions.
Do I need an attorney for estate planning?
While basic documents can be self-prepared, an attorney ensures legal compliance and addresses complex situations. Our expertise prevents costly mistakes and provides peace of mind through properly executed plans.
