Estate Planning Options
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Providing personalized legal guidance for families to protect their legacies.
Estate Planning, End-of-Life, Family Protection & Business Succession
At Channel Islands Law Group, we understand the importance of protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are carried out. We specialize in a range of estate planning services, designed to alleviate your worries and empower you to create a lasting legacy.
Explore our dedicated expertise for a deeper dive into each service.
Estate Planning
It's never too early to start planning for the future and safeguarding your assets. Estate planning is about making important decisions for the end of life and beyond, ensuring that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for. While it may not be an easy topic, it's essential to guarantee that your intentions are honored with dignity.
At Channel Islands Law Group, we’ve guided everyone from newlyweds to new parents and retirees through the estate planning process. Our attorneys are committed to making this journey as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
Probate
Are you facing the responsibility of managing a loved one’s estate in California? At Channel Islands Law Group, we specialize in probate legal services, guiding executors and families through the complex probate process. We’re here to ease the burden, handling the legal details so you can focus on supporting your family during this difficult time, not navigating the courtroom.
Mediation
At Channel Islands Law Group, our attorneys bring decades of experience to estate and business planning, as well as resolving challenging disputes. We also offer mediation services, helping families and businesses navigate conflicts with a focus on finding amicable solutions.
Mediation can often lead to more satisfying and cost-effective outcomes than litigation, and we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and care.
Trust Administration
When a loved one passes away with a properly funded trust in place, their estate can be distributed to beneficiaries through trust administration, avoiding the need for probate and court supervision. However, trust administration can be complex, involving numerous Probate Code requirements.
At Channel Islands Law Group, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through this intricate process, ensuring that your loved one’s wishes are honored and the estate is administered smoothly.
Business Succession Planning
Owning a business involves more than just day-to-day operations; it also requires careful planning for the future. Many business owners overlook crucial areas like choosing the right business entity, managing tax implications, and preparing for business succession. Without a solid plan, the transition of leadership or ownership can lead to significant challenges and disrupt the business's continuity.
At Channel Islands Law Group, we specialize in business succession planning, helping you anticipate and address potential blind spots. Our attorneys work with you to create a seamless transition strategy, ensuring your business continues to thrive and your legacy remains intact.
Special Needs Planning
For families with a loved one who has special needs, a Special Needs Trust can be an essential part of your estate plan. This type of trust is designed to protect the beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits while providing additional financial support for their needs. Special Needs can include conditions such as developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or substance abuse, among others.
Given the complexity of public benefits and government regulations, Special Needs Trusts must be carefully drafted. An improperly written trust could unintentionally disqualify your loved one from receiving their benefits. At Channel Islands Law Group, our attorneys ensure that your Special Needs Trust is correctly structured to protect your loved one's future without jeopardizing their access to essential public assistance.
Looking for a tailored legal solution?
We're here to assist.
Elder Law
Estate Litigation
Same-Gender Partnerships
If you need a customized legal solution, we’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Once you reach out, our team will schedule a consultation to understand your unique needs and discuss the best approach. We work around your schedule and timeframe, ensuring that every step is tailored to fit your requirements. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the process with clear communication and expert advice, so you can focus on what matters most while we handle the legal details.
MAX
Max Shoemaker heads our Huntington Beach office
Max Shoemaker heads our Huntington Beach office where he serves clients primarily in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino Counties. Max is experienced in contract law, estate and trust planning. He joined Channel Islands Law Group motivated by a strong desire to help others overcome legal obstacles and protect their interests. With a passion for assisting individuals and businesses alike, he utilizes his expertise in contract law to guide clients in starting and growing their businesses successfully. Additionally, as a parent of two small children, Max understands the importance of planning for the future on a personal level. This perspective, coupled with his legal acumen, allows him to provide invaluable insights and guidance to clients seeking to navigate the complexities of estate planning and protect their family’s well-being.
With an in-house legal background working for large entertainment companies, Max has gained comprehensive knowledge in the intricate legal matters involved in producing and distributing television shows. In his most recent role, he served as the legal point-of-contact for multiple unscripted television show productions, handling day-to-day legal affairs from development through postproduction and delivery.
Max’s legal career began shortly after graduating from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles in 2016. During his time at Loyola, he earned recognition for his outstanding work as a Senior Editor on the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review, where he was awarded Best Senior Editor during his third year. Max also had the privilege of externing for a Federal District Court judge in the Central District of California, further enhancing his understanding of the judicial process.
Max is committed to delivering personalized legal solutions that prioritize his clients’ interests and help them achieve their goals. He is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, an affiliate member of the Orange County Association of Realtors and a member of the Long Beach Chapter of TEAM Referral Network. Most recently, he was voted “Best Lawyer” in LB Living’s 2024 “Absolute Best of Long Beach” Awards.
Born and raised in San Diego County, Max relocated to Orange County in 2010, where he currently resides with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he embraces an active lifestyle and frequently participates in Spartan races. You can also find him on weekends exploring the best local restaurants and outdoor activities, while wrangling his son and daughter.
Contact Channel Islands Law Group
Ready to discuss your legal needs? We offer flexible options to connect with our team:
No matter which method you choose, we're committed to making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. Reach out today to start your journey with Channel Islands Law Group.
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The content provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice for any specific case or situation. Viewing this information does not establish an attorney-client relationship, and we encourage you to seek personalized legal counsel for your unique circumstances.
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