The Omitted Spouse Trap
How Probate Code §§ 21610–21612 Can Upend a Second Marriage Estate Plan I. The Estate Plan That Disappears Overnight A widower in Santa Barbara creates a trust in 2015, shortly
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When life gets complicated, you deserve more than just legal advice—you deserve a team that listens, understands, and fights for the future you want. We’re here to protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind with strategy, compassion, and strength.
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If you are here, it isn’t likely your best day. This is a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy time. You need a listening ear. You need a strategy for how you are going to get through this.
Even though it feels like a complicated mess, you can have experienced, caring and battle-hardened help. You can have someone in your corner, working just for you, working for the outcome you want and your family deserves.
You are not alone. You have us. We listen for important details, things you may not have considered; we have ways of working through the conflict and confusion. We devise a strategy just for you to get you what you want – not what anyone else thinks you should want. We don’t shy away from how you feel: the anger, the sadness, the guilt and, sometimes even, elation.
This is your story. Your life. Your family. Your assets. Your concerns. Reach out to us. We are here for you. We will be your wise counselors, your warriors, and your respite from the storm. You owe it to yourself and your family to have the very best in your corner.
- Protect your assets.
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- Stand your ground.
- Stay in control.
- Spend more time with your children.
- A devoted, dedicated team in your corner.
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We provide thoughtful, individualized support, helping you navigate complex family matters with confidence and care.
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Divorce
Few things inspire more anxiety than divorce court. Images of barracuda lawyers ready to spew truthless allegations about your marital problems to harsh judges and your ex-spouse laughing at you all the while, create sleepless nights filled with worry and doubt.
Child Custody
Child custody and visitation matters are near and dear to all parents’ hearts. Virtually every divorcing parent who has walked into my office the first time tells me that the children are all that matters, the number 1 priority.
Support Issue
Child and spousal support are hotly contentious these days. I have noticed a changing world in which women have much more power in the market.
High Asset Divorce
We are one of the few firms in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Couties that have the level of technical expertise to handle high-asset or complex asset matteres.
Mediation
I have never been a huge fan of traditional mediation, although I believe wholeheartedly in negotiation. The Law Offices of M. Jude Egan treats divorce mediation like more traditional mediation.
Litigation
We are conditioned as trial lawyers to believe that we are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure the same as all other matters, but the reality is that the rules of evidence are relaxed in the family court – whether by rule/statute or by practice.
Trust & Estate Litigation
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Why Us?
Spend more time with your children
We are parents and lawyers for children. We understand that the most important person in your children’s life is you. We understand how judges think and leverage years of experience with our judges to get you the most time with your children.
Protect your assets
Our experienced team protects your assets with all of the power of the law. We devise winning negotiating and trial strategies to maximize your results in both negotiations and at trial.
Secure your future
The best agreements are durable agreements. We not only negotiate or litigate to get you the best results for your children and assets, but we ensure that our agreements are bulletproof so that you do this once and then never again. We go after it for you now so that your results are decisive and protected.
Stand Your Ground
We devise a legal strategy and approach for you, but you control your costs and approach. We discuss the cost-benefit analysis of all major decisions, let you determine which approaches you want to take and ensure that the divorce process meets your high standards of action and strategy.
A Devoted Team in Your Corner
There is no question that divorce is a hard time. If you are going to do this, do this once and do it right. From the moment you call us to the moment your case is resolved, we are dedicated to serving you and your family’s needs. Your team. Your warriors. Your counselors.
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Our 3-Step Process Keeps It Simple And it works.
Review Your Case and Goals
Meet with an Experienced Attorney to Determine the Options Available to You to Meet Your Goals
1
Develop a Strategy & Approach
We develop a strategy specific to your goals, personality and facts with your input and interests in mind.
2
Put the Plan in Motion
Execute the plan, allowing for variations as circumstances change, but holding firm to your goals.o You to Meet Your Goals
3
A Divorce Guide: Handling Your Divorce Like a Pro, With Professionals in YOUR Corner.
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How a Separate Property Asset Snapshot Can Take the Place of a Prenuptial Agreement
You and your partner are having that awkward conversation every engaged couple dreads—talking about a prenuptial agreement. One of you feels uncomfortable about the idea, worried it signals distrust or
How to Trace Your Separate Property in a Divorce
You’re sitting across from your soon-to-be ex-spouse and their attorney, watching them claim half of the inheritance your grandmother left you five years ago. Your heart sinks as you realize
