Business Details
California Asset Protection & Estate Planning Lawyers
Established by attorney Joseph McHugh, LA Law Center specializes in California asset protection, estate planning, and elder law. With over 30 years of experience, our firm creates customized legal solutions including irrevocable trusts, Medi-Cal planning, probate administration, and special needs trusts. We prioritize client education, offering free consultations to help individuals and families protect assets from lawsuits, navigate long-term care costs, and ensure their final wishes are legally documented. Our virtual services extend across California, combining privacy-focused strategies like land trusts with compassionate guidance through complex legal processes. 
Services
Asset Protection Trusts
Medi-Cal Planning
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Special Needs Trusts
Conservatorships
Land Trusts
Revocable Living Trusts
Elder Law
Trust Administration
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of California-specific legal expertise in asset protection and elder law
- Our patented trust strategies protect assets from lawsuits while maintaining tax benefits
- We provide virtual consultations and document execution for statewide accessibility
- Our team includes a Certified Senior Advisor with specialized Medi-Cal planning knowledge
- We guarantee personalized estate plans that balance legal protection with family needs
What people say
Knowledgeable team
Personalized approach
Effective strategies
Stress-free planning
Successful outcomes
Services
Asset Protection Trusts
Our customized irrevocable trusts protect California residents' assets from lawsuits and creditors. These strategies shield real estate, business interests, and investments while optimizing tax benefits. With over 30 years of experience, we create solutions that balance legal protection with financial flexibility for individuals and families.
Medi-Cal Planning
We help clients qualify for Medi-Cal benefits to cover nursing home or in-home care costs. Our planning preserves assets from estate recovery while ensuring eligibility. This includes creating specialized trusts and navigating California's complex 5-year lookback rules for long-term care funding.
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate plans include revocable living trusts, wills, and advance directives. We ensure your assets transfer smoothly to chosen beneficiaries while minimizing tax burdens. Services also cover guardianship designations for minors and HIPAA-compliant healthcare directives for incapacity planning.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through California's probate process for estates valued over $184,500. Our services include court filings, asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution to heirs. We represent clients in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties, handling complex family dynamics during estate administration.
Special Needs Trusts
We create first-party and third-party special needs trusts that maintain government benefits eligibility while providing supplemental care funds. These trusts protect assets for disabled individuals receiving SSI, Medi-Cal, or HUD assistance, ensuring quality of life without compromising essential programs.
People
Joseph McHugh
Attorney
With over 30 years of experience, Joseph McHugh specializes in California asset protection, elder law, and estate planning. He creates customized legal solutions including irrevocable trusts, Medi-Cal planning, and special needs trusts for individuals and families across the state.
Kathy McHugh
Triage Director
Kathy McHugh serves as Triage Director, coordinating client consultations and legal strategy development. With extensive experience in elder law and asset protection, she works closely with clients to understand their unique needs and connect them with appropriate legal solutions.
Questions
What asset protection strategies work best in California?
Our firm specializes in irrevocable trusts, land trusts, and LLC strategies tailored to California's unique liability laws. These tools protect real estate, investments, and business assets from potential lawsuits.
How can Medi-Cal help with nursing home costs?
We help clients qualify for Medi-Cal long-term care benefits while protecting assets from estate recovery. Our strategies preserve family wealth while securing necessary care funding.
What happens if I die without a will in California?
California's intestacy laws will distribute your estate based on family relationships. Our estate planning ensures your assets go to chosen beneficiaries through customized trusts and wills.
Do I need a special needs trust for my disabled child?
Yes, special needs trusts protect government benefits eligibility while providing supplemental care funds. We offer both first-party and third-party trust options under California law.
How long does probate take in Los Angeles County?
California probate typically takes 12-24 months. Our experienced attorneys streamline the process, handling court requirements and family dynamics to distribute estates efficiently.
