Bustillos Michael L

Luis Michael Bustillos, a prominent attorney and counselor at law, has dedicated his professional career to the practice areas of Estate Planning, Asset Protection, and Medi-Cal Qualification. With a commendable 40 years of experience, he has consistently upheld a commitment to fostering an attorney-client relationship based on open communication, meticulous attention to individual needs, and unparalleled accessibility. Michael Bustillos prides himself on providing unwavering thoroughness and delivering top-tier representation in all legal matters, ensuring the highest level of service and satisfaction.

Academic Background and Community Involvement

Having resided and worked in San Diego County since 1960, Mr. Bustillos earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He subsequently acquired his law degree from the esteemed College of Law at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, in 1981. Recognized as the Pacific Northwest's premier law school, Willamette University's College of Law has solidified Mr. Bustillos's proficiency and expertise in the legal arena. Throughout his career, he has served on the boards of directors for the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar, Homeowners Associations, and various non-profit corporations.

Asset Protection

Asset protection encompasses safeguarding personal and financial resources from potential threats, including lawsuits, business setbacks, government regulations, and unanticipated medical expenses. Most individuals possess a family home, with many saving for their children's education and building a business. Consequently, safeguarding these assets through a comprehensive asset protection plan ensures a secure future for you and your loved ones.

Instruments utilized in asset protection plans include family partnerships, spendthrift trusts, and alternative options such as family limited partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, and catastrophic illness trusts. Mr. Bustillos specializes in structuring estates to evade Medi-Cal spend-down requirements, thereby preserving your assets and ensuring their optimal utilization.

Estate Planning

The estate planning practice of Attorney Bustillos incorporates the preparation of trusts, wills, and advocacy in legal disputes pertaining to trusts and wills. With more than 40 years of experience in administering trusts, wills, and safeguarding your wishes both during your lifetime and thereafter, Mr. Bustillos guarantees unmatched proficiency in managing your estate.

Estate planning services offered consist of:

• Revocable Living Trusts, including A-B-C provisions
• Charitable Remainder and Charitable Lead Trusts
• Irrevocable Trusts, such as Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
• Anatomical Gifts, Directives to Physician (also referred to as "Living Wills")
• Powers of Attorney, Powers of Appointment, and Pre-Nuptial Agreements

By way of example, Mr. Bustillos was engaged by a client to design an estate plan for a $2.7 million estate. Tragically, the client passed away just four months later, yet through his diligent estate planning, not a single dollar of the $2.7 million was subjected to estate taxes. Instead, the client's heirs received a staggering $15 million, a testament to the transformative impact of effective estate planning.

Medi-Cal Qualification

Navigating the intricate landscape of Medi-Cal eligibility can be both overwhelming and intimidating. However, with the assistance of a seasoned attorney, qualifying for Medi-Cal no longer remains an insurmountable challenge. By employing asset protection planning strategies, you can effectively reduce your monthly financial burden and secure an inheritance for your beneficiaries.

Mr. Bustillos' expertise in Medi-Cal Qualification has enabled him to successfully represent clients with substantial assets, assisting them in retaining their assets for their heirs. By meticulously adhering to California and federal Medi-Cal regulations, Mr. Bustillos has consistently succeeded in qualifying clients for Medi-Cal benefits, preserving their assets, and ensuring their optimal distribution amongst their heirs.