Long-Term Care Planning in Calabasas
Protecting Your Assets & Your Options Before a Crisis Forces the Issue
The Pacella Law Group helps Calabasas families, individuals, and business owners build long-term care plans designed to address potential scrutiny. Our attorneys bring more than 20 years of California estate, trust, and elder law experience to every plan, and the same team that drafts your strategy can represent you in court if a transfer, trust, or Medi-Cal eligibility decision is ever challenged. That continuity is something a template-driven service can’t offer.
We offer free consultations and meet clients at their home, our Calabasas office, or virtually, so the process fits your schedule and situation rather than the other way around.
Ready to protect your assets and plan for the care you or a loved one may need? Call us today at (818) 873-5546 to schedule a free consultation with our long-term care planning team.
What Long-Term Care Planning Actually Covers
Elder law addresses the legal, financial, and healthcare issues faced by older adults, drawing together estate planning, public benefits, healthcare law, and asset protection. Long-term care planning tackles a specific question most families avoid until it’s urgent: how do you pay for nursing home, assisted living, or in-home care without depleting a lifetime of savings? Medicare covers only a limited rehabilitation period, not ongoing custodial care, which is why separate planning is often necessary. Our work in this area covers four interconnected services:
- Medi-Cal eligibility planning: Structuring assets and income so you can qualify for long-term care assistance while maintaining financial stability.
- Powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives: Designating a trusted person to make financial and medical decisions if you become unable to act for yourself.
- Conservatorship and incapacity planning: Establishing legal authority to manage the affairs of a loved one who can no longer make decisions independently.
- Asset protection strategies: Working to preserve your home and savings from the cost of care before a crisis removes your options.
Why California’s Medi-Cal Rules Make Timing Matter
California’s Medi-Cal rules for long-term care have shifted significantly and will shift again. The state reinstated an asset limit for most long-term care programs effective January 1, 2026. Under the current rules, the institutionalized spouse in a couple may retain up to $130,000, while the community spouse may keep an amount up to the applicable Community Spouse Resource Allowance. A further reduction, down to $21,000 for an individual, is scheduled for July 1, 2027, meaning today’s rules are themselves temporary.
Transfers of assets for less than fair market value can trigger a period of Medi-Cal ineligibility, and Medi-Cal looks back up to 30 months when reviewing those transfers. Meanwhile, long-term care costs in California continue to rise faster than the national average. Families who may preserve the most options are often those who plan before a health event closes the window to act.
How We Work With Calabasas Clients
Founding attorney Louis Pacella has guided Southern California clients through estate planning, probate, trust administration, and complex disputes for more than 20 years. Clients receive a plan built around their specific assets, family structure, and care concerns, not a document pulled from a shelf.
Because our attorneys handle both planning and litigation, we draft with an eye toward what can withstand a challenge. If a dispute later arises over a transfer, trust, or eligibility determination, we don’t hand you off to a separate firm. We already know your plan and can represent you directly. Office, in-home, and virtual appointments are all available.
Start Your Long-Term Care Plan Today
We offer a free initial consultation to review your situation and outline a strategy. Call (818) 873-5546 or reach us through our contact form to schedule your consultation with The Pacella Law Group.
Stay In The Know
Stay Informed. Plan with Confidence.
At The Pacella Law Group, we believe knowledge is power. Our blog is designed to give you practical legal insights on estate planning, probate, business formation, and more—so you can make informed decisions that protect what matters most.
We're Committed to Our Clients & Their Convenience
See What They Are Saying
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“Mr.Pacella was extremely knowledgeable, professional, responsive, and helpful. I highly recommend him particularly in regards to probate matters. He possesses the expertise needed to navigate a difficult process and resolve probate matters as efficiently as possible”- Vanessa C.
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“I called Louis Pacella's office and had a phone consultation regarding Living Trust questions as my trust was set up by 2 previous attorneys. I emailed him information regarding my trust and he reviewed them and upon our phone consultation, he was able to answer all my questions.- David C.
Louis Pacella was able to simply explain the answers to all my questions simply and easily that I could understand in which our previous attorney could not. I learned some new information regarding my account and my issues were solved quickly and simply. Louis Pacella did not charge me for our quick phone consultation though that was offered. Should I have any further questions or issues regarding my Living Trust I will certainly call Louis. I am very happy with his service” -
“Louis and his staff were excellent at preparing and filing the voluminous amount of paperwork required to setup and execute the LLC and trust of my wife's father. They are experts in the field and were always ready with information for our many questions, including many involving unforeseen circumstances. They were courteous, sensitive, and available for all of our needs. I highly recommend Louis' Office for any Trust creation and execution.”- Ted C.
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“I had a very complex probate situation after my brother and his son died in a plane crash in June 2017. Not only were there basic probate issues, but my brother was operating a complicated international travel business. Louis tackled the project and was able to unwind the business and do all of the "forensic accounting" and client communications. It was a godsend. What stood out more than the professional execution was the positive attitude, genuine care and emotional support Louis provided. He and his team are an elite group of dedicated professionals. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone with probate and estate planning. First rate company, I'm so very grateful for his services.”- Brain H.
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“Fantastic law firm , true professionals, Highly Recommend”- Timothy S.
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“We were satisfied with all of the documents prepared by this firm. Pricing is fair and customer service is excellent. Thanks, Louis and team!”- Periwinkle G.
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“Louis Pacella has been our lawyer for over 10 years. He has prepared our estate plan, reviewed real estate transactions, represented us in lawsuits related to our business. He has handled all our legal needs with excellent communication, outstanding professionalism, and is very personable. We have come to think of him as a friend and we give him our highest recommendation.”- Allan W. & Rex A.
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“The firm is great.The team is responsive and follow through was great. Louis helped us redo our Will and update all the supporting documents of Health Care and Power of Attny. Thanks also to Sheri in his office who kept us up-to-date with paperwork and other important signatures”- Scott T.
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“Had a great experience the Pacella Law Group (Louis, Stephen, and Sheri were all awesome)! Very practical and knowledgeable and was very pleased with the quality of their documentation! Highly recommend”- Lauren C.
Clarity. Protection. A Plan Built to Last.
Focused on Planning, Protection, and Legacy
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Reputable & Trusted Boutique Firm
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Handling a Wide Range of Services
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Personalized, Detail-Oriented Approach
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Decades of Legal Experience
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