Estate Planning

RISB has achieved its level of excellence in part due to the generous philanthropic leadership shown by Central Coast residents who have included us in their major gift planning. Some have created charitable trusts. Others have made bequests. Still others have given land or other property. This level of "planned giving" support has provided a financial foundation for all of the Institute's programs and services.

Staff is available to work with your tax advisor or attorney to create a gift plan that will work for you and help others progress through rehabilitation. For more information, please call Robin Eschler, Director of Development and Public Relations, at 805-569-8999 x 2202.

What is an Estate Plan?

Estate planning allows you to plan for yourself and your loved ones without giving up control of your affairs. Your estate plan should allow you to plan for the possibility of your own disability or death. It should give
what you own to whom you want to receive it, the way you want them to receive it, and when you want them to receive it. Your estate plan should save every tax dollar, professional fee, and court cost legally possible to save.

Why do You Need an Estate Plan?

Don't think of your belongings as an "estate?" Think again. Just because you may not have a multi-million dollar estate doesn't mean an estate plan won't protect the ones you love. Find out why you may not need
an estate plan, but your family does.

By meeting the definition of estate planning, a properly prepared plan meets your goals. It allows you to plan for your disability and direct the distribution of your property. It saves tax dollars, professional fees and court costs. And, most importantly, it keeps you in control of your own affairs. A properly designed estate plan can provide instructions for your care and that of your loved ones in the event of your disability. Be effective if you move to or own property in another state. Avoid probate and its associated legal costs. Keep your affairs private and confidential. Control all your property, including pensions and life insurance. Allow you to leave explicit instructions for the care of your loved ones. Create protective trusts for your young children, disadvantaged children, adult children, and grandchildren. Provide federal estate tax planning.

Creating an estate plan is easy with the help of an attorney and advisors. You can quickly and comfortably establish a living trust-centered estate plan for yourself and your loved ones. Your living trust can be
changed or canceled at any time. As maker, trustee, and primary beneficiary, you control every aspect of
how your property will be used. You also appoint the trustees, naming as many or as few trustees as you like, with specifications of who takes care of what.

For more information on estate planning and how to make a meaningful and lasting gift to Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara, contact Robin Eschler, Director of Development and Public Relations, at
(805) 569-8999 ext. 2202..