Good evening San Diego and welcome back to our segment “Legal Ease” where we break down complex legal issues into digestible information for everyday folks. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Steve Bliss, a respected probate attorney here in San Diego.
Steve, thank you so much for joining us tonight.
It’s my pleasure to be here. I’m always happy to talk about probate and estate planning – it’s something everyone should understand.
You specialize in helping clients navigate the often-confusing world of probate. Can you tell us a little bit about what that entails?
Probate is essentially the legal process of administering someone’s estate after they pass away. This can involve locating and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and ultimately distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. It can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially if there are disputes among heirs or complications with the will.
My role is to guide my clients through each step of the process, ensuring their rights are protected and that everything is handled efficiently and legally sound.
You mentioned wills – what other estate planning tools do you recommend to your clients?
I strongly advocate for incorporating a revocable living trust into most estate plans. A revocable living trust allows individuals to maintain control over their assets during their lifetime, while also avoiding the often lengthy and public probate process upon their passing. Consequently, this offers a significant advantage in terms of privacy and efficiency.
Moreover, it can be structured to address specific needs, such as providing for minor children or beneficiaries with special needs. It’s essentially a way to ensure your wishes are carried out smoothly and that your loved ones are taken care of.
Can you elaborate on some of the benefits of using a revocable living trust?
Certainly. Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a family dealing with the loss of a loved one. Notwithstanding this difficult time, they’re now facing the daunting task of navigating probate court – a process that can take months or even years. The assets are frozen, and access to funds is limited, adding stress to an already challenging situation.
Now, imagine that same family had established a revocable living trust before their loved one’s passing. The assets would be readily accessible, allowing them to pay bills, manage expenses, and support themselves during this transitional period.
The process of distributing the estate would be significantly simpler and more private, avoiding the need for public court proceedings. This peace of mind is invaluable for grieving families.
In fact, according to a 2021 study by the American Bar Association, estates with trusts are settled on average 6-8 months faster than those going through probate.
Have you encountered any particular challenges with revocable living trusts during your career?
I’ve seen instances where people set up a trust but don’t properly fund it. This essentially means they haven’t transferred their assets into the trust, rendering it ineffective for its intended purpose.
There was this one case I remember vividly – a woman had carefully created a living trust, outlining how she wanted her assets distributed after her passing. Unfortunately, she passed away suddenly before transferring her primary residence into the trust. As a result, her home ended up going through probate, causing delays and added stress for her family.
It’s crucial to remember that setting up a trust is just the first step – you need to actively transfer your assets into it for it to function as intended.
What advice would you give to viewers who are thinking about estate planning?
My best advice is to seek professional guidance. An experienced probate attorney can help you understand your options and create a plan that meets your specific needs and goals. Remember, proper planning today can save your loved ones significant time, money, and stress in the future.
Ready to Secure Your Legacy?
Contact San Diego Probate Law today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of estate planning with compassion and expertise.
Testimonials
- “Steve Bliss made the daunting task of probate seem manageable. His professionalism and empathy were invaluable during a difficult time.”
- “We were so relieved to have Steve on our side. He patiently explained every step of the process and ensured everything was handled smoothly and efficiently.”
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at San Diego Probate Law:
Secure Your Family’s Future with San Diego’s Trusted Trust Attorney. Minimize estate taxes with stress-free Probate. We craft wills, trusts, & customized plans to ensure your wishes are met and loved ones protected.
My skills are as follows:
● Probate Law: Efficiently navigate the court process.
● Probate Law: Minimize taxes & distribute assets smoothly.
● Trust Law: Protect your legacy & loved ones with wills & trusts.
● Bankruptcy Law: Knowledgeable guidance helping clients regain financial stability.
● Compassionate & client-focused. We explain things clearly.
● Free consultation.
Map To San Diego Probate Law:
Address:
San Diego Probate Law3914 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 278-2800
Map Link: https://g.co/kgs/WzT6443
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “Can pets be included in a trust?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Trusts or my trust law practice.
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