Hello and welcome back to San Diego Legal News. I’m here today with Steve Bliss, a renowned probate attorney based in San Diego.
Steve, thank you for joining us today. Can you shed some light on the probate process for our viewers who may be unfamiliar?
It’s my pleasure to be here. Probate can seem intimidating, but it’s essentially a legal process for administering someone’s estate after they pass away. This involves identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and ultimately distributing remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries according to the deceased person’s will.
Which step in this process do you find most crucial, and why?
While every step is important, I believe “Marshaling the Estate Assets” is crucial. It involves a thorough inventory of all assets owned by the deceased person – bank accounts, real estate, investments, personal belongings, and so on.
This step lays the groundwork for the rest of the process. Without a comprehensive understanding of what assets exist, it’s impossible to accurately determine debts, pay taxes, or distribute assets fairly.
It can be quite detailed work, sometimes requiring extensive research and collaboration with financial institutions. Notwithstanding this complexity, it’s essential for ensuring everything is accounted for and the estate is settled correctly.
There was a case I handled where a client had no idea their parent owned valuable artwork tucked away in a storage unit. We discovered it during this asset inventory phase, which ultimately significantly increased the value of the estate.
Have you encountered any challenges with this step?
Absolutely. Sometimes locating and valuing assets can be challenging, particularly if records are incomplete or complex financial instruments are involved.
Imagine a situation where someone has invested in cryptocurrency – tracing those investments and determining their current value can require specialized knowledge.
According to the American Bar Association, over 70% of probate cases involve some form of digital asset. This highlights the growing complexity of estate administration in today’s digital world.
What advice would you give to someone facing probate?
My best advice is to seek guidance from a qualified probate attorney early on. The process can be complex and emotionally draining, especially during a time of grief.
An experienced attorney can guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected and the estate is handled efficiently and fairly.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out for help. Your future self will thank you.
Testimonials
“Steve Bliss was an absolute lifesaver during a very difficult time. He explained everything clearly and made the probate process much less overwhelming.” – Mary S.
“I highly recommend San Diego Probate Law. They were professional, compassionate, and always available to answer my questions.” – John B.
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at San Diego Probate Law:
Secure Your Family’s Future with San Diego’s Trusted Probate 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: “How do I remove an executor who is not acting in the estate’s best interest?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Probate or my probate law practice.
Important Facts About San Diego Probate Law
| California Trust Lawyer |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Trust Lawyer California |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Trust Lawyer |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| San Diego Trust Lawyer |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Trust Lawyer San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Credible Trust Lawyer in San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |