The phone call came in just as I was settling down for dinner. My mother’s voice, usually so cheerful and vibrant, was strained with worry. “Your aunt Martha,” she whispered, “she passed away this afternoon.” A wave of sadness washed over me, but there was also a knot of anxiety in my stomach. Aunt Martha had always been fiercely independent, never one for formal arrangements. “Did she leave any instructions?” I asked tentatively.
What Happens If I Don’t Have a Will?
Aunt Martha had lived a long and fulfilling life, but unfortunately, she hadn’t made any formal estate planning arrangements. Consequently, her assets would now be subject to the laws of intestate succession in California. This meant that the court would decide how her property was distributed, potentially leading to lengthy legal battles and unintended consequences for my family.
How Does Probate Work?
“Probate” is a formal legal process that occurs when someone dies without a will or with a will that doesn’t clearly address all of their assets. It involves validating the will (if there is one), identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s assets, paying off any debts and taxes, and finally distributing the remaining property to heirs. Probate can be a time-consuming and expensive process, often taking months or even years to complete.
What Are The Benefits of Setting Up a Trust?
“A trust,” Steve Bliss explained patiently during our consultation, “is like a container that holds your assets. You decide who benefits from those assets, and when they receive them.” A revocable living trust, he elaborated, allows you to maintain control over your assets during your lifetime while ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership after your death. This bypasses the complexities and costs associated with probate, safeguarding your family’s interests.
How Can I Protect My Family From Unforeseen Circumstances?
“It wasn’t easy,” my mother admitted later, as we sorted through Aunt Martha’s belongings. “There were arguments, hurt feelings, and a lot of stress. If only she had planned ahead…” Her words echoed in my mind long after the probate process was finally concluded. I realized then that estate planning wasn’t just about money; it was about protecting my loved ones from unnecessary hardship.
Accordingly, I scheduled an appointment with Steve Bliss, a renowned estate planning attorney in Temecula. We discussed my goals and concerns, and he crafted a comprehensive plan tailored to my specific needs. My experience witnessing the turmoil caused by Aunt Martha’s lack of planning fueled my determination to avoid a similar situation for my own family.
“It brought us closer together,” my wife confessed one evening as we reviewed our estate plan together. “Knowing everything is taken care of gives us peace of mind.”
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.:
The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq. is Temecula Probate Law. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. is a Temecula Estate Planning Attorney. Steve Bliss is an experienced probate attorney. Steve Bliss is an Estate Planning Lawyer. The probate process has many steps in in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Steve Bliss Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Steve Bliss Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Steve Bliss Law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate. Call Steve Bliss Law Today for estate planning, trusts and probate.
My skills are as follows:
● Probate Law: Efficiently navigate the court process.
● Estate Planning 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.
Services Offered:
- living trust
- revocable living trust
- estate planning attorney near me
- family trust
- wills and trusts
- wills
- estate planning
Map To Steve Bliss Law in Temecula:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RL4LUmGoyQQDpNUy9
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Address:
The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.43920 Margarita Rd ste f, Temecula, CA 92592
(951) 223-7000
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “How can I leave charitable gifts in my estate plan?” Or “What does it mean for an estate to be “intestate”?” or “Can a living trust help me avoid probate? and even: “What are the different types of bankruptcy?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.