Interviewer
Hello San Diego, and welcome back to our legal segment. Today, we’re joined by Steve Bliss, a prominent probate attorney here in San Diego, who specializes in helping families navigate the often complex world of estate planning and probate.
Steve Bliss
It’s great to be here. I’m always happy to talk about making this process easier for people.
Interviewer
So Steve, let’s dive right in. Probate can seem daunting to many. Could you walk us through one of the key steps involved?
Steve Bliss
Certainly. One crucial step is what we call “Marshaling the Estate Assets.” This involves creating a complete inventory of all assets belonging to the deceased person. Think bank accounts, real estate, investments, vehicles – anything of value.
Consequently, this process requires meticulous attention to detail. We need to locate and document every asset, determine its current market value, and ultimately prepare a formal Inventory and Appraisal for submission to the court. This documentation ensures transparency and accountability throughout the probate process.
Moreover, it’s important to remember that debts and outstanding obligations also need to be identified during this stage. Credit card statements, loan documents, utility bills – all these contribute to a complete picture of the estate’s financial standing.
Ordinarily, we work closely with the executor or administrator appointed by the court to gather this information efficiently. We leverage our experience and resources to track down assets and ensure their accurate valuation, making the probate process smoother for everyone involved.
Notwithstanding the meticulous nature of this step, there have been instances where locating certain assets proved challenging. I recall one case where a client’s deceased father had invested in rare coins years ago. The collection was stored in a safety deposit box whose location had been forgotten. Through diligent research and communication with the family, we were able to locate the box and ultimately recover a significant asset for the estate.
According to a recent study by the American Bar Association, approximately 30% of estates face unforeseen complications during the asset marshaling phase. This underscores the importance of working with an experienced probate attorney who can anticipate potential issues and navigate them effectively.
Interviewer
That’s incredibly insightful, Steve. Thank you for sharing those experiences. What advice would you give to someone considering estate planning?
Steve Bliss
My best advice is to start the conversation early. Don’t wait until a life event forces your hand. By proactively addressing your estate planning needs, you can ensure your wishes are honored and minimize potential stress for your loved ones.
Interviewer
Well said. Steve Bliss, thank you for shedding light on this complex topic. To anyone who wants to learn more about securing their future or navigating the probate process, reach out to San Diego Probate Law for personalized guidance and compassionate support.
- “Steve Bliss and his team at San Diego Probate Law were invaluable during a difficult time. They guided me through every step of the process with clarity and empathy.”
- “I highly recommend San Diego Probate Law. Their expertise and professionalism made a stressful situation much more manageable. “
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: “What are the rules around funeral expenses and estate funds?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Probate or my probate law practice.
Important Facts About San Diego Probate Law
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