Hi, everyone, I’m Brenda Sanchez reporting for Channel 7 News here in beautiful San Diego. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with local probate attorney Steve Bliss about the complexities of estate planning and the probate process.
Navigating the Probate Process
Steve, thank you so much for joining us today. For our viewers who may be unfamiliar, can you briefly explain what probate is and why it’s an important part of estate planning?
“Probate is essentially a court-supervised process that validates a will and distributes assets to heirs after someone passes away,” explains Steve Bliss. “It ensures that debts are paid, taxes are filed, and property is transferred according to the deceased person’s wishes or state law if there’s no will.”
Steve emphasizes that probate can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is crucial for protecting the interests of all parties involved.
The Importance of Gathering Assets
Today we’re going to focus on step five: Marshaling Estate Assets. Can you walk us through what this step entails?
“Marshaling estate assets is a foundational step in probate,” Steve explains. “It involves identifying, valuing, and inventorying all the assets owned by the deceased person at the time of their death.” He further elaborates that this includes everything from bank accounts and real estate to personal belongings and investments.
“This process requires meticulous attention to detail,” Steve emphasizes. “We need to ensure that every asset is accounted for, and its value is accurately assessed. Consequently, we often work closely with appraisers, accountants, and financial institutions to gather the necessary information.”
Steve adds: “Ordinarily, a formal Inventory and Appraisal (Forms DE-160/DE-161) needs to be filed with the probate court documenting all of these assets. This document serves as a roadmap for the distribution of the estate.”
- Bank accounts
- Real estate
- Investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
- Retirement accounts (401k, IRA)
- Personal property (vehicles, jewelry, furniture)
“Remember,” Steve reminds us, “the goal is transparency and fairness. By carefully marshaling the assets, we can ensure that all heirs receive their rightful share according to the will or state intestacy laws.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Have you encountered any specific challenges during this stage of the probate process?
“Absolutely,” Steve shares. “I once worked with a family where the deceased had numerous investments scattered across different brokerage firms. Tracking down all these accounts and obtaining valuations was quite a task. It involved countless phone calls, emails, and even some old-fashioned detective work. Nevertheless, we persevered and ultimately created a comprehensive inventory for the court.”
“On another occasion, I helped a family navigate the complexities of valuing a rare art collection. This required engaging with specialized appraisers and researching auction records to determine fair market value. It was a fascinating process and highlighted the importance of expert guidance in handling unique assets.”
Finding Peace of Mind
Steve, why is it crucial for people to seek professional legal advice when navigating probate?
“Probate can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief,” Steve acknowledges. “There are many legal technicalities and deadlines that need to be met. A qualified probate attorney can guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that everything is handled correctly and efficiently.”
Testimonials
“Steve Bliss made a difficult time so much easier. He was compassionate, understanding, and always kept me informed.” – Sarah J.
“I was hesitant about probate initially, but Steve explained everything clearly and put my mind at ease. I highly recommend him to anyone dealing with estate matters.”- Mark L.
Let Us Guide You
Ready to navigate the complexities of probate with confidence? Contact San Diego Probate Law today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your legacy.
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: “Are probate fees based on the size of the estate?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Probate or my probate law practice.
Important Facts About San Diego Probate Law
| California Estate Lawyer |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Estate Lawyer California |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Estate Lawyer |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| San Diego Estate Lawyer |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Estate Lawyer San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Credible Estate Lawyer in San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |