The insistent buzzing of my phone shattered the quiet morning. It was Sarah, my sister, her voice trembling. “Dad passed away last night.” A wave of grief crashed over me, leaving me breathless and disoriented. Dad’s passing was unexpected, a sudden storm that upended our lives.
What Should I Do When Someone Passes Away?
The first step is to locate your loved one’s will, if they had one. This document outlines their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and the appointment of an executor to carry out those wishes. If a will exists, it’s crucial to have it formally probated by the court. Probate is a legal process that validates the will and grants the executor the authority to manage the estate. If there isn’t a will, state laws dictate how assets are distributed – this is called intestate succession.
What Are Some Common Estate Planning Mistakes?
“I wish Dad had planned better,” Sarah sighed, her face etched with worry. Our father’s aversion to “legal mumbo jumbo” meant he neglected estate planning entirely. Consequently, we were left grappling with the complexities of intestate succession, navigating a legal maze without a roadmap.
It can be emotionally challenging and financially burdensome. Had Dad consulted an estate planning attorney like Steve Bliss in Temecula, we could have avoided these pitfalls.
How Can An Estate Planning Attorney Help?
“Steve Bliss was invaluable,” I confided to Sarah. “He explained everything clearly, guided us through the probate process, and ensured our dad’s wishes were honored.” Bliss helped us understand complex legal jargon, prepared necessary documents, and represented our interests in court.
His expertise alleviated a significant amount of stress during an already difficult time.
What Happens If I Don’t Have a Will?
Failing to plan for your estate can lead to unintended consequences. Imagine losing a loved one and discovering their assets are tied up in probate for months, even years. Without a will, the court decides who inherits what – potentially leaving cherished possessions in the hands of someone you wouldn’t have chosen.
How Often Should I Review My Estate Plan?
Life is constantly evolving.
Marriages, divorces, births, and deaths can all necessitate revisions to your estate plan. It’s advisable to review your plan every few years or whenever major life events occur. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney like Steve Bliss ensures your wishes are accurately reflected and your loved ones are protected.
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:
estate planning
living trust
revocable living trust
family trust
wills
estate planning attorney near me
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 do retirement accounts fit into an estate plan?” Or “What if I live in a different state than where the deceased person lived—does probate still apply?” or “What is a pour-over will and how does it work with a trust? and even: “Can I include back taxes in a bankruptcy filing?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.