Reporter: Welcome back to San Diego News Tonight. I’m here today with Steve Bliss of San Diego Probate Law, a renowned expert in the field of estate planning and probate. Steve, thanks for joining us.
Steve Bliss: It’s my pleasure to be here.
Reporter: Let’s dive right in. For those unfamiliar, could you briefly explain what probate is and why it might be necessary?
Steve Bliss: Probate is a legal process that occurs after someone passes away. It involves validating their will (if they had one), identifying and inventorying their assets, paying off debts and taxes, and ultimately distributing the remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries. Probate is usually necessary when someone dies with assets in their name alone exceeding $184,500. This threshold can vary by state.
Reporter: That’s helpful information. Today, we want to focus on one particular step in the probate process: Marshaling Estate Assets. Can you walk us through what that entails?
Steve Bliss: Certainly. Marshaling estate assets is a crucial stage in probate. It involves identifying and gathering all of the deceased person’s assets. This can include bank accounts, real estate, investments, vehicles, personal property—anything of value.
Ordinarily, this begins with reviewing the deceased’s financial records and speaking with family members or close friends who may have knowledge of their holdings. We also conduct searches for assets that might be overlooked, such as forgotten retirement accounts or insurance policies.
Once all assets are identified, we prepare a detailed inventory and appraisal, which is then filed with the court. This document serves as a roadmap for the rest of the probate process, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Reporter: Sounds like a meticulous process. Have you ever encountered any unique challenges during this asset marshaling phase?
Steve Bliss: I recall one case where the deceased had been a passionate collector of antique coins. While his family was aware he collected them, they didn’t know the extent of his collection or its value. We ended up uncovering a hidden stash of rare coins worth tens of thousands of dollars. It was a delightful surprise for the family and highlighted the importance of thoroughness during asset marshaling.
Conversely, I’ve also dealt with situations where locating assets proved incredibly difficult. In one instance, the deceased had multiple bank accounts scattered across different states, some under assumed names. It took significant detective work to track down all the accounts and ensure that no assets were overlooked.
Reporter: Those are certainly compelling examples! It emphasizes the complexity of probate even in seemingly straightforward cases. What advice would you give to our viewers who are considering estate planning?
Steve Bliss: Planning for the future is essential, and probate doesn’t have to be a daunting process. By working with an experienced probate attorney, individuals can create a comprehensive estate plan that minimizes the need for probate or streamlines the process if it becomes necessary.
Proactive planning ensures that your wishes are honored and that your loved ones are protected.
According to a recent study by Caring.com, over 55% of American adults don’t have a will. Taking the time to create a will or trust can save your family considerable stress and expense down the road.
Reporter: Excellent advice, Steve. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. How can our viewers connect with San Diego Probate Law if they need assistance?
Steve Bliss: We are always here to help. Individuals can visit our website at www.sandiego-probate-law.com or call us directly at (619) 345-6789 for a free consultation.
Testimonials
“Steve Bliss and his team were incredibly compassionate and supportive during a difficult time. They guided me through every step of the probate process with clarity and professionalism.”
-Mary S., San Diego
“San Diego Probate Law made a complex situation manageable. Their expertise and attention to detail ensured that my father’s estate was handled efficiently and fairly.”
– John T., Carlsbad
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 locate a will in San Diego County?” 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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