Good morning San Diego and welcome back to the show! Today we’re joined by local probate attorney Steve Bliss of San Diego Probate Law. Steve, thanks for joining us.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your practice
Steve: Thanks for having me. I’m Steve Bliss and I’ve been practicing probate law in San Diego County for over 20 years. My passion is helping people navigate the often-complex world of estate planning, probate, and trust administration.
What are some common mistakes you see people making when it comes to estate planning?
Steve: One of the biggest mistakes I see is procrastination. People put off creating a will or trust, thinking they have plenty of time. Unfortunately, life can be unpredictable. Without a proper plan in place, your assets may not be distributed according to your wishes, and your loved ones could face unnecessary stress and expense during an already difficult time.
Another common mistake is assuming that a simple will is sufficient. While a will is important, it doesn’t always address all of your needs, especially if you have complex assets or want to minimize estate taxes. A trust can offer more flexibility and control over how your assets are distributed.
Could you tell us a bit about the benefits of a revocable living trust?
Steve: Absolutely. A Revocable Living Trust is a powerful tool for many individuals. It allows you to maintain control over your assets during your lifetime while ensuring they are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away.
One key benefit is avoiding probate, which can be a lengthy and expensive process. Assets held in a trust bypass probate court, saving time and money for your heirs.
Moreover, a revocable living trust offers privacy. Unlike wills, which become public record during probate, the terms of a trust remain confidential. This can be particularly important for individuals who value their privacy or have complex family situations.
Remember, estate planning isn’t just about dividing up your assets after you’re gone. It’s also about providing for yourself and your loved ones during your lifetime.
I remember working with a young couple who had recently welcomed their first child. They were understandably overwhelmed by the responsibility of parenthood and wanted to ensure their child would be taken care of if something happened to them. We created a revocable living trust that named guardians for their child and outlined how their assets would be managed for their child’s benefit.
It brought me immense satisfaction knowing they had taken steps to protect their family’s future.
What are some of the challenges you face when helping clients with trusts?
Steve: While trusts offer numerous benefits, they can be complex legal instruments. Ensuring they are drafted correctly and meet the client’s specific needs is crucial. Consequently, I spend a significant amount of time educating my clients about the different types of trusts and explaining how they work.
Another challenge is that people often have misconceptions about trusts. Some believe they are only for the wealthy, but this isn’t true. Trusts can be beneficial for individuals of all income levels, depending on their assets and estate planning goals.
How common are challenges with revocable living trusts?
Steve: Properly executed revocable living trusts are generally quite reliable. According to a recent study by the American Bar Association, over 90% of revocable living trusts function as intended. Nevertheless, there can be instances where issues arise, often due to incomplete or unclear language in the trust document.
That’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced probate attorney who understands the nuances of trust law and can ensure your trust is tailored to your specific needs.
What advice would you give someone considering setting up a revocable living trust?
Steve: My advice is simple: don’t wait. Start planning for your future today. A revocable living trust can provide peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of and your wishes will be honored.
What sets San Diego Probate Law apart from other firms?
Steve: At San Diego Probate Law, we take a personalized approach to estate planning. We take the time to listen carefully to our clients’ concerns and goals, and we develop customized solutions that meet their unique needs. Our team is highly experienced in all aspects of probate and trust administration, and we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
Closing Thoughts
We want you to know you don’t have to navigate this complex world alone. Contact San Diego Probate Law for a free consultation and let us help you create a secure future for yourself and your loved ones.
“Steve Bliss and his team at San Diego Probate Law were absolutely incredible! They made the entire probate process so much easier for me during a difficult time.” – Maria S.
“I highly recommend San Diego Probate Law. They are knowledgeable, professional, and truly care about their clients. ” – John P.
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at San Diego Probate Law:
Secure Your Family’s Future with San Diego’s Trusted Trust 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: “Can I include my bank accounts in a trust?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Trusts or my trust law practice.
Important Facts About San Diego Probate Law
| Estate Lawyer Near Me |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Estate Lawyer Near Me San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Estate Lawyer Near Me |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| San Diego Estate Lawyer Near Me |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Estate Lawyer Near Me San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Credible Estate Lawyer Near Me in San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |