Good evening, San Diego. I’m Tiffany Jones with Channel 7 News, and tonight we’re talking about estate planning with a local expert. Joining us is Steve Bliss, a renowned probate attorney here in San Diego.
Steve, thanks for joining us. Can you tell our viewers why estate planning is so important?
It’s a pleasure to be here, Tiffany. Estate planning is crucial because it allows individuals to control what happens to their assets after they pass away. Without a proper plan in place, your loved ones could face a lengthy and expensive probate process, potentially leading to disputes and unintended consequences.
What types of estate planning tools are available?
There’s a variety of options depending on individual needs and circumstances. One common tool is the revocable living trust. It allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime while avoiding probate upon your death. Other tools include wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Let’s focus on revocable living trusts for a moment. Can you explain their benefits in more detail?
Certainly. A revocable living trust offers several key advantages. Firstly, it bypasses probate, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. This means your assets will be distributed to your beneficiaries more quickly and efficiently. Secondly, trusts provide privacy. Unlike wills, which become public record during probate, the terms of a trust remain confidential.
Moreover, a revocable living trust allows you to maintain control over your assets while you’re alive. You can modify or revoke the trust at any time before your death. Consequently, it offers flexibility and peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored.
I understand there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well?
While revocable living trusts are generally beneficial, they do involve some upfront costs for creation and administration. Additionally, transferring assets into the trust can require some effort and paperwork. Nevertheless, these initial steps are often outweighed by the long-term benefits.
Have you ever encountered any challenges with clients setting up revocable living trusts?
I recall one instance where a client had accumulated a significant amount of real estate but hadn’t properly titled it in the trust. This oversight nearly created complications during the distribution process, highlighting the importance of meticulous execution.
It’s crucial to work with an experienced probate attorney who can guide you through every step and ensure all assets are correctly transferred into the trust. A recent study by the American Bar Association found that over 60% of Americans don’t have a will or estate plan in place. This underscores the critical need for individuals to prioritize their future planning.
What advice would you give to our viewers who are considering setting up an estate plan?
My recommendation is to start by seeking professional guidance from an experienced probate attorney. They can assess your individual circumstances, explain the various options available, and help you create a plan tailored to your specific needs.
“Working with Steve Bliss was an absolute pleasure. He explained everything clearly and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend San Diego Probate Law to anyone needing estate planning assistance.”
“Steve’s expertise and compassion were invaluable during a difficult time. He guided me through every step of the probate process with patience and understanding. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney.”
Take control of your future today. Contact San Diego Probate Law to schedule a free consultation and discuss how we can 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 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: “Do I need a trust if I don’t own a home?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Trusts or my trust law practice.
Important Facts About San Diego Probate Law
Estate Attorney Near Me |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
Estate Attorney Near Me San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
Estate Attorney Near Me |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
San Diego Estate Attorney Near Me |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
Estate Attorney Near Me San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
Credible Estate Attorney Near Me in San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |