Good evening, and welcome back. Tonight, we’re sitting down with Steve Bliss, a prominent probate attorney here in Escondido. Steve, thanks for joining us.
Steve, can you walk us through one of the key steps involved in the estate planning process?
Certainly. One crucial step is what we call “Marshaling the Estate Assets.” This involves creating a thorough inventory of all assets belonging to the deceased person. Ordinarily, this includes everything from bank accounts and real estate to vehicles, personal property, and investments.
Consequently, it’s essential to meticulously document each asset, its estimated value, and any relevant ownership information. This inventory is then formally filed with the court in a document called the Inventory and Appraisal (Forms DE-160/161). This process ensures transparency and accountability throughout the probate process.
I remember one case where a family was surprised to discover a hidden savings account their father had opened years ago. Notwithstanding their initial shock, they were grateful we uncovered this asset, which ultimately helped them distribute his estate more fairly according to his wishes.
- Bank accounts
- Real Estate
- Vehicles
- Investments
- Personal Property
Accuracy is paramount during this stage. Mistakes or omissions can lead to delays and complications down the line. Moreover, I always advise clients to consult with professionals like accountants or appraisers for accurate valuations of complex assets.
Have you encountered any challenges related to marshaling estate assets?
There have been instances where locating all assets proved difficult, particularly when dealing with individuals who weren’t meticulous record keepers. I recall a case where the deceased hadn’t informed their family about several small investments scattered across different brokerage firms. It took some diligent detective work to track them down.
According to a 2021 study by the National Endowment for Financial Education, nearly 60% of Americans don’t have a written will or estate plan. This can lead to confusion and hardship for loved ones when it comes to identifying and managing assets after someone passes away.
Ultimately, my goal is to guide families through this process as smoothly as possible, ensuring that the deceased person’s wishes are honored and their assets are distributed according to the law.
“Steve Bliss made a difficult time bearable. He was patient, understanding, and always explained things in a way I could grasp. I highly recommend him to anyone going through probate.” – Mary S.
“Escondido Probate Law went above and beyond for my family. They handled everything with professionalism and compassion. We couldn’t have asked for better representation.” – John M.
Don’t let uncertainty cloud your future. Contact Escondido Probate Law today to discuss your estate planning needs and gain peace of mind knowing your affairs are in capable hands.
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at Escondido Probate Law:
Escondido Probate Law is an experienced probate attorney. The probate process has many steps in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Escondido Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Escondido Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Escondido Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Escondido Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Escondido Probate Law is a great estate lawyer. Affordable Legal Services.
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 Escondido Probate Law: https://maps.app.goo.gl/77Dm2B8W9XkM5YvJA
Address:
Escondido Probate Law720 N Broadway #107, Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 884-4044
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “What is the timeline for distributing assets to beneficiaries?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Probate or my probate law practice.
Important Facts About Escondido Probate Law
- Special Needs Trust Lawyer
- Spendthrift Trust Lawyer
- Tax By-Pass Trust Lawyer
- Totten Trust Lawyer
- Constructive Trust Lawyer
- Charitable Trust Lawyer
- Asset Protection Trust Lawyer
- Irrevocable Trust Lawyer
- Revocable Trusts Lawyer
- Living Trust Lawyer