Reporter: Welcome back to our show. Today, we’re joined by local attorney Steve Bliss, who specializes in probate law here in San Diego
Steve, thanks so much for joining us. Many of our viewers may not be familiar with probate. Can you tell us a bit about what it is and why someone might need it?
Steve Bliss: Absolutely. Probate is essentially the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate.
This involves identifying and valuing assets, paying off debts and taxes, and ultimately distributing the remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries. Ordinarily, probate is necessary when someone dies with assets in their name alone that exceed a certain value threshold.
Reporter: So it’s not always required then?
That’s right. For example, if someone has jointly owned property or assets held in a trust, those may pass directly to the surviving owner or beneficiary without going through probate. Consequently, careful estate planning can help minimize or even avoid the need for probate altogether.
Reporter: Interesting. Let’s dive a bit deeper into one of the specific steps involved in probate. Could you explain the process of “Marshaling the Estate Assets”?
That’s an important stage, and it involves thoroughly inventorying all of the deceased person’s assets. This includes everything from bank accounts and investments to real estate and personal property.
Moreover, we need to determine the fair market value of each asset as of the date of death. A detailed inventory is then filed with the court, along with an appraisal report for any significant assets. Accurate marshaling ensures that all assets are accounted for and distributed properly according to the will or state intestacy laws.
It’s a meticulous process that requires careful attention to detail, as even seemingly insignificant items can have value. I recall one case where we discovered a forgotten safe deposit box containing rare coins worth tens of thousands of dollars. It highlights the importance of leaving no stone unturned when marshaling assets.
Notwithstanding these efforts, challenges can arise. Sometimes heirs dispute the valuation of certain assets, or documents may be missing, making it difficult to track down ownership. These situations often require negotiation and compromise, but ultimately our goal is to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of the estate.
Reporter: I can imagine those situations could be stressful for everyone involved. What advice would you give to someone who’s facing probate?
My best advice is to seek legal guidance early on. Probate law can be complex, and navigating it alone can be overwhelming. An experienced probate attorney can guide you through each step, answer your questions, and advocate for your interests.
According to the San Diego County Bar Association, nearly 70% of probate cases involve some degree of legal representation. Remember, having a knowledgeable professional on your side can make the process smoother and less daunting.
Reporter: That’s great advice, Steve. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today.
Steve Bliss: My pleasure. I hope this information has been helpful to our viewers. Remember, if you’re facing probate or have questions about estate planning, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Testimonial 1
“After my mother passed away, I was completely overwhelmed with the prospect of handling her estate. Steve Bliss and his team were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. They walked me through each step of the probate process with patience and compassion. I highly recommend San Diego Probate Law.”
Testimonial 2
“Steve Bliss helped my family navigate a complicated probate case involving multiple heirs and disputed assets. He was a strong advocate for our interests and always kept us informed throughout the process. His expertise and professionalism were invaluable.”
Let us help you through this difficult time. Contact San Diego Probate Law to schedule a consultation today.
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: “What happens to unpaid taxes during probate?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Probate or my probate law practice.
Important Facts About San Diego Probate Law
| California Probate Attorney |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Probate Attorney California |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Probate Attorney |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| San Diego Probate Attorney |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Probate Attorney San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Credible Probate Attorney in San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |