Hi, I’m Tiffany Ramirez reporting for San Diego News Today. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Steve Bliss, a prominent probate attorney here in San Diego.
Steve, thank you so much for joining us today.
It’s my pleasure, Tiffany. Happy to be here and share some information about the probate process.
Can you tell our viewers about one of the key steps involved in estate planning? Let’s focus on “Marshaling the Estate Assets.”
Certainly. Marshaling estate assets is a crucial step that occurs after the court grants Letters Testamentary or Administration. This is essentially the process of identifying, locating, and valuing all of the assets belonging to the deceased person. These assets can include real estate, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, vehicles, personal property—you name it.
It’s important to create a comprehensive inventory of these assets. Accordingly, we work closely with the executor or administrator to gather documentation such as deeds, account statements, and investment portfolios. We then need to determine the fair market value of each asset at the time of death. This valuation is often necessary for calculating estate taxes and distributing assets fairly among beneficiaries.
Consequently, meticulous record-keeping is essential during this stage. Any discrepancies or omissions could lead to complications later in the probate process. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for hidden assets to surface unexpectedly. I recall one instance where we uncovered a substantial sum of money tucked away in a forgotten safe deposit box.
The meticulous inventory and valuation process ultimately ensure that all assets are accounted for and distributed according to the decedent’s wishes or state law.
Have you encountered any challenges during the “Marshaling the Estate Assets” phase?
Yes, occasionally we encounter situations where locating assets proves difficult. This can occur if the deceased didn’t maintain detailed financial records or if family members are unaware of certain accounts. In those cases, we may need to engage forensic accountants or conduct extensive research to track down missing assets.
I remember a case involving a client whose father had passed away without leaving a will. It turned out he had several investment accounts spread across different institutions under various aliases. It took some dedicated investigation, but we were able to locate and recover these assets for the beneficiaries.
What advice would you give to someone starting the estate planning process?
- Create a detailed inventory of your assets and liabilities.
- Keep all important documents organized and accessible.
- Consult with an experienced probate attorney to ensure your wishes are carried out correctly.
Proactive planning can save your loved ones significant time, stress, and expense during a difficult time. Remember, estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy; everyone should have a plan in place to protect their assets and provide for their family.
Steve, where can viewers learn more about San Diego Probate Law?
Our website is a great resource for information about probate, trusts, wills, and other estate planning matters. You can find us at https://sandiegoprobatelaw.com/. We also encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact us directly for a free consultation.
“San Diego Probate Law helped me navigate a complex probate process after my mother passed away. They were compassionate, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. I highly recommend their services.”
– John S.
“Steve Bliss is an exceptional probate attorney who went above and beyond for my family. He made a difficult situation much easier to handle and ensured that everything was done correctly.” – Mary L.
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 are charitable gifts handled in 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 Asset Protection Trust Attorney |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Asset Protection Trust Attorney California |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Asset Protection Trust Attorney |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| San Diego Asset Protection Trust Attorney |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Asset Protection Trust Attorney San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Credible Asset Protection Trust Attorney in San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |