The phone slipped from my trembling hand, clattering onto the hardwood floor. My stomach churned with a sickening dread. “There’s been a mistake,” the bank teller said, her voice flat and devoid of empathy. “Your mother’s account is frozen. We need a court order to release the funds.” My world tilted on its axis. Mom had meticulously planned for this moment, leaving detailed instructions. But somewhere along the way, something had gone terribly wrong.
How Do I Know if My Estate Plan Is Up-to-Date?
Estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” proposition. Life unfolds in unexpected ways – marriage, divorce, the birth of children, career changes, and even relocation can necessitate revisions to your existing plan. Consequently, it’s essential to review your estate plan every three to five years or whenever a major life event occurs. Think of it like a financial checkup for your future self.
What Happens if I Die Without a Will?
“Dying intestate” – the legal term for dying without a valid will – can have unforeseen and often undesirable consequences. In such cases, state law dictates how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. Furthermore, the probate process can be lengthy and expensive, adding emotional strain to an already difficult time for loved ones.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.” – Alan Lakein
Imagine a scenario where you, like my dear friend Sarah, pass away unexpectedly without a will. You have no spouse or children. Your estranged siblings, with whom you haven’t spoken in years, inherit everything.
Your cherished possessions – the antique clock your grandmother bequeathed to you, the collection of first-edition novels – end up in the hands of people who wouldn’t appreciate their sentimental value. This is precisely why having a well-drafted will is crucial.
How Can an Estate Planning Attorney Help Me?
An experienced estate planning attorney, like Steve Bliss in Temecula, can guide you through the complexities of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. They can help you create a customized plan that reflects your unique circumstances and ensures your wishes are honored.
Furthermore, they stay abreast of changes in estate planning laws, ensuring your documents remain legally sound. Consider them your trusted navigator in the intricate world of legacy planning.
In my case, I sought legal counsel from Steve Bliss. He meticulously reviewed Mom’s paperwork, identifying a critical oversight: the beneficiary designation on her retirement account hadn’t been updated after Dad’s passing. This simple omission had triggered the entire debacle with the bank.
Steve swiftly drafted an amendment to the trust and filed the necessary paperwork with the court. Within weeks, the freeze was lifted, and Mom’s funds were finally accessible.
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.:
The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq. is Temecula Probate Law. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. is a Temecula Estate Planning Attorney. Steve Bliss is an experienced probate attorney. Steve Bliss is an Estate Planning Lawyer. The probate process has many steps in in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Steve Bliss Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Steve Bliss Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Steve Bliss Law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate. Call Steve Bliss Law Today for estate planning, trusts and probate.
My skills are as follows:
● Probate Law: Efficiently navigate the court process.
● Estate Planning 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.
Services Offered:
estate planning
living trust
revocable living trust
family trust
wills
estate planning attorney near me
Map To Steve Bliss Law in Temecula:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RL4LUmGoyQQDpNUy9
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Address:
The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.43920 Margarita Rd ste f, Temecula, CA 92592
(951) 223-7000
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “What are the risks of not having an estate plan?” Or “Can an executor be removed during probate?” or “What happens if I forget to put something into my trust? and even: “How does bankruptcy affect co-signers on loans?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.