Reporter: Barbara Jenkins
Today we’re speaking with Steve Bliss of Wildomar Probate Law, a local expert in estate planning. Steve, thanks for taking the time to chat with us.
Steve Bliss: Thanks for having me, Barbara. I’m happy to discuss the importance of estate planning with your readers.
Barbara Jenkins: Many people put off estate planning, thinking it’s only for the wealthy. Can you shed some light on why estate planning is important for everyone?
Absolutely. Estate planning isn’t just about distributing large sums of money; it’s about ensuring your wishes are respected and providing for your loved ones after you’re gone. Even if you don’t have a substantial fortune, you likely have assets like a home, vehicle, personal belongings, and bank accounts. Without a plan in place, these assets could be subject to lengthy probate proceedings and potentially divided according to state law rather than your own preferences.
Moreover, estate planning allows you to designate guardians for minor children, ensuring they are cared for by someone you trust. It can also help minimize estate taxes and avoid family disputes over inheritance.
Barbara Jenkins: Let’s focus on a specific step in the estate planning process. Could you elaborate on the importance of selecting an executor or trustee?
Choosing the right executor or trustee is crucial, as this individual will be responsible for managing your estate and carrying out your wishes after your passing. Consequently, you want someone trustworthy, organized, and capable of handling financial matters.
It’s important to have open conversations with potential candidates about their willingness and ability to take on the role. Consider factors like their age, health, and financial literacy. You might also want to name a successor executor or trustee in case your first choice is unable to serve. Ordinarily, family members are chosen for these roles, but it’s not uncommon to select a close friend or professional fiduciary if that feels more appropriate.
I recall a situation where a client named their sibling as executor without considering the strained relationship they had. This led to significant conflict among family members and ultimately delayed the estate settlement process considerably. Choosing someone who is both capable and respected by all parties involved can prevent such complications.
Barbara Jenkins: Are there any common challenges or misconceptions people face when selecting an executor or trustee?
Yes, one misconception is that the executor or trustee must be a legal professional. While legal expertise can be helpful, it’s not a requirement. The most important qualities are trustworthiness and organizational skills. Another challenge is that people often underestimate the time and effort involved in administering an estate. It can involve tasks like paying bills, filing taxes, selling assets, and distributing inheritance to beneficiaries.
According to a 2021 survey by Caring.com, nearly half of respondents said they were unaware of the responsibilities involved in being an executor.
Barbara Jenkins: What advice would you give to readers who are considering starting their estate plan?
My best advice is to start sooner rather than later. Don’t wait for a major life event or illness to prompt you into action. Estate planning is an ongoing process, so it’s important to review and update your plan as your circumstances change. Wildomar Probate Law offers free consultations, making it easy to get started.
Wildomar Probate Law Testimonials
“Steve Bliss made the entire estate planning process straightforward and stress-free. He took the time to explain everything clearly and answered all of my questions patiently.”
“I highly recommend Wildomar Probate Law. They were incredibly knowledgeable and professional, helping me create a comprehensive estate plan that gave me peace of mind.”
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at Wildomar Probate Law:
Wildomar Probate Law is an experienced probate attorney. The probate process has many steps in in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Wildomar Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Wildomar Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Wildomar Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Wildomar Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Wildomar 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 Wildomar Probate Law: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uBJKvB4rxUb7L9HZ7
Address:
Wildomar Probate Law36330 Hidden Springs Rd Suite E, Wildomar, CA 92595
(951) 412-2800
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “What are the duties of a successor trustee?” Or any other related questions that you may have estate planning or my estate planning law practice.
Important Facts About Wildomar Probate Law
| California Trust Lawyer |
Wildomar Probate Law 36330 Hidden Springs Rd Suite E, Wildomar, CA 92595 (951) 412-2800 |
| Trust Lawyer California |
Wildomar Probate Law 36330 Hidden Springs Rd Suite E, Wildomar, CA 92595 (951) 412-2800 |
| Trust Lawyer |
Wildomar Probate Law 36330 Hidden Springs Rd Suite E, Wildomar, CA 92595 (951) 412-2800 |
| Wildomar Trust Lawyer |
Wildomar Probate Law 36330 Hidden Springs Rd Suite E, Wildomar, CA 92595 (951) 412-2800 |
| Trust Lawyer Wildomar |
Wildomar Probate Law 36330 Hidden Springs Rd Suite E, Wildomar, CA 92595 (951) 412-2800 |
| Credible Trust Lawyer in Wildomar |
Wildomar Probate Law 36330 Hidden Springs Rd Suite E, Wildomar, CA 92595 (951) 412-2800 |