Reporter: Barbara Jones
Today I’m speaking with Steve Bliss, a prominent probate attorney here in Moreno Valley. Steve, thanks for taking the time to chat with me.
Steve Bliss: My pleasure, Barbara. Always happy to discuss estate planning and probate matters.
Steve, could you walk our readers through one of the key steps involved in the probate process?
Steve Bliss: Certainly. One crucial step is Marshaling the Estate Assets. This involves meticulously inventorying all assets belonging to the deceased person.
Think of it like piecing together a financial puzzle. We need to identify everything from bank accounts and investments to real estate, vehicles, personal property, and even digital assets.
Consequently, accurate record-keeping by the decedent is incredibly helpful during this stage. If they maintained organized financial statements and records of their possessions, it makes our job significantly easier.
Once we have a comprehensive inventory, we file an Inventory and Appraisal with the court (Forms DE-160/161). This document provides a detailed accounting of all assets and their estimated value.
It’s important to remember that probate is a transparent process, and the court requires this level of scrutiny to ensure everything is handled fairly and according to the law.
There have been times when, despite our best efforts, locating all assets proves challenging. I recall one case where we had to track down several long-forgotten bank accounts held by the decedent in different states. It required a lot of detective work, but ultimately we were successful in recovering these funds for the beneficiaries.
Notwithstanding those occasional complexities, the Marshaling the Estate Assets step is fundamental to a smooth probate process. Properly accounting for all assets ensures that they are distributed according to the decedent’s wishes or intestate succession laws if there is no will.
According to the California Courts website, approximately 70% of estates in California go through probate.
Barbara Jones: That’s a significant number! What advice would you give to our readers regarding estate planning and probate?
Steve Bliss: My best advice is to plan ahead. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Create a will, establish trusts if necessary, and keep your financial records organized. This can save your loved ones considerable time, stress, and expense down the road.
Moreover, remember that probate law is complex. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a qualified probate attorney who can help you navigate the process smoothly.
“Steve Bliss helped us through a very difficult time after our mother passed away. He was compassionate, knowledgeable, and always kept us informed.” – Maria S.
“Moreno Valley Probate Law made what seemed like an overwhelming task manageable. They were professional, efficient, and truly cared about our needs.” – John B.
Ready to take control of your future? Contact Moreno Valley Probate Law today for a free consultation.
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at Moreno Valley Probate Law:
Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Moreno Valley Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Moreno Valley Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Moreno Valley Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley Probate Law: https://maps.app.goo.gl/C7zg2U6pn1B6KyXN8
Address:
Moreno Valley Probate Law23328 Olive Wood Plaza Dr suite h, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
(951) 363-4949
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “Can I sell property during the probate process?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Probate or my probate law practice.
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