Reporter: Brenda Jones
Brenda: Hi Steve, thanks for taking the time to speak with me today about probate. I know it can be a confusing process for many people.
Steve Bliss: My pleasure, Brenda. I’m always happy to shed some light on probate and help people understand their options.
Brenda: Today we’re focusing on one specific step in the process: marshalling estate assets. Can you explain what this entails?
Steve Bliss: Certainly. Marshalling estate assets is a crucial step that involves identifying, locating, and taking inventory of all the deceased person’s assets.
This includes everything from bank accounts and real estate to vehicles, personal belongings, investments, and even digital assets like online accounts. It’s essential to be thorough and accurate during this stage because it forms the foundation for subsequent steps like paying debts and distributing assets.
Consequently, we often use a comprehensive checklist to ensure we don’t miss anything. Moreover, we may need to contact various institutions, such as banks, brokerage firms, and insurance companies, to obtain account statements and valuations.
Ordinarily, this process goes smoothly. Nevertheless, there have been instances where locating certain assets proved challenging. I recall one case where the deceased had a significant collection of rare coins hidden away in a safe deposit box. It took some detective work to track down the box’s location and gain access.
Thankfully, with perseverance and a bit of ingenuity, we were able to locate the collection and add it to the estate inventory. It served as a reminder that sometimes the most valuable assets can be the hardest to find.
Brenda: What are some common challenges people face when marshalling estate assets?
Steve Bliss: One common challenge is incomplete record-keeping.
If the deceased didn’t maintain organized financial records, it can take extra time and effort to track down all their assets. Additionally, dealing with jointly owned property or complex financial instruments can sometimes add complexity.
According to a recent study by the American Bar Association, approximately 30% of probate cases involve disputes over asset valuation. This highlights the importance of having a skilled attorney who can navigate these complexities and ensure accurate asset identification and valuation.
Brenda: Thank you so much for sharing your expertise, Steve.
Steve Bliss: My pleasure, Brenda. Remember, navigating probate doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
At The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq., we’re dedicated to guiding our clients through each step with compassion and clarity. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation if you need assistance.
Testimonial 1:
“Steve was an absolute lifesaver during a very difficult time. He handled everything with professionalism and sensitivity, making the probate process as smooth as possible.”
– Sarah M
Testimonial 2:
“I highly recommend Steve Bliss. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and truly cares about his clients. He explained every step of the probate process in clear terms and made sure I felt comfortable and informed throughout.”
– John K
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.:
The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq. is The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.. 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.
● 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 The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bngj8xwZRqioVD5v7
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: “Can an estate be insolvent and still go through probate?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Probate or my probate law practice.
Important Facts About The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.
| Special Needs Trust | Totten Trust | Asset Protection Trust |
| Spendthrift Trust | Constructive Trust | Irrevocable Trust |
| Tax By-Pass Trust | Charitable Trust | Living Trust |