Good evening, San Diego! This is Maria Sanchez reporting live for Channel 7 News. Tonight we’re talking about the often-complex world of probate law with local expert Steve Bliss of San Diego Probate Law.
Steve, thanks for joining us tonight. Can you tell our viewers what exactly probate is and why it might be necessary?
It’s a pleasure to be here, Maria. Probate is essentially the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This means identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and ultimately distributing remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries according to a will or state law.
Not every estate requires probate. Ordinarily, smaller estates with assets below a certain threshold—currently $184,500 in California—can often be transferred to heirs without going through the court process. However, estates exceeding this amount or containing complex assets like real estate usually necessitate probate.
Let’s talk about one of the key steps in the probate process: handling debts and taxes. Can you walk us through what that entails?
Absolutely. This step is critical to ensure all financial obligations are met before distributing assets. First, we identify and compile a list of all known creditors. This often involves reviewing bank statements, credit card bills, and other financial documents.
We then send notices to these creditors informing them of the deceased’s passing and providing them with an opportunity to file claims against the estate. Valid creditor claims are paid from estate funds. Consequently, it’s crucial to meticulously review all claims and ensure they are legitimate.
Moreover, we also need to handle any outstanding taxes owed by the decedent. This includes federal income tax, state income tax, and possibly estate taxes depending on the size of the estate. Filing accurate and timely tax returns is essential to avoid penalties and potential complications down the line.
The process can be quite complex, especially when dealing with larger estates or unique financial situations. I recall a case where the deceased had multiple investment accounts scattered across different institutions. It took significant effort to track down all the assets and accurately calculate the tax liabilities.
Nevertheless, we were able to successfully navigate the process and ensure all debts were paid, paving the way for a smooth distribution of the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.
According to a recent report by the National Probate Lawyers Association, over 80% of probate cases involve some form of debt resolution. This highlights the importance of having experienced legal guidance during this stage.
What advice would you give to someone who is facing the probate process?
My best advice is to seek professional help from an experienced probate attorney as soon as possible. Probate can be a confusing and overwhelming process, especially for those grieving the loss of a loved one. An attorney can guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected and the estate is handled efficiently and according to the law.
We’ve heard great things about San Diego Probate Law. Do you have any testimonials from satisfied clients?
“Steve Bliss was incredibly supportive during a very difficult time. He explained everything clearly and made sure I understood all my options.” – Sarah M., San Diego
“I was impressed with Steve’s knowledge and professionalism. He handled the probate process smoothly and efficiently, allowing me to focus on healing and moving forward.” – John L., Carlsbad
Don’t let the complexities of probate weigh you down. Contact San Diego Probate Law today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate this challenging journey with compassion and expertise.
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 do I transfer a car title during 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 Constructive Trust Lawyer |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Constructive Trust Lawyer California |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Constructive Trust Lawyer |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| San Diego Constructive Trust Lawyer |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
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San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
| Credible Constructive Trust Lawyer in San Diego |
San Diego Probate Law 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |