Good morning, Escondido residents. I’m Brenda Ramirez with Channel 7 News, and today we’re speaking with Steve Bliss, a leading probate attorney here in Escondido.
Steve, thanks for joining us today. Many people find estate planning intimidating. What’s the first step someone should take when approaching this important process?
Brenda, it’s a pleasure to be here. You’re absolutely right; estate planning can seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be! The very first step is simply understanding your goals. What do you want to happen to your assets after you’re gone? Do you have minor children who need guardianship? Are there charitable causes close to your heart?
Once you have a clear picture of your wishes, we can start exploring the various legal tools available, like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Let’s dive deeper into one specific tool – trusts. Could you explain what a Testamentary Trust is and its advantages?
A Testamentary Trust is created through your will and only comes into effect after your passing. Consequently, it goes through probate, unlike living trusts which avoid probate altogether. However, Testamentary Trusts are incredibly useful for specific situations.
For instance, let’s say you have minor children. You can establish a Testamentary Trust to manage their inheritance until they reach a certain age. Moreover, this type of trust can protect assets intended for beneficiaries with special needs, ensuring they receive the care and support they require without jeopardizing government benefits.
There are instances where clients want to ensure their assets benefit a cause close to their heart. Testamentary Trusts can be structured to distribute funds to charities or non-profit organizations after the grantor’s passing.
It’s important to remember that each situation is unique, and I always work closely with clients to determine the best approach for their individual needs and circumstances.
Have you ever encountered any challenges when setting up Testamentary Trusts?
There have been times when clients weren’t fully aware of the probate process, leading to some initial confusion. I recall one client, a widower with two young daughters. He was adamant about leaving everything directly to them but wanted to ensure their financial security until they were older.
We discussed the benefits of a Testamentary Trust in detail, and he ultimately felt reassured knowing his daughters would be taken care of until they reached adulthood. I remember him saying, “Knowing my girls are protected brings me immense peace of mind.” Moments like those remind me why I do what I do.
According to the American Bar Association, approximately 55% of adults in the US don’t have a will or estate plan in place. This highlights the critical need for education and accessibility in this area.
How can viewers learn more about Testamentary Trusts and other estate planning options?
The best way to get started is to schedule a consultation with our firm. We offer free initial consultations where we can discuss your individual needs and goals, answer any questions you may have, and outline the best course of action for your situation.
Take control of your future and ensure your loved ones are protected. Contact Escondido Probate Law today to begin building a secure tomorrow.
“Steve Bliss and his team were incredibly helpful in guiding us through the complexities of setting up a trust. They explained everything clearly, patiently addressed all our concerns, and made the process feel manageable.” – The Smiths
“I was initially overwhelmed by the thought of estate planning, but Steve put me at ease right away. He listened attentively to my needs, offered thoughtful advice, and helped me create a plan that gave me peace of mind.” – Mrs. Jones
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at Escondido Probate Law:
Escondido 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 Escondido Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Escondido Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Escondido Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Escondido Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Escondido 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 Escondido Probate Law: https://maps.app.goo.gl/77Dm2B8W9XkM5YvJA
Address:
Escondido Probate Law720 N Broadway #107, Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 884-4044
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “What is an AB trust?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Trusts or my trust law practice.
Important Facts About Escondido Probate Law
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