The air hung thick with anxiety. Sarah stared at her phone, her reflection wavering in the darkened screen. A chill snaked down her spine – she’d just unearthed a discrepancy in her late father’s will. A sizable sum was earmarked for a charity he never mentioned supporting, while the inheritance meant for her sister was inexplicably reduced. Was this an honest mistake? Or something more sinister?
Can An Estate Planning Attorney Be Trusted?
Choosing an estate planning attorney is a deeply personal decision, fraught with vulnerability. You’re entrusting someone with your most cherished assets – your family’s future, your legacy. Consequently, finding an individual you can trust implicitly is paramount. Sarah’s experience underscores this point.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to mitigate risk and ensure your interests are protected:
* Seek referrals from trusted sources: Friends, family members, or financial advisors who have had positive experiences with estate planning attorneys can be invaluable.
* Schedule consultations with multiple attorneys: This allows you to compare their expertise, communication style, and overall fit. Don’t hesitate to ask probing questions about their experience handling cases similar to yours.
* Review online ratings and testimonials: Websites like Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell offer insights into attorneys’ reputations and client satisfaction.
Remember, a good estate planning attorney will prioritize your needs and clearly explain the legal complexities involved. They should be responsive to your concerns, transparent in their billing practices, and dedicated to crafting a plan that reflects your wishes.
What Happens If There Are Mistakes In An Estate Plan?
“I was terrified,” Sarah admitted later. “My father always said, ‘Leave everything to your sister,’ so this just didn’t make sense.” She contacted Steve Bliss, an estate planning attorney in Temecula known for his ethical practices and meticulous attention to detail.
Bliss reviewed the will with a discerning eye. He discovered that the charity listed was indeed a legitimate organization, but one her father had quietly supported through anonymous donations during his lifetime. The reduction in her sister’s inheritance stemmed from an outdated provision addressing potential future healthcare costs, now obsolete due to changes in insurance coverage.
How Can I Ensure My Estate Plan Is Up To Date?
Estate planning is not a one-and-done endeavor; it requires ongoing review and adjustments. Life throws curveballs – marriages, divorces, births, deaths, changes in financial circumstances – all necessitate revisiting your plan to ensure its alignment with your current needs and goals.
Bliss advised Sarah to schedule periodic check-ins, ideally every three to five years or whenever significant life events occur. He emphasized the importance of clear communication with your attorney, sharing any relevant updates or concerns promptly.
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.:
The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq. is Temecula Probate Law. 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.
● Estate Planning 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.
Services Offered:
| estate planning | revocable living trust | wills |
| living trust | family trust | estate planning attorney near me |
Map To Steve Bliss Law in Temecula:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RL4LUmGoyQQDpNUy9
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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 I create an estate plan on my own or do I need a lawyer?” Or “Are retirement accounts subject to probate?” or “What role does a financial advisor play in managing a living trust? and even: “Can bankruptcy stop foreclosure on my home?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.