Reporter: Brenda Jones
Today we’re speaking with Steve Bliss, a probate attorney serving the Wildomar community. Steve, thanks for taking the time to talk with us about this important topic.
Steve Bliss: Thanks for having me, Brenda. I’m always happy to discuss estate planning and probate with folks in our community.
Brenda Jones: Many people are unfamiliar with the probate process. Can you walk us through one of the key steps involved?
Certainly. One crucial step in probate is handling debts and taxes. This involves identifying and paying valid creditor claims against the deceased’s estate.
Ordinarily, this starts with notifying known creditors of the probate proceedings. We use a specific form (Form DE-157) for this notification. It’s important to be thorough here because failing to notify a legitimate creditor could lead to problems later on.
Once creditors are notified, they have a set timeframe to submit their claims. We carefully review each claim to ensure it’s valid and supported by documentation. If a claim is deemed valid, we prioritize paying it from the estate assets.
Conversely, if a claim is disputed or deemed invalid, we follow legal procedures to address those challenges. In addition to creditor claims, we are also responsible for filing and paying any applicable federal and state taxes on behalf of the estate.
This step can be quite complex, as it involves navigating various legal requirements and deadlines. Consequently, it’s crucial to have an experienced probate attorney guide you through this process.
Brenda Jones: Have there ever been any challenging situations regarding debt and tax handling during probate?
I recall one case where a family was unaware of a significant outstanding loan against the deceased’s property. This loan hadn’t been disclosed in the initial asset inventory. Discovering this late in the process added considerable stress and delayed the final distribution to heirs.
Thankfully, we were able to negotiate with the lender and reach a settlement that allowed the estate to proceed. Nevertheless, that experience highlighted the importance of being diligent and thorough when identifying all assets and liabilities during the probate process.
In fact, according to a 2021 study by the American Bar Association, nearly 30% of probate cases involve unforeseen debts or tax liabilities.
Brenda Jones: What advice would you give to someone who is facing probate?
My best advice is to seek guidance from an experienced probate attorney as early as possible. Probate can be a complex and emotionally challenging process, so having skilled legal support can make all the difference.
At Wildomar Probate Law, we are dedicated to helping families navigate this difficult time with compassion and expertise.
Testimonial 1:
“Steve Bliss was an absolute godsend during a very stressful time. He explained everything clearly and patiently, and he always kept me informed about the progress of my case. I felt confident knowing that he had my best interests at heart.”
Testimonial 2:
“Wildomar Probate Law made what could have been a nightmare experience into something manageable. They were professional, responsive, and truly cared about helping me through the probate process.”
Let us guide you through this complex process with compassion and expertise. Contact Wildomar Probate Law today for a free consultation.
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at Wildomar Probate Law:
Wildomar Probate Law is an experienced probate attorney. The probate process has many steps in in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Wildomar Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Wildomar Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Wildomar Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Wildomar Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Wildomar 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 Wildomar Probate Law: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uBJKvB4rxUb7L9HZ7
Address:
Wildomar Probate Law36330 Hidden Springs Rd Suite E, Wildomar, CA 92595
(951) 412-2800
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “What if the deceased owned property in multiple states?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Probate or my probate law practice.
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