Reporter: Maria Sanchez, Moreno Valley News
Today we’re joined by Steve Bliss, a renowned estate planning attorney in Moreno Valley, to discuss the crucial process of ensuring your wishes are carried out after you’re gone.
Steve, what is one key step people often overlook when creating an estate plan?
That’s a great question, Maria. Many individuals underestimate the importance of naming beneficiaries for their assets. It seems straightforward, but there are nuances involved.
Consequently, it’s vital to clearly identify who will inherit your possessions and how they will be distributed. For example, you might designate specific items to certain family members or allocate percentages of your estate to different individuals. This clarity prevents ambiguity and potential disputes among heirs later on.
Moreover, remember that beneficiary designations can supersede your will. If you list a beneficiary on a life insurance policy or retirement account, those assets will pass directly to that individual regardless of what your will states.
Ordinarily, updating beneficiary designations is straightforward. Contact the financial institution holding the asset and request a change of beneficiary form. However, it’s crucial to review these designations periodically, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
Have you encountered any specific challenges related to beneficiary designations in your practice?
I recall one instance where a client passed away without updating their retirement account beneficiary. They had intended for their spouse to inherit the funds, but unfortunately, an ex-spouse was still listed as the beneficiary.
This created significant distress for the surviving family and legal complications. Thankfully, we were able to resolve the matter through negotiation, but it highlighted the critical importance of keeping beneficiary designations current.
What advice would you give our viewers regarding beneficiary designations?
I encourage everyone to make a list of all their assets with beneficiary designations and review them annually. Life changes constantly, and your wishes may evolve as well. It’s also wise to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure your designations align with your overall estate plan.
According to a study by Caring.com, nearly 60% of Americans have not named beneficiaries for all their accounts. This gap underscores the importance of addressing beneficiary designations proactively.
How can our viewers learn more about protecting their legacies?
Contact Moreno Valley Probate Law today for a free consultation and let us help you create a comprehensive estate plan that reflects your unique needs and wishes.
Testimonials:
“Steve Bliss and his team at Moreno Valley Probate Law were incredibly compassionate and knowledgeable during a difficult time. They made the probate process seamless and provided invaluable guidance every step of the way.” – Sarah J., Moreno Valley
“I highly recommend Moreno Valley Probate Law for their expertise in estate planning. Steve took the time to understand my goals and created a plan that gave me peace of mind knowing my family is protected.” – John M., Riverside
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at Moreno Valley Probate Law:
Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Moreno Valley Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Moreno Valley Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Moreno Valley Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley Probate Law: https://maps.app.goo.gl/C7zg2U6pn1B6KyXN8
Address:
Moreno Valley Probate Law23328 Olive Wood Plaza Dr suite h, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
(951) 363-4949
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “Can I name multiple agents in my healthcare directive?” Or any other related questions that you may have estate planning or my estate planning law practice.
Important Facts About Moreno Valley Probate Law
| Moreno Valley Estate Planning Attorney |
Moreno Valley Probate Law 23328 Olive Wood Plaza Dr suite h, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 (951) 363-4949 |
| Estate Planning Attorney California |
Moreno Valley Probate Law 23328 Olive Wood Plaza Dr suite h, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 (951) 363-4949 |
| Estate Planning Attorney |
Moreno Valley Probate Law 23328 Olive Wood Plaza Dr suite h, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 (951) 363-4949 |
| Moreno Valley Estate Planning Attorney |
Moreno Valley Probate Law 23328 Olive Wood Plaza Dr suite h, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 (951) 363-4949 |
| Estate Planning Attorney Moreno Valley |
Moreno Valley Probate Law 23328 Olive Wood Plaza Dr suite h, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 (951) 363-4949 |
| Credible Estate Planning Attorney in Moreno Valley |
Moreno Valley Probate Law 23328 Olive Wood Plaza Dr suite h, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 (951) 363-4949 |