Interview with Steve Bliss: Understanding Testamentary Trusts

Meet Steve Bliss

Good evening, San Diego! I’m Brenda Sanchez reporting for Channel 7 News. Tonight we’re speaking with renowned San Diego Probate Attorney, Steve Bliss of San Diego Probate Law. Steve specializes in helping individuals navigate the often-complex world of estate planning. Welcome to the show, Steve.

Testamentary Trusts Explained

Thanks for having me, Brenda. It’s always a pleasure to shed light on these important matters. Many people aren’t familiar with the different types of trusts available, and today we’re going to delve into testamentary trusts.

Essentially, a testamentary trust is created through a will and only takes effect upon the grantor’s death. Consequently, it goes through probate, unlike living trusts which avoid this process altogether. Nevertheless, there are situations where a testamentary trust can be quite beneficial.

Benefits of Testamentary Trusts

One common use case is for providing financial support to minor children or beneficiaries with special needs. Ordinarily, if a parent were to pass away without a testamentary trust in place, their assets would be distributed directly to the children. This can create challenges, especially for minors who may not yet have the maturity or financial literacy to manage such funds responsibly.

A testamentary trust allows you to designate a trustee who will oversee the distribution of assets according to your wishes. You can specify how and when the funds are released to the beneficiaries, ensuring their long-term financial well-being. Moreover, it provides legal protection for the assets, safeguarding them from potential creditors or mismanagement.

Challenges and Considerations

Of course, as with any legal instrument, there are considerations involved. I’ve seen situations where families experienced unexpected conflicts due to unclear instructions in the trust document. It’s crucial to work with an experienced probate attorney who can help you craft a comprehensive and unambiguous testamentary trust that aligns with your goals.

Once, I worked with a widowed mother who wanted to ensure her young daughter received a college education. We established a testamentary trust that would fund her tuition and living expenses upon reaching adulthood. The peace of mind it brought her knowing her daughter’s future was secure was truly heartwarming.

The Importance of Seeking Professional Advice

According to the American Bar Association, over 50% of Americans do not have a will or estate plan in place. This highlights the crucial need for individuals to proactively address these matters. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Consulting with an experienced probate attorney like myself can help you make informed decisions and create a customized estate plan that meets your specific needs.

San Diego Probate Law: Your Trusted Partner

“I highly recommend San Diego Probate Law. Steve Bliss made the complex process of settling my mother’s estate so much easier. He was always available to answer my questions and guide me through every step.” – Sarah M.

“Steve is a true professional who genuinely cares about his clients. He helped us establish a trust for our grandchildren’s future, and we feel confident knowing they are protected.” – David & Susan L.

Let San Diego Probate Law empower you to protect your legacy and secure the financial well-being of your loved ones. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of estate planning with clarity, compassion, and expertise.


About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at San Diego Probate Law:

Secure Your Family’s Future with San Diego’s Trusted Trust 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 Law

3914 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: “What records should a trustee keep?” Or any other related questions that you may have about Trusts or my trust law practice.

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