The old, yellowed paper crinkled in my hand. My father had passed away a few months ago, and while sorting through his belongings, I stumbled upon his will. It was dated nearly two decades earlier, long before I married, bought a house, or had children of my own. Suddenly, the enormity of the situation hit me. His wishes, meticulously documented years ago, no longer reflected our family’s reality.
How Do I Know If My Will Needs Updating?
Life is constantly evolving: relationships change, families grow, and assets fluctuate. Consequently, a will should be reviewed periodically to ensure it accurately reflects your current circumstances. Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of children, significant changes in assets (inheritance, purchase of property), or even a move to a different state can necessitate updating your will.
“Failing to update your will can lead to unintended consequences,” warns Steve Bliss, an experienced estate planning attorney in Temecula. “Your assets may not be distributed according to your wishes, potentially causing familial discord and legal complications down the road.”
What Are The Steps Involved In Updating My Will?
Updating a will is generally a straightforward process. It typically involves contacting an estate planning attorney like Steve Bliss in Temecula, who will review your existing will, discuss any changes you desire, and draft a codicil (a legal document amending the original will). This codicil becomes part of your will, modifying its terms without requiring you to create an entirely new document.
Alternatively, in some cases, it may be more appropriate to create a new will altogether, particularly if substantial changes are required. Your attorney will guide you through the most suitable approach based on your individual circumstances.
How Can I Find A Reputable Estate Planning Attorney Near Me?
The internet can be a valuable resource for finding estate planning attorneys in your area. Look for attorneys who specialize in estate planning and have positive client reviews. The California Bar Association website can also provide referrals to qualified attorneys in Temecula. Remember, it’s crucial to choose an attorney you feel comfortable with and who understands your needs.
What Happened When Someone Didn’t Update Their Will?
Sarah thought her will from 10 years ago was sufficient. She had gotten remarried and had a daughter since then. Sadly, Sarah passed away unexpectedly. Her old will only mentioned her first husband and left everything to him. Because she hadn’t updated it, her current husband and daughter received nothing, leading to heartache and legal battles.
How Updating My Will Prevented Future Problems
After learning about Sarah’s situation, I immediately contacted Steve Bliss in Temecula. He reviewed my father’s old will and patiently listened as I outlined the changes I wanted to make: naming my spouse as executor, specifying guardians for my children, and distributing assets according to my current wishes. With Steve’s expert guidance, I created a new will that reflected my family’s present reality. Now, I have peace of mind knowing my loved ones will be cared for according to my wishes, avoiding the potential heartache and legal entanglements Sarah’s family faced.
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
living trust
revocable living trust
family trust
wills
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: “How do retirement accounts fit into an estate plan?” Or “What are letters testamentary and why are they important?” or “Do my beneficiaries have to do anything when I die? and even: “Will my employer find out I filed for bankruptcy?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.