The air hung heavy with unspoken tension. My brother, Mark, fidgeted with his tie, avoiding my gaze. He cleared his throat nervously. “Mom, are you sure this is what she wanted?” My mother, ever pragmatic, sighed and smoothed down the wrinkles on her skirt. “It’s in the will, Mark. We need to respect her wishes.” I sat quietly, a knot of dread tightening in my stomach.
Why Should I Update My Will?
“Life is constantly evolving,” says Steve Bliss, an experienced estate planning attorney in Temecula. “Marriages, divorces, births, deaths – these are all significant life events that can impact your will.” Furthermore, changes in asset ownership, such as inheriting property or starting a business, necessitate a review and potential revision of your will. “Failing to update your will can lead to unintended consequences,” warns Bliss.
For example, imagine you drafted your will when your children were young. Years later, they are now adults with families of their own. Your original will may not adequately provide for your grandchildren. Conversely, if you’ve gone through a divorce, your ex-spouse might still be listed as a beneficiary, potentially creating complications and family disputes.
What Happens If I Don’t Update My Will?
The consequences of neglecting to update your will can be far-reaching and potentially distressing. Without a valid, up-to-date will, your assets may be distributed according to the laws of intestacy in your state. This means the court will decide who inherits your property, disregarding your wishes.
“This can lead to unintended beneficiaries receiving assets,” cautions Bliss. “It can also create conflict and tension among family members, especially if there are differing opinions on how the estate should be divided.” Consider this real-life scenario: a man passed away without updating his will after his second marriage. His children from his first marriage unexpectedly inherited a significant portion of his estate, leaving his wife in a precarious financial situation.
How Often Should I Review My Will?
“As a general rule, it’s advisable to review your will every three to five years,” recommends Bliss. “Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or death of a child, or a substantial change in your financial circumstances also warrant a review.”
Remember that estate planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Staying proactive ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.
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: “What happens to my debts when I die?” Or “Can an executor be removed during probate?” or “Do I still need a will if I have a living trust? and even: “What is a bankruptcy discharge and what does it mean?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.