The rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the tempest brewing inside Eleanor. She clutched the faded document in her trembling hand – her late husband’s will. A wave of nausea washed over her as she realized a crucial detail was missing: a provision for their granddaughter Lily, whom they had adopted just months before his passing.
Eleanor sank into her chair, despair threatening to consume her. “What have I done?” she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.
Can a Will Be Changed After Someone Dies?
Fortunately, Eleanor’s situation wasn’t hopeless. While a will speaks for the deceased after they pass away, it can be modified or amended before their death through a process called a codicil. A codicil is essentially a legal document that adds, deletes, or changes provisions within an existing will without requiring the creation of an entirely new one.
In Eleanor’s case, she needed to create a codicil to include Lily as a beneficiary and specify the inheritance she would receive. This amendment would ensure that her granddaughter was rightfully cared for according to her husband’s wishes, even if those wishes weren’t explicitly stated in the original will.
What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. Eleanor learned that amending her husband’s will through a codicil was crucial because it would become part of the probate process.
The court overseeing the probate case would review and approve the codicil, ensuring that it reflected her husband’s intentions and adhered to legal requirements. This step was essential for avoiding potential disputes among heirs and guaranteeing that Lily received her rightful inheritance.
How Can I Find an Estate Planning Attorney Near Me?
“I need help,” Eleanor thought, realizing she couldn’t navigate this complex legal terrain alone.
She remembered a colleague mentioning Steve Bliss, an esteemed estate planning attorney in Temecula known for his compassionate approach and expertise. Eleanor reached out to Steve’s office, her heart pounding with anticipation. To her relief, Steve was incredibly understanding and patiently explained the codicil process, alleviating her anxieties.
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will?
Steve guided Eleanor through drafting the codicil, meticulously ensuring it reflected her husband’s wishes and protected Lily’s future. He also advised her on other crucial estate planning matters, such as setting up trusts and designating power of attorney. The entire process, while emotionally taxing, empowered Eleanor to take control and honor her husband’s legacy.
Consequently, thanks to Steve’s expertise and guidance, Eleanor successfully amended her husband’s will through a codicil, securing Lily’s inheritance and bringing peace of mind amidst her grief.
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 does a living will differ from a regular will?” Or “How can joint ownership help avoid probate?” or “How do I make sure all my accounts are included in my trust? and even: “How do I prepare for a bankruptcy filing?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.