A BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM
HELPING YOU PLAN FOR YOUR FAMILY’S FUTURE
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32 years
of proven
experience
Free No Obligation Thirty Minute Consultation
Statewide representation for estate planning and probate
Secure Your Legacy with The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in Temecula, CA.
Feeling overwhelmed by estate planning? You’re not alone. With 32 years of proven experience – crafting over 35,000 personalized plans and trusts – we transform complexity into clarity. Specializing in Probate, Estate Planning, and Trust Administration, we focus on minimizing taxes, maximizing asset preservation, and avoiding costly errors. Discover peace of mind with our compassionate guidance.
Call today for your Free No Obligation Thirty Minute consultation.
We offer reasonable rates, tailored solutions, and can even come to you!
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Fundamentals of Estate Planning
Guide To Passing On Your Assets & Values Legally & Efficiently
Estate Planning Law
Estate Planning Law in California governs the legal strategies used to manage, preserve, and transfer an individual’s assets during life and after death. This includes the creation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives, all tailored to comply with the California Probate Code. A properly executed estate plan ensures assets are distributed according to the individual’s wishes, minimizes probate delays, and may reduce estate tax burdens. It also designates trusted individuals to handle financial and medical decisions in the event of incapacity. An estate plan provides legal clarity, asset protection, and peace of mind for individuals and their beneficiaries.
Probate Law
Probate law governs the legal process by which a deceased person’s estate is administered, validated, and distributed under court supervision. It ensures that outstanding debts and taxes are paid before any remaining assets are transferred to rightful heirs or beneficiaries. In California, this process is overseen by the Superior Court and must adhere strictly to the Probate Code, particularly §§6400–6806. A properly executed will simplifies probate, while dying intestate triggers default succession laws that may conflict with the decedent’s intent. Timely legal guidance can reduce delays, minimize costs, and safeguard against disputes among interested parties.
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Trust Administration Law
Trust Administration Law governs the management and distribution of assets held within a trust following the death or incapacity of the trust creator. In California, the successor trustee assumes fiduciary duties that include asset marshaling, debt settlement, beneficiary notifications, and tax filings under the guidance of the California Probate Code §16000 et seq. The process requires strict adherence to timelines, legal disclosures, and accounting standards to avoid breach of duty claims. Trust administration bypasses probate but still demands legal precision, especially when interpreting ambiguous clauses or managing contentious beneficiaries. A qualified trust attorney ensures compliance, mitigates liability, and facilitates efficient, dispute-free execution of the decedent’s intentions.
Bankruptcy Law
California Bankruptcy Law provides legal relief for individuals and businesses overwhelmed by debt through structured federal proceedings governed primarily by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, with certain exemptions defined under California state law. Debtors may file under Chapter 7 for liquidation or Chapter 13 for court-approved reorganization and repayment plans. California requires residents to use the state’s specific exemption system—either System 1 (704) or System 2 (703)—to protect assets such as homes, vehicles, and retirement accounts. The automatic stay provision halts most collection actions immediately upon filing, offering temporary protection against foreclosure, wage garnishment, and creditor lawsuits. However, not all debts can be discharged, including certain taxes, student loans, and domestic support obligations, necessitating careful legal strategy and compliance with both state and federal procedural rules.
Steve Bliss made the entire estate planning process smooth, efficient, and surprisingly stress-free. His attention to California Probate Code compliance was unmatched.
After consulting several attorneys, Steve stood out for his clarity and professionalism. My living trust was completed with precision and care.
Steve Bliss explained the probate process with incredible patience and detail. His expertise made a painful chapter manageable and legally sound.
The bankruptcy filing was overwhelming until Steve took over. His deep understanding of Chapter 7 strategy saved me time, money, and anxiety.
When my mother passed, Steve handled every probate detail with integrity and calm. He anticipated challenges before they arose.
I appreciated how Steve walked us through every trust document without overwhelming legal jargon. His guidance gave our family confidence and peace.
Filing for bankruptcy was one of the hardest decisions I’ve faced—Steve made it feel like a fresh start instead of a failure. He was responsive and nonjudgmental.
Steve’s estate planning process was organized, comprehensive, and legally meticulous. We feel completely protected moving forward.
Our trust needed complex revisions due to blended family issues—Steve handled it with discretion and clarity. The final documents were flawless.
Why Steve Bliss Law?
Local Roots, Real Connections
For over three decades, Steve Bliss has served families across San Diego County and greater Southern California with trust, clarity, and convenience. With accessible office locations in Kearny Mesa and Escondido—and virtual appointments via Zoom or FaceTime—clients receive personalized legal guidance without sacrificing flexibility. Whether early morning or evening works best, consultations are scheduled to fit real life, not the other way around. Every estate plan, trust, or probate matter is handled directly by Steve, not passed off to staff, ensuring focused expertise from day one. The free initial consultation is not a gimmick—it’s the beginning of a trusted relationship that places each client’s goals front and center.
A Practice Built on Purpose
In 1991, Steve opened his law office with a clear mission: to make quality legal services accessible and affordable for everyday people. Since then, he has helped over 1,500 individuals and families secure their legacies through tailored estate plans, living trusts, and business formations. He offers most services on a flat-fee basis with no hidden costs, and flexible payment plans are always available. Clients often express gratitude for the transparency and predictability—hallmarks of a practice that values peace of mind as much as legal compliance. From forming corporations to guiding loved ones through probate, Steve approaches each matter with the same level of diligence and care.
The Story Behind the Skills
Steve Bliss brings a rare blend of financial and legal acumen to his practice, rooted in a dual background in accounting and law. After earning his B.S. in Accounting from Syracuse University and passing the CPA exam in 1985, he graduated in the top 10% of his class at California Western School of Law in 1989. Scholastic honors and legal awards underscored a work ethic defined by precision, preparation, and empathy. Outside the courtroom, Steve is a husband, father of two, and avid traveler who still finds time for football and staying active. Clients don’t just get an attorney—they gain a dedicated advocate shaped by experience, driven by service, and grounded in integrity.
Ready to Protect What Matters Most?
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward securing your legacy with confidence. Whether you need a comprehensive estate plan, guidance through probate, or trusted support for trust administration, you’ll work directly with me—an experienced attorney who puts your goals first.
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