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      • Contesting a Will
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      • Trust Litigation in Probate
      • Beneficiary Rights and Remedies
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    • Alternatives to Probate
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Editorial Policy & Content Standards

At The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss, we believe that access to accurate, up-to-date legal information is the foundation of trust. We understand that our readers often visit our site during complex and stressful life transitions—whether planning an estate, navigating probate, or managing a trust.

Because we operate in a “Your Money, Your Life” (YMYL) industry, we hold our content to the highest standard of accuracy, transparency, and legal integrity.


Our Content Mission

Our goal is to demystify complex legal statutes and case law. We aim to translate the California Probate Code and Estate Planning laws into clear, actionable information that empowers our clients to make informed decisions.

Authorship & The “Editorial Team”

To ensure we provide comprehensive coverage of estate planning topics, our content is researched and drafted by the Steven F. Bliss Legal Editorial Team. This collective includes senior paralegals, legal researchers, and associate attorneys who work directly under the supervision of our Managing Partner.

While our team conducts the initial research and drafting to ensure broad coverage of important topics, every single article is subject to a rigorous legal review process.

The Legal Review Process

We do not publish content that has not been vetted for legal accuracy.

1. Statutory Verification

Every claim regarding California law is cross-referenced against the current California Probate Code, Civil Code, or relevant Case Law. We prioritize primary sources (government statutes) over secondary sources (opinion blogs).

2. Managing Partner Oversight

Steven F. Bliss, Esq.

Before publication, content is reviewed by our Managing Partner, Steven F. Bliss, Esq.

Steven F. Bliss brings decades of experience in Probate, Trusts, and Estate Planning. His review ensures that:

  • Legal strategies discussed are current and effective.
  • Complex concepts are explained without oversimplification.
  • The advice aligns with the ethical standards of the State Bar of California.

Tone & Integrity

  • Objectivity: We strive to present legal options neutrally. While we advocate for our clients, our educational content is designed to present the facts of the law objectively.
  • Clarity: We avoid “legalese” whenever possible. If a legal term is necessary, we define it in plain English.
  • No Pay-for-Play: We do not accept payment from third parties to feature their products or services in our editorial content.

Corrections & Updates

Law is dynamic. Statutes change, and new precedents are set. We are committed to correcting errors promptly. If you believe you have found an inaccuracy in any of our articles, or if you believe a piece of content is out of date due to recent legislative changes, please contact us immediately.

To Report an Error:
Please email us at info@steveblisslaw.com (or your preferred contact email) with the subject line “Editorial Correction.”


Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

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The information contained on this website is intended to introduce prospective clients to Steve Bliss Law and is not to be considered a legal opinion or an offer to represent you. This website is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship. Emails sent to Steve Bliss Law using any of their email addresses would not be confidential and would not create an attorney-client relationship.


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  • Home
  • Estate Planning
    • Last Will & Testament
      • FAQ – Wills
      • Wills
      • Testator
        • Naming the Testator
      • Domicile Requirement
      • Legal Capacity
        • Beneficiaries
        • Executor Duties
        • Guardianship
      • Assets
        • Debts & Taxes
      • Attestation
      • Codicils
      • Probate Issues
      • WIll Legal Requirements
    • Power of Attorney
      • FAQ – POW
      • General POA
      • Durable POA
      • Limited POA
      • Medical POA
      • Springing POA
      • Financial POA
      • Parties Involved
      • POA Legal Requirements
      • POA Scope & Limitations
      • POA Uses & Applications
      • POA Creation Process
      • POA – Revocation and Termination
      • POA Legal Protections and Risks
      • POA International Considerations
    • Advance Health Care Directives
      • The AHD
      • Legal Framework of AHD’s
      • Directive Types
      • Stakeholders
      • Scope of Medical Decisions
      • Ethical and Religious Considerations
      • Registration and Accessibility
      • Public Policy and Education
      • Related Legal Instruments
    • Estate Tax Planning
      • Tax Planning
      • Lifetime Gifting
      • Trust Structures
      • Valuation Strategies
      • Marital Deduction Planning
      • Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax
      • Charitable Planning
      • Life Insurance Strategies
      • Compliance & Reporting
      • International Considerations
    • Business Planning
      • Business Succession Planning
      • Legal Structures
      • Succession Planning – Trusts
      • Corporate Formations
      • Tax Implications
      • Valuation Discounts
  • Trusts
    • Revocable Living Trusts
    • Other Types
      • Blind Trusts
      • Bypass Trusts
      • Charitable Trusts
      • Irrevocable Trusts
      • Life Insurance Trust
      • Testamentary Trusts
      • Grantor Retained Annuity Trust
      • QTIP Trusts
      • Qualified Personal Residence Trust
      • Dynasty Trust
      • Generation-Skipping Trusts
    • Trust Administration
    • Trust Litigation
    • Legal Framework of Trusts
    • Key Participants
    • Funding and Assets
    • Common Pitfalls
  • Probate
    • Probate Petition
      • Probate Court
      • Notice of Petition
      • Probate Hearing
      • Letters Testamentary
      • Letters Administration
    • Probate Administration
      • Case Management
      • Final Distribution and Closing
      • Roles & Responsibilities
      • Probate Court System
      • Specific Considerations
    • Inventory & Appraisal
    • Types of Probate
      • Key Parties
      • Probate Assets
      • Non-Probate Assets
      • Governing Law
      • Fees & Costs
      • Tax Implications
    • Probate Litigation
      • Contesting a Will
      • Intestate Succession Conflicts
      • Creditor Claims Disputes
      • Omitted Heirs and Pretermitted Children
      • Fiduciary Misconduct
      • Trust Litigation in Probate
      • Beneficiary Rights and Remedies
      • Elder Financial Abuse
      • Procedural Considerations
      • Remedies & Outcomes
      • Governing Legal Authorities
      • Jurisdictional and Venue Issues
    • Creditor Claims
    • Final Accounting
    • Final Distribution
    • Closing the Estate
    • Alternatives to Probate
  • Bankruptcy
    • Chapter 7
      • Credit Counseling
      • Means Test
      • Meeting of Creditors
      • Liquidation of Assets
      • Exemptions
      • Secured vs. Unsecured Debts
      • Student Loans and Taxes
      • Required Forms and Paperwork
    • Chapter 13 vs. Chapter 7
    • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
      • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Process
      • Ch. 13 Debt Plan
      • Mortgage Arrearages
    • Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
      • Chapter 11 for Individuals
      • Subchapter V
      • Bankruptcy Process and Timeline
      • Business Reorganization and Operations
      • Debtor-in-Possession
      • What Happens After Chapter 11
      • Lien Stripping and Cramdowns
      • Trustee and Creditors’ Committee
      • Lawsuits & Defense
    • Bankruptcy Fees
    • Client Profile
  • About Us
    • Steven Farley Bliss
    • Clients Served
      • Individuals
      • Families
      • High Net Worth Clients
      • Professionals & Executives
      • LGBTQ+ Clients
      • Immigrant Clients
      • Complex Assets
  • Contact