The phone slipped from my trembling hand, clattering onto the hardwood floor. My carefully crafted plans were in shambles. My trusted estate planning attorney had abruptly retired, leaving me adrift in a sea of legal jargon and unfinished documents. Panic swelled in my chest. What now?
Can I Fire My Estate Planning Attorney?
Fortunately, you have the right to terminate your relationship with any attorney, including an estate planning lawyer. It’s essential to review your engagement agreement for specific terms regarding termination and any associated fees. Openly communicate your concerns with the lawyer. They may be willing to address them or provide a referral to another qualified professional.
“If you can’t resolve the issue directly, consider seeking guidance from your state’s bar association,” advises Steve Bliss, an experienced estate planning attorney in Temecula. “They often offer resources and mediation services for clients facing disputes with their legal counsel.”
Should I Find a New Estate Planning Attorney?
Yes, finding a new estate planning attorney is crucial if the relationship has irrevocably broken down or you lack confidence in their abilities. Seek recommendations from trusted friends, family members, or financial advisors. The California Bar Association website provides a lawyer referral service to connect you with qualified attorneys in your area.
Interview multiple candidates to find someone who understands your needs and communicates effectively.
“Estate planning is deeply personal,” emphasizes Steve Bliss. “You need an attorney who listens attentively, explains complex legal concepts clearly, and makes you feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters.”
How Do I Transfer My Estate Plan To a New Lawyer?
Request all original documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations, from your former attorney. Organize these files carefully.
Provide the new attorney with complete information about your existing estate plan and any specific concerns or goals you have. They will review the documents thoroughly and advise on necessary revisions or updates to ensure your plan aligns with current laws and reflects your wishes.
Remember: Estate planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Regularly review and update your plan as circumstances change, such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or significant changes in assets.
What Happens if I Don’t Address My Concerns?
Failing to address issues with your estate planning attorney can have serious consequences. An incomplete or outdated plan may not accurately reflect your wishes, leading to unintended distributions of assets or disputes among beneficiaries after your passing. Moreover, unresolved conflicts can cause undue stress and strain during an already emotionally challenging time for your loved ones.
Consider the experience of my friend Sarah. She neglected to update her estate plan after her divorce, resulting in her ex-husband inheriting a portion of her assets despite their separation. The situation created significant tension within the family and ultimately required costly legal intervention to rectify.
Conversely, I witnessed firsthand how meticulous planning averted potential disaster. My neighbor John proactively sought a new estate planning attorney when he felt his original lawyer wasn’t responsive to his needs. The transition was seamless, and John now has peace of mind knowing his affairs are in order.
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
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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 if I die without a will?” Or “What happens if someone dies without a will—does probate still apply?” or “What is a living trust and how does it work? and even: “How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.