Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Christy Claire Newman

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Mercer Island - Washington

PO Box 997, Washington, 98040-0997
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Mercer Island, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 33 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mercer Island - Washington

PO Box 997, Washington, 98040-0997

John L Comstock

Business Lawyer Serving at Mercer Island - Washington

3631 82nd Ave SE, Washington, 98040-3534
  • Business, Commercial, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Landlord and Tenant
  • Mercer Island, Washington Business Lawyer with 24 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mercer Island - Washington

3631 82nd Ave SE, Washington, 98040-3534

Michael David Burdega

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Deer Park - Washington

PO Box 1028, Washington, 99006-1028
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Real Estate
  • Deer Park, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 50 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 276-6028

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Deer Park - Washington

PO Box 1028, Washington, 99006-1028
Free Consultation (509) 276-6028

Lenard L. Wittlake

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Walla Walla - Washington

22 E Poplar St Ste 202, Washington, 99362-3264
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Walla Walla, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 39 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Walla Walla - Washington

22 E Poplar St Ste 202, Washington, 99362-3264

Glen Martin Bingisser

Banking Lawyer Serving at Ferndale - Washington

5703 4th Ave Unit 2513, Washington, 98248-4093
  • Banking, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Securities Offerings and Tax
  • Ferndale, Washington Banking Lawyer with 15 years of experience
Free Consultation 41(44)5332234

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ferndale - Washington

5703 4th Ave Unit 2513, Washington, 98248-4093
Free Consultation 41(44)5332234

Hon. Holly T. Bird

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Traverse City - Michigan

526 W Fourteenth St # 108, Michigan, 49684-4051
  • Elder Law, Family, Guardianship, Juvenile, Employment and Labor, Native Peoples Law and Probate
  • Traverse City, Michigan Elder Law Lawyer
Free Consultation (231) 392-2491

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Traverse City - Michigan

526 W Fourteenth St # 108, Michigan, 49684-4051
Free Consultation (231) 392-2491

Thomas Owen Criswell, Iii

Adoption Lawyer Serving at Durant - Oklahoma

PO Box 541, Oklahoma, 74702-0541
  • Adoption, Arbitration, Contracts and Agreements, Family, Guardianship, Litigation, Probate, Real Estate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Durant, Oklahoma Adoption Lawyer
Free Consultation (580)924-2119

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Durant - Oklahoma

PO Box 541, Oklahoma, 74702-0541
Free Consultation (580)924-2119

Zachariah Nathan William Thal

Civil Rights Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

315 1st Ave N Apt 633, Washington, 98109-4783
  • Civil Rights, Employment and Labor, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Personal Injury
  • Seattle, Washington Civil Rights Lawyer with 5 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

315 1st Ave N Apt 633, Washington, 98109-4783

Jayne Marsh Gilbert

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Mount Vernon - Washington

314 Pine Street #211, Washington, 98273-3878
  • Contracts and Agreements, Debt and Lending Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government and Real Estate
  • Mount Vernon, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer with 29 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mount Vernon - Washington

314 Pine Street #211, Washington, 98273-3878

Guy Myers Glenn

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Long Beach - Washington

12305 Sandridge Rd, Washington, 98631-5701
  • Criminal Defense, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Long Beach, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 53 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Long Beach - Washington

12305 Sandridge Rd, Washington, 98631-5701

About Probate Law

Probate law is centered on estate management after a person's death, involving will validation, asset distribution, and estate settlement. Experts in this field assist in navigating legal procedures to ensure estates are managed according to the deceased's wishes and legal requirements.

Probate Attorneys’ Key Areas of Expertise

  • Estate Planning – Assisting in the creation of comprehensive estate plans, including wills, trusts, and advance directives, tailored to individual needs and objectives.

  • Will Drafting and Validation – Providing expertise in preparing and validating wills, ensuring they are legally sound and reflect the client's intentions.

  • Probate Process Management – Guiding executors and beneficiaries through the probate process, including filing of wills, asset distribution, and resolving disputes.

  • Trust Administration – Advising on the management of trusts, ensuring they are administered in line with the terms set by the grantor.

  • Estate Litigation – Representing clients in legal disputes related to wills, trusts, and estate administration, advocating for their interests in court.

Important Considerations When Selecting a Probate Lawyer

  • Expertise in Estate Law – Look for lawyers with a deep understanding of estate planning and probate processes, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge for your specific situation.

  • Experience With Similar Estates – Look for attorneys experienced in handling estates similar to yours, as this can provide valuable insights and tailored strategies.

  • Reputation and Track Record – Assess their effectiveness in managing estate matters, focusing on their ability to facilitate smooth probate processes and resolve disputes.

  • Client Reviews – Check feedback from previous clients to gauge their service quality and success in probate cases, offering insights into their reliability and dedication.

The Process of Choosing a Probate Attorney

  • Initial Research –  Explore options among seasoned probate lawyers on Legal.com, providing a selection of professionals with varied expertise in estate law.

  • Credentials Verification – Confirm the attorney’s legal qualifications and standing in the community to ensure they are properly licensed and reputable.

  • Consultation – Discuss your estate planning or probate needs to understand their approach and evaluate their strategy in addressing your specific requirements.

  • Assessing Knowledge and Compassion – Opt for a lawyer who combines estate law expertise with an understanding of the sensitive nature of estate matters.

The Probate Process

  • Initial Consultation – Essential for outlining your estate situation and the attorney's strategy, offering a clear view of the probate process and expectations.

  • Estate Planning – Your probate lawyer will assist you with drafting and organizing estate documents, ensuring they meet legal standards and reflect your wishes.

  • Probate Filing – Your attorney will file wills and other necessary documents in probate court, managing the process with efficiency and legal expertise.

  • Asset Distribution – They will oversee the distribution of assets according to the will or state laws, resolving any disputes that may arise.

  • Court Representation – Your lawyer can also provide legal representation in court for any probate-related disputes or challenges, advocating for your interests.

Types of Probate Cases

  • Simple Estate Administration – Managing straightforward estates with clear wills and minimal disputes.

  • Complex Estate Litigation – Handling estates with significant assets, multiple beneficiaries, or contested wills.

  • Trust Administration – Advising on the management of trusts and ensuring compliance with the terms of the trust agreement.

  • Guardianship and Conservatorship – Assisting with the appointment and management of guardians or conservators for minors or incapacitated individuals.

Common Challenges in Probate Cases

  • Navigating Probate Laws – Managing the complexities of various probate laws and procedures requires detailed legal knowledge and planning.

  • Estate Disputes – Skilled negotiation and legal acumen and key when handling conflicts among beneficiaries or disputes over will interpretations.

  • Asset Valuation – Accurately determining the value of estate assets is a crucial step in fair and equitable distribution.

  • Emotional Aspects of Estate Settlement – Addressing the emotional challenges involved in managing a deceased's estate often requires both legal and compassionate support.

Probate Lawyers FAQs

Consider their expertise in estate law, experience with similar estates, and approach to client communication when looking for a probate lawyer.
Probate attorneys offer services including estate planning, will drafting, probate process management, trust administration, and court representation, covering all aspects of estate management.
Ahead of hiring a probate lawyer, you should consider their specialization in estate law, case success rate, client testimonials, and strategy for managing probate cases. Choose an attorney who is knowledgeable and sensitive to the nature of estate matters.
Many probate lawyers offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and estate planning strategies. However, not all of them do, so it’s important to confirm their consultation fee structure beforehand.
Legal.com’s list of probate attorneys is updated regularly, ensuring the most current and relevant information on experts keeping up with the latest developments in probate law.
Vetting probate lawyers to feature on Legal.com is based on a comprehensive evaluation, including peer and client reviews, professional achievements, and independent research. This rigorous process ensures that we only recommend skilled and reputable lawyers providing high-quality legal representation.
Legal.com operates as an independent platform with no affiliations to specific probate law firms. Even if we accept sponsorships in the future, our commitment to being the most reliable legal resource will remain our top priority.