Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Seth McCallen Fulcher Jr

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1900 W Nickerson St Ste 217, Washington, 98119-1650
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Personal Injury
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 45 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 292-9333

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1900 W Nickerson St Ste 217, Washington, 98119-1650
Free Consultation (206) 292-9333

Joseph Louis Brotherton

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

2900 NE Blakeley St Ste B, Washington, 98105-3100
  • Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Seattle, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer with 42 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 325-3537

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

2900 NE Blakeley St Ste B, Washington, 98105-3100
Free Consultation (206) 325-3537

James Usher Bittner

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1700 7th Ave Ste 2100, Washington, 98101-1360
  • Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family and Government
  • Seattle, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer with 46 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 682-0171

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1700 7th Ave Ste 2100, Washington, 98101-1360
Free Consultation (206) 682-0171

Lynda H. McMaken

Business Lawyer Serving at Bainbridge Island - Washington

16710 Agate Pass Rd NE, Washington, 98110-1041
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Bainbridge Island, Washington Business Lawyer with 36 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 842-8363

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bainbridge Island - Washington

16710 Agate Pass Rd NE, Washington, 98110-1041
Free Consultation (206) 842-8363

David Ray Duncan

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

PO Box 5734, Washington, 98668-5734
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Vancouver, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 49 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

PO Box 5734, Washington, 98668-5734

Jerry E Walker

Business Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

4205 148th Ave NE Ste 200, Washington, 98007-7114
  • Business, Commercial, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Bellevue, Washington Business Lawyer with 25 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

4205 148th Ave NE Ste 200, Washington, 98007-7114

Michael A. Meyer

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

900 N Maple St Ste 103, Washington, 99201-1807
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Family
  • Spokane, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 31 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 328-1545

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

900 N Maple St Ste 103, Washington, 99201-1807
Free Consultation (509) 328-1545

Leslie Alan Powers

Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer Serving at Yakima - Washington

3502 Tieton Dr, Washington, 98902-3661
  • Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Real Estate, Land Use and Zoning and Tax
  • Yakima, Washington Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer with 49 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 453-8906

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Yakima - Washington

3502 Tieton Dr, Washington, 98902-3661
Free Consultation (509) 453-8906

Adam Robert Kitz

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1309 W Dean Ave Ste 100, Washington, 99201-2018
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Spokane, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 5 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1309 W Dean Ave Ste 100, Washington, 99201-2018

Thomas P. Scholler

Probate Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

12 State St, Michigan, 48226-1823
  • Probate, Tax and Wills and Living Wills
  • Detroit, Michigan Probate Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 596-7408

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

12 State St, Michigan, 48226-1823
Free Consultation (313) 596-7408

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.