Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Patrick David McBurney Jr

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Kennewick - Washington

6855 W Clearwater Ave Ste A103, Washington, 99336-5013
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Criminal Defense, Debt and Lending Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family and Government
  • Kennewick, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 31 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 374-8996

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Kennewick - Washington

6855 W Clearwater Ave Ste A103, Washington, 99336-5013
Free Consultation (509) 374-8996

J. Eric Gustafson

Business Lawyer Serving at Yakima - Washington

5502 Scenic Dr, Washington, 98908-2106
  • Business, Commercial, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Family
  • Yakima, Washington Business Lawyer with 51 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Yakima - Washington

5502 Scenic Dr, Washington, 98908-2106

John V. Bonneau

Real Estate Lawyer Serving at Portland - Maine

PO Box 4600, Maine, 04112
  • Villanova University
  • Real Estate, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning and Probate
  • Portland, Maine Real Estate Lawyer with 54 years of experience
Free Consultation (207) 774-7000

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Portland - Maine

PO Box 4600, Maine, 04112
Free Consultation (207) 774-7000

Jack G. Clark, Clark,

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Oklahoma City - Oklahoma

Clark, Stakem, Wood & Patten 3545 NW 58th St., Ste 400, Oklahoma, 73112
  • Administrative Law, Corporate and Incorporation, Contracts and Agreements, Elder Law, Probate, Tax and Wills and Living Wills
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Administrative Law Lawyer
Free Consultation (405)232-4271

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Oklahoma City - Oklahoma

Clark, Stakem, Wood & Patten 3545 NW 58th St., Ste 400, Oklahoma, 73112
Free Consultation (405)232-4271

Michelle Lavaun Lehmann

Business Lawyer Serving at Bainbridge Island - Washington

600 Ericksen Ave NE Ste 205, Washington, 98110-2880
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Tax
  • Bainbridge Island, Washington Business Lawyer with 27 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bainbridge Island - Washington

600 Ericksen Ave NE Ste 205, Washington, 98110-2880

Teresa R Byers

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

901 5th Ave Ste 3500, Washington, 98164-2059
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Litigation and Tax
  • Seattle, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 21 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

901 5th Ave Ste 3500, Washington, 98164-2059

Henry King Chae

Cannabis Law Lawyer Serving at Mukilteo - Washington

11700 Mukilteo Speedway Ste 201, Washington, 98275-5436
  • Cannabis Law, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Mukilteo, Washington Cannabis Law Lawyer with 20 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mukilteo - Washington

11700 Mukilteo Speedway Ste 201, Washington, 98275-5436

Heather Lee Pelton

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Woodinville - Washington

17357 NE 160th St, Washington, 98072-9153
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Woodinville, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 7 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Woodinville - Washington

17357 NE 160th St, Washington, 98072-9153

Jenny C. Ling

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Tukwila - Washington

14900 Interurban Ave S Ste 280, Washington, 98168-4654
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Foreclosure, Intellectual Property, ...
  • Tukwila, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 11 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tukwila - Washington

14900 Interurban Ave S Ste 280, Washington, 98168-4654

Richard D. Seward

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Port Orchard - Washington

2299 Bethel Rd SE Ste 201, Washington, 98366-9400
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Immigration, Real Estate ...
  • Port Orchard, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 32 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Port Orchard - Washington

2299 Bethel Rd SE Ste 201, Washington, 98366-9400

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.