Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

M John Way

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1420 5th Ave Ste 3400, Washington, 98101-2339
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Tax
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 19 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1420 5th Ave Ste 3400, Washington, 98101-2339

Klaus Otto Snyder

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Sumner - Washington

15306 Main St E Ste B, Washington, 98390-2640
  • Administrative Law, Government, Business, Commercial, Collections, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills ...
  • Sumner, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 38 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 863-2889

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Sumner - Washington

15306 Main St E Ste B, Washington, 98390-2640
Free Consultation (253) 863-2889

Moloy K Good

Civil Rights Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

7017 NE Highway 99 Ste 106, Washington, 98665-0554
  • Civil Rights, Consumer Protection, Employment and Labor, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Foreclosure, Housing, Human Rights ...
  • Vancouver, Washington Civil Rights Lawyer with 19 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

7017 NE Highway 99 Ste 106, Washington, 98665-0554

Jamia Burns

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

1200 DuPont St Ste 1D, Washington, 98225-3100
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Bellingham, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

1200 DuPont St Ste 1D, Washington, 98225-3100

James Porter Davis II

Business Lawyer Serving at Lacey - Washington

PO Box 8352, Washington, 98509-8352
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Lacey, Washington Business Lawyer with 39 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Lacey - Washington

PO Box 8352, Washington, 98509-8352

Robert Eugene Kovacevich

Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

4603 S Pittsburg St, Washington, 99223-6453
  • Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Native Peoples Law and Tax
  • Spokane, Washington Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer with 65 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

4603 S Pittsburg St, Washington, 99223-6453

Kenneth L. Sheppard Sheppard

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Columbus - Ohio

Columbus (Downtown), Ohio Bankruptcy Lawyer & Tax Attorney Office, Ohio, 43215
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Settlement, Tax, International Law, Public Finance and Tax Exempt Finance, Probate, ...
  • Columbus, Ohio Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer
Free Consultation (614) 929-5183

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Columbus - Ohio

Columbus (Downtown), Ohio Bankruptcy Lawyer & Tax Attorney Office, Ohio, 43215
Free Consultation (614) 929-5183

Randall C. Budge

Agriculture Law Lawyer Serving at Pocatello - Idaho

PO Box 1391, Idaho, 83204-1391
  • Agriculture Law, Estate Planning, Real Estate, Business, Probate and Energy and Utilities
  • Pocatello, Idaho Agriculture Law Lawyer with 48 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Pocatello - Idaho

PO Box 1391, Idaho, 83204-1391

Katherine Marie Baluha

Adoption Lawyer Serving at Freeland - Michigan

5798 Midland Rd, Michigan, 48623-8706
  • Adoption, Commercial, Divorce and Separation, Family, General Practice, Juvenile, Landlord and Tenant, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Freeland, Michigan Adoption Lawyer
Free Consultation (989) 573-8330

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Freeland - Michigan

5798 Midland Rd, Michigan, 48623-8706
Free Consultation (989) 573-8330

Matthew Alan Ferrara

Business Lawyer Serving at Farmington Hills - Michigan

32300 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200, Michigan, 48334-1501
  • Business, Contracts and Agreements, Elder Law, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Farmington Hills, Michigan Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (248) 855-6500

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Farmington Hills - Michigan

32300 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200, Michigan, 48334-1501
Free Consultation (248) 855-6500

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.