Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Alton B Mcfadden II

Real Estate Lawyer Serving at Poulsbo - Washington

1050 NE Hostmark St Ste 211, Washington, 98370-8689
  • Real Estate, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family and Litigation
  • Poulsbo, Washington Real Estate Lawyer with 25 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Poulsbo - Washington

1050 NE Hostmark St Ste 211, Washington, 98370-8689

Paul Ralph Willett

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at University Place - Washington

7350 Cirque Dr W Ste 102, Washington, 98467-2241
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • University Place, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 37 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at University Place - Washington

7350 Cirque Dr W Ste 102, Washington, 98467-2241

Laura Elizabeth Yelish

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Port Orchard - Washington

1963 Bethel Rd SE, Washington, 98366-3108
  • Appeals and Appellate, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Juvenile, Litigation and Tax
  • Port Orchard, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 10 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Port Orchard - Washington

1963 Bethel Rd SE, Washington, 98366-3108

Alan Richard Souders

Business Lawyer Serving at Anacortes - Washington

PO Box 1950, Washington, 98221-6950
  • Business, Commercial, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Lawsuits and Disputes, Elder Law, Environmental and Natural Resources, Estate Planning, Probate, ...
  • Anacortes, Washington Business Lawyer with 28 years of experience
Free Consultation (360)299-3060

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Anacortes - Washington

PO Box 1950, Washington, 98221-6950
Free Consultation (360)299-3060

Jared N Hawkins

Business Lawyer Serving at Walla Walla - Washington

2225 E Isaacs Ave Ste A, Washington, 99362-2217
  • Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Employment and Labor, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government, ...
  • Walla Walla, Washington Business Lawyer with 20 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Walla Walla - Washington

2225 E Isaacs Ave Ste A, Washington, 99362-2217

Thomas Russell Knoll Sr

Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer Serving at Walla Walla - Washington

54 Wedgewood Rd, Washington, 99362-7712
  • Corporate and Incorporation, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Employment and Labor
  • Walla Walla, Washington Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer with 19 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 301-8281

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Walla Walla - Washington

54 Wedgewood Rd, Washington, 99362-7712
Free Consultation (509) 301-8281

Jac E. Knust

Divorce and Separation Lawyer Serving at Columbia - Maryland

The Collaborative Law Group, Maryland, 21045
  • Divorce and Separation, Collaborative Law, Military Law, Property Division, Alimony, Uncontested Divorce, Domestic Violence, Victims Rights, DUI and DWI, ...
  • Columbia, Maryland Divorce and Separation Lawyer
Free Consultation (410) 465-8900

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Columbia - Maryland

The Collaborative Law Group, Maryland, 21045
Free Consultation (410) 465-8900

David J. Ballou

Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer Serving at York - Maine

408 US Route 1, 2nd Floor, Maine, 03909
  • Suffolk University
  • Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate and Trusts
  • York, Maine Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer with 33 years of experience
Free Consultation (207) 363-5300

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at York - Maine

408 US Route 1, 2nd Floor, Maine, 03909
Free Consultation (207) 363-5300

Samuel Edward Nuxoll

Probate Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

3003 S State St Ste 9000, Michigan, 48109-1200
  • University of Michigan Law School
  • Probate
  • Ann Arbor, Michigan Probate Lawyer
Free Consultation (734) 647-6066

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

3003 S State St Ste 9000, Michigan, 48109-1200
Free Consultation (734) 647-6066

Daniel Lee Gaustad

Banking Lawyer Serving at Grand Forks - North Dakota

24 N. Fourth St., North Dakota, 58203
  • Banking, Civil Rights, Elder Law, Election Campaigns and Political Law, Real Estate and Probate
  • Grand Forks, North Dakota Banking Lawyer with 29 years of experience
Free Consultation (701) 775-0521

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grand Forks - North Dakota

24 N. Fourth St., North Dakota, 58203
Free Consultation (701) 775-0521

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.