Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Michael S. Baldwin

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Troy - Michigan

755 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 2020, Michigan, 48084-4925
  • Criminal Defense, Insurance, Personal Injury, Probate and Social Security
  • Troy, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (248) 886-1441

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Troy - Michigan

755 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 2020, Michigan, 48084-4925
Free Consultation (248) 886-1441

Scott J. Schill

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Mercer Island - Washington

2448 76th Ave SE Ste 107, Washington, 98040-2783
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Mercer Island, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 29 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mercer Island - Washington

2448 76th Ave SE Ste 107, Washington, 98040-2783

Ian Franzel

Real Estate Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

92 Lenora St. #140, Washington, 98121
  • Real Estate, Debt and Lending Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Landlord and Tenant
  • Seattle, Washington Real Estate Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

92 Lenora St. #140, Washington, 98121

Jesse D Rodman

Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1102 Broadway Ste 500, Washington, 98402-3534
  • Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Tax
  • Tacoma, Washington Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer with 22 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1102 Broadway Ste 500, Washington, 98402-3534

Jean A. Cotton

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Montesano - Washington

102 W Broadway Ave Rm 305, Washington, 98563-3621
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Judicial Officer
  • Montesano, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 30 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 249-5311 EXT 3

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Montesano - Washington

102 W Broadway Ave Rm 305, Washington, 98563-3621
Free Consultation (360) 249-5311 EXT 3

Talwinder Singh JD

Aviation Lawyer Serving at Renton - Washington

607 SW Grady Way Ste 325, Washington, 98057-2982
  • Aviation, Business, Commercial, Cannabis Law, Communications and Media, Real Estate, Consumer Protection, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, ...
  • Renton, Washington Aviation Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Renton - Washington

607 SW Grady Way Ste 325, Washington, 98057-2982

Jeremy J Bishop

Business Lawyer Serving at Pasco - Washington

9221 Sandifur Pkwy Ste C, Washington, 99301-9241
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Personal Injury and Real Estate
  • Pasco, Washington Business Lawyer with 19 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Pasco - Washington

9221 Sandifur Pkwy Ste C, Washington, 99301-9241

Cynthia Jill Goodell

Business Lawyer Serving at Grand Ledge - Michigan

11963 E. Andre Dr. St. D, Michigan, 49546-2390
  • Business, Elder Law and Probate
  • Grand Ledge, Michigan Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (517) 853-8015

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grand Ledge - Michigan

11963 E. Andre Dr. St. D, Michigan, 49546-2390
Free Consultation (517) 853-8015

Eldon J Vincent

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Marshall - Michigan

PO Box 469, Michigan, 49068-0469
  • Georgia State University
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Business, Contracts and Agreements, Debt and Lending Agreements, Immigration, Probate, Real Estate, Tax and Wills and Living Wills
  • Marshall, Michigan Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer
Free Consultation (269) 789-0733

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Marshall - Michigan

PO Box 469, Michigan, 49068-0469
Free Consultation (269) 789-0733

Teressa L. Streng

Business Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

7330 Cynthia St, Michigan, 48105-9506
  • University of Michigan
  • Business, Contracts and Agreements, Elder Law, Landlord and Tenant, Probate, Real Estate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Ann Arbor, Michigan Business Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

7330 Cynthia St, Michigan, 48105-9506

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.