Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Julie L Payne

Lawsuits and Disputes Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

303 E 16th St Ste 213, Washington, 98663-3410
  • Lawsuits and Disputes, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Vancouver, Washington Lawsuits and Disputes Lawyer with 16 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

303 E 16th St Ste 213, Washington, 98663-3410

Craig David Sjostrom

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Mount Vernon - Washington

1204 Cleveland Ave, Washington, 98273-4810
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Foreclosure, Landlord and Tenant, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Mount Vernon, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 33 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 848-0339

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mount Vernon - Washington

1204 Cleveland Ave, Washington, 98273-4810
Free Consultation (360) 848-0339

Stephen John Henderson

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

1800 Cooper Point Rd SW Ste 1, Washington, 98502-1179
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Law
  • Olympia, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 49 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

1800 Cooper Point Rd SW Ste 1, Washington, 98502-1179

Amy Michelle Felt

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Redmond - Washington

9840 Willows Rd NE Ste 200, Washington, 98052-1010
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Redmond, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 17 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Redmond - Washington

9840 Willows Rd NE Ste 200, Washington, 98052-1010

Casey Anne Quiroga

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Spokane Valley - Washington

505 N Argonne Rd Ste B109, Washington, 99212-2870
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Immigration, Landlord and Tenant, Litigation and Real Estate
  • Spokane Valley, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 17 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane Valley - Washington

505 N Argonne Rd Ste B109, Washington, 99212-2870

Jonathan E. May

Business Lawyer Serving at New York City - New York

The Lions' Den, Attorneys at Law, 48 Wall Street, Suite 1100, New York, 10005
  • Business, Franchising, Mergers and Acquisitions, Lawsuits and Disputes, International Law, Human Rights, Antitrust and Trade Law, Real Estate, Commercial, ...
  • New York City, New York Business Lawyer
Free Consultation

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at New York City - New York

The Lions' Den, Attorneys at Law, 48 Wall Street, Suite 1100, New York, 10005
Free Consultation

Thomas G. Kavanagh, Jr.

Business Lawyer Serving at Beverly Hills - Michigan

18355 Sunnyslope, Michigan, 48025
  • Detroit College of Law
  • Business, Contracts and Agreements, Probate, Real Estate, Speeding and Traffic Ticket and Wills and Living Wills
  • Beverly Hills, Michigan Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (248) 895-9533

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Beverly Hills - Michigan

18355 Sunnyslope, Michigan, 48025
Free Consultation (248) 895-9533

David L. Shaltz

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at East Lansing - Michigan

1019 Trowbridge Rd, Michigan, 48823-5219
  • Administrative Law, Elder Law, Medicaid and Medicare and Probate
  • East Lansing, Michigan Administrative Law Lawyer
Free Consultation (517) 332-3800

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at East Lansing - Michigan

1019 Trowbridge Rd, Michigan, 48823-5219
Free Consultation (517) 332-3800

Donald H. Passenger

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

1555 Arboretum Dr SE Ste 101, Michigan, 49546-6494
  • Administrative Law, Agriculture Law, Arbitration, Debt and Lending Agreements, Bankruptcy and debt, Business, Commercial, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, ...
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan Administrative Law Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

1555 Arboretum Dr SE Ste 101, Michigan, 49546-6494

David Charles Butler

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Enid - Oklahoma

122 W Randolph Ave, Oklahoma, 73701-4005
  • Appeals and Appellate, Estate Planning, Financial Markets and Services, Probate, Contracts and Agreements and Real Estate
  • Enid, Oklahoma Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (580)554-4468

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Enid - Oklahoma

122 W Randolph Ave, Oklahoma, 73701-4005
Free Consultation (580)554-4468

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.