Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

James Lawrence Varnell

Business Lawyer Serving at Burien - Washington

PO Box 66028, Washington, 98166-0028
  • Business, Commercial, Corporate and Incorporation, Debt and Lending Agreements, Employment and Labor, Entertainment, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, ...
  • Burien, Washington Business Lawyer with 53 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Burien - Washington

PO Box 66028, Washington, 98166-0028

Sandra Lynne Holtzman

Lawsuits and Disputes Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

1404 11th St Unit 417, Washington, 98225-7330
  • Lawsuits and Disputes, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family and Government
  • Bellingham, Washington Lawsuits and Disputes Lawyer with 7 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 510-9220

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

1404 11th St Unit 417, Washington, 98225-7330
Free Consultation (360) 510-9220

Johnnie Joe Holtmann

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

2220 H St PO Box 611, Washington, 98666-0611
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Law
  • Vancouver, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 37 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 750-7547

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

2220 H St PO Box 611, Washington, 98666-0611
Free Consultation (360) 750-7547

Bradley P Thonney

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Moses Lake - Washington

305 W Fourth Avenue PO Box 1339, Washington, 98837
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Criminal Defense, Debt and Lending Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family and Landlord and Tenant
  • Moses Lake, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 16 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Moses Lake - Washington

305 W Fourth Avenue PO Box 1339, Washington, 98837

Richard D. Weaver

Real Estate Lawyer Serving at Houston - Texas

1800 Bering Drive Suite 1050 , Texas, 77057
  • Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use and Zoning, Mortgages, Energy and Utilities, Water Law, ...
  • Houston, Texas Real Estate Lawyer with 20 years of experience
Free Consultation (713) 572-4900

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Houston - Texas

1800 Bering Drive Suite 1050 , Texas, 77057
Free Consultation (713) 572-4900

Jasminder K. Hehar

Collections Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

16250 Northland Dr Ste 363, Michigan, 48075-5228
  • Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley Law Sch
  • Collections, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Family, Immigration, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Southfield, Michigan Collections Lawyer
Free Consultation (248) 443-8068

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

16250 Northland Dr Ste 363, Michigan, 48075-5228
Free Consultation (248) 443-8068

James A Jackson

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

50 116th Ave SE Ste 201, Washington, 98004-6436
  • Administrative Law, Government, Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Guardianship, Litigation ...
  • Bellevue, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 24 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

50 116th Ave SE Ste 201, Washington, 98004-6436

James Gerard McGuinness

Employment and Labor Lawyer Serving at Buckley - Washington

4218 27th Avenue Ct. East, Washington, 98321
  • Employment and Labor, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Buckley, Washington Employment and Labor Lawyer with 30 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Buckley - Washington

4218 27th Avenue Ct. East, Washington, 98321

Breanne Martin

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Arlington - Washington

PO Box 188, Washington, 98223-0188
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Landlord and Tenant and Personal Injury
  • Arlington, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Arlington - Washington

PO Box 188, Washington, 98223-0188

Rhonda Lee Rudman

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Poulsbo - Washington

17791 Fjord Dr NE Ste 134, Washington, 98370-8490
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Poulsbo, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 38 years of experience
Free Consultation (360)779-6400

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Poulsbo - Washington

17791 Fjord Dr NE Ste 134, Washington, 98370-8490
Free Consultation (360)779-6400

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.