Best Probate Lawyers - November 2024

Hon. Jessie Scott Wood

Family Lawyer Serving at Bay City - Michigan

1230 Washington Ave, Michigan, 48708-5756
  • Family, General Practice, Guardianship and Probate
  • Bay City, Michigan Family Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bay City - Michigan

1230 Washington Ave, Michigan, 48708-5756

Kevin M. Keenan

Arbitration Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

1950 Waldorf St NW Ste F, Michigan, 49544-1488
  • Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley Law Sch
  • Arbitration, Business, Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Driver’s License Restoration, Employment and Labor, Probate, Real Estate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan Arbitration Lawyer
Free Consultation +16162655179

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

1950 Waldorf St NW Ste F, Michigan, 49544-1488
Free Consultation +16162655179

Brandon Michael Grysko

Business Lawyer Serving at Northville - Michigan

41700 Six Mile Rd, Michigan, 48168-3460
  • Business, Employment and Labor, State, Local And Municipal Law and Probate
  • Northville, Michigan Business Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Northville - Michigan

41700 Six Mile Rd, Michigan, 48168-3460

Philip M. Moilanen

Business Lawyer Serving at Jackson - Michigan

404 S. Jackson Street, Michigan, 49201
  • Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, General Practice, Insurance, Employment and Labor, Premises Liability, Probate, Personal Injury, ...
  • Jackson, Michigan Business Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Jackson - Michigan

404 S. Jackson Street, Michigan, 49201

Rockwell Thomas Gust, IV

Probate Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

3000 Town Ctr Ste 100, Michigan, 48075-1120
  • Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Southfield, Michigan Probate Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

3000 Town Ctr Ste 100, Michigan, 48075-1120

Leslie Ann Butler

Business Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

2281 Manchester Rd, Michigan, 48104-4921
  • Wayne State University Law School
  • Business, Contracts and Agreements, Probate, Real Estate, Wills and Living Wills and Land Use and Zoning
  • Ann Arbor, Michigan Business Lawyer
Free Consultation +17347078529

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

2281 Manchester Rd, Michigan, 48104-4921
Free Consultation +17347078529

James Joseph Jolly

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Northville - Michigan

41700 6 Mile Rd Ste 101, Michigan, 48168-3460
  • Criminal Defense, Landlord and Tenant, Litigation, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Northville, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Northville - Michigan

41700 6 Mile Rd Ste 101, Michigan, 48168-3460

Matthew L. Tuck

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Mount Clemens - Michigan

117 Crocker Blvd Ste 250, Michigan, 48043-2505
  • Appeals and Appellate and Probate
  • Mount Clemens, Michigan Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation +15864698600

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mount Clemens - Michigan

117 Crocker Blvd Ste 250, Michigan, 48043-2505
Free Consultation +15864698600

Vicki Lachney Gilliam

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Brandon - Mississippi

The Gilliam Firm, PLLC, Mississippi, 39042
  • Criminal Defense, Appeals and Appellate, Drug Crime, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Law, Internet, Sex Crime, Violent Crime, ...
  • Brandon, Mississippi Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation +16014884044

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Brandon - Mississippi

The Gilliam Firm, PLLC, Mississippi, 39042
Free Consultation +16014884044

Kyle Michael Sullivan

Business Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

29 Pearl St NW Ste 421, Michigan, 49503-3019
  • Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley Law Sch
  • Business, Civil Rights, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, General Practice, Insurance, Landlord and Tenant, Litigation, Negligence Law, ...
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan Business Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

29 Pearl St NW Ste 421, Michigan, 49503-3019

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.