Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Heidi Elizabeth Appel

Business Lawyer Serving at Okanogan - Washington

PO Box 845, Washington, 98840-0845
  • Business, Commercial, Real Estate, Corporate and Incorporation, Environmental and Natural Resources, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Judicial Officer, ...
  • Okanogan, Washington Business Lawyer with 23 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 422-1601

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Okanogan - Washington

PO Box 845, Washington, 98840-0845
Free Consultation (509) 422-1601

Ruth Esther Esparza

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Wenatchee - Washington

113 2nd St Ste 400, Washington, 98801-2286
  • Contracts and Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Immigration and Personal Injury
  • Wenatchee, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer with 18 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Wenatchee - Washington

113 2nd St Ste 400, Washington, 98801-2286

Shenique A. Moss

Business Lawyer Serving at Grosse Pointe Farms - Michigan

18530 Mack Ave Ste 378, Michigan, 48236-3254
  • Business, Contracts and Agreements, Elder Law, Guardianship, Medicaid and Medicare, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Business Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grosse Pointe Farms - Michigan

18530 Mack Ave Ste 378, Michigan, 48236-3254

Bobbi S. Hines

Business Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

45 Ottawa Ave SW Ste 1100, Michigan, 49503-4265
  • Business, Elder Law, Family, Guardianship, Medicaid and Medicare, Probate, Real Estate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (616) 831-1700

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

45 Ottawa Ave SW Ste 1100, Michigan, 49503-4265
Free Consultation (616) 831-1700

Daniel V. Barney

Probate Lawyer Serving at Pauls Valley - Oklahoma

22387 NCR 3220 P. O. Box 1014, Oklahoma, 73075
  • Probate, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Estate Planning, Oil and Gas, Tax and Wills and Living Wills
  • Pauls Valley, Oklahoma Probate Lawyer
Free Consultation (405)238-5564

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Pauls Valley - Oklahoma

22387 NCR 3220 P. O. Box 1014, Oklahoma, 73075
Free Consultation (405)238-5564

John A. Bass

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at El Reno - Oklahoma

PO Box 157 104 N Rock Island, Oklahoma, 73036
  • Contracts and Agreements, Elder Law, Adoption, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Financial Markets and Services, Guardianship, Litigation, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, ...
  • El Reno, Oklahoma Contracts and Agreements Lawyer
Free Consultation (405)262-4040

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at El Reno - Oklahoma

PO Box 157 104 N Rock Island, Oklahoma, 73036
Free Consultation (405)262-4040

Janet Hedberg Somers

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

701 Pike Street Suite 1510, Washington, 98101
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Seattle, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 35 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 232-4050

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

701 Pike Street Suite 1510, Washington, 98101
Free Consultation (206) 232-4050

Charles Richard Horner

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Federal Way - Washington

1911 SW Campus Drive, No. 727, Washington, 98023
  • Appeals and Appellate, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Litigation, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Federal Way, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 27 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Federal Way - Washington

1911 SW Campus Drive, No. 727, Washington, 98023

Scott David Winship

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1201 Pacific Ave Ste 1900, Washington, 98402-4391
  • Appeals and Appellate, Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Guardianship, ...
  • Tacoma, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 37 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 383-3791

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1201 Pacific Ave Ste 1900, Washington, 98402-4391
Free Consultation (253) 383-3791

Heather L Crawford

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Fircrest - Washington

1901 65th Ave W Ste 200, Washington, 98466-6232
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Fircrest, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 24 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Fircrest - Washington

1901 65th Ave W Ste 200, Washington, 98466-6232

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.