Best Probate Lawyers - November 2024

Lacey Alynn Noel

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Redmond - Washington

15600 Redmond Way Ste 201, Washington, 98052-3862
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Guardianship and Juvenile
  • Redmond, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 19 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Redmond - Washington

15600 Redmond Way Ste 201, Washington, 98052-3862

Frank Joseph Falk Jr

Business Lawyer Serving at Yakima - Washington

405 E Lincoln Ave, Washington, 98901-2469
  • Business, Commercial, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Real Estate
  • Yakima, Washington Business Lawyer with 57 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Yakima - Washington

405 E Lincoln Ave, Washington, 98901-2469

Chelsea Maureen Gregersen

Consumer Protection Lawyer Serving at Kenmore - Washington

5555 NE 195th St, Washington, 98028-3132
  • Consumer Protection, Contracts and Agreements, Debt and Lending Agreements, Disability, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Foreclosure, ...
  • Kenmore, Washington Consumer Protection Lawyer with 9 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Kenmore - Washington

5555 NE 195th St, Washington, 98028-3132

Don William Danz

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Tulsa - Oklahoma

8406 S 109th East Ave, Oklahoma, 74133-2574
  • Appeals and Appellate, Corporate and Incorporation, Contracts and Agreements, Employment and Labor, Personal Injury, Probate and Tax
  • Tulsa, Oklahoma Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (918)706-9990

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tulsa - Oklahoma

8406 S 109th East Ave, Oklahoma, 74133-2574
Free Consultation (918)706-9990

Melody Claire Tucker

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Lynnwood - Washington

PO Box 2029, Washington, 98036-2029
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Family
  • Lynnwood, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 15 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Lynnwood - Washington

PO Box 2029, Washington, 98036-2029

Kevin Keefe

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1415 E Jefferson St, Washington, 98122-5538
  • Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Litigation, Personal Injury, Subrogation and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (206) 325-9390

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1415 E Jefferson St, Washington, 98122-5538
Free Consultation (206) 325-9390

Joel Hathaway Paget

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

401 Union Street, Suite 1500, Washington, 98101-2668
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Immigration and Tax
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 54 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

401 Union Street, Suite 1500, Washington, 98101-2668

Bruce T. Clark

Business Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

3645 N Pearl St, Washington, 98407-2601
  • Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Lawsuits and Disputes, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Real Estate
  • Tacoma, Washington Business Lawyer with 30 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 752-8355

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

3645 N Pearl St, Washington, 98407-2601
Free Consultation (253) 752-8355

Daniel W. Smith

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

317 S Meridian, Washington, 98371-5913
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Family
  • Puyallup, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 39 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 848-3513

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

317 S Meridian, Washington, 98371-5913
Free Consultation (253) 848-3513

Karen A Gates Hildt

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

PO Box 15189, Washington, 98115-0189
  • Business, Commercial, Lawsuits and Disputes, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government and Real Estate
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 37 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 385-6929

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

PO Box 15189, Washington, 98115-0189
Free Consultation (360) 385-6929

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.