Best Probate Lawyers - November 2024

Nahal Nabavinejad

Business Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

777 108th Ave NE Ste 2000, Washington, 98004-5146
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Real Estate
  • Bellevue, Washington Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (425) 455-9610

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

777 108th Ave NE Ste 2000, Washington, 98004-5146
Free Consultation (425) 455-9610

Jonathan G. K. Lee

Lawsuits and Disputes Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1124 W Riverside Ave Ste 300, Washington, 99201-1109
  • Lawsuits and Disputes, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Family
  • Spokane, Washington Lawsuits and Disputes Lawyer with 48 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 326-1800

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

1124 W Riverside Ave Ste 300, Washington, 99201-1109
Free Consultation (509) 326-1800

Robert Stanley Morse

Business Lawyer Serving at Chelan - Washington

PO Box 2128, Washington, 98816-2128
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Real Estate
  • Chelan, Washington Business Lawyer with 45 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 682-7239

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Chelan - Washington

PO Box 2128, Washington, 98816-2128
Free Consultation (509) 682-7239

Jeffrey C. Dunham

Communications and Media Lawyer Serving at Charleston - West Virginia

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Po Box 1588 , West Virginia, 25326
  • Communications and Media, Probate and Real Estate
  • Charleston, West Virginia Communications and Media Lawyer with 31 years of experience
Free Consultation (304) 353-8164

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Charleston - West Virginia

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Po Box 1588 , West Virginia, 25326
Free Consultation (304) 353-8164

Bonnie Lawston

Probate Lawyer Serving at Huntington - New York

Law Office of Bonnie Lawston, P.C., New York, 11746
  • Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Huntington, New York Probate Lawyer
Free Consultation (631) 425-7299

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Huntington - New York

Law Office of Bonnie Lawston, P.C., New York, 11746
Free Consultation (631) 425-7299

Dale A. Hayes Jr.

DUI and DWI Lawyer Serving at Las Vegas - Nevada

Hayes Wakayama, 5798 South Durango Drive Suite 105, Nevada, 89113
  • DUI and DWI, Criminal Defense, Appeals and Appellate, Drug Crime, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Law, Internet, Sex Crime, ...
  • Las Vegas, Nevada DUI and DWI Lawyer
Free Consultation (702) 656-0808

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Las Vegas - Nevada

Hayes Wakayama, 5798 South Durango Drive Suite 105, Nevada, 89113
Free Consultation (702) 656-0808

Christopher George Price

Probate Lawyer Serving at Naples - Florida

Price Law, 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road. Suite 200, Naples, FL , Florida,
  • Probate, Estate Planning and Tax
  • Naples, Florida Probate Lawyer with 0 years of experience
Free Consultation (239) 977-5247

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Naples - Florida

Price Law, 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road. Suite 200, Naples, FL , Florida,
Free Consultation (239) 977-5247

Kathryn M. Wayne-Spindler

Adoption Lawyer Serving at Milford - Michigan

425 W Huron St Ste 120, Michigan, 48381-2243
  • Adoption, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Family, Guardianship, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Milford, Michigan Adoption Lawyer
Free Consultation (800) 809-9414

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Milford - Michigan

425 W Huron St Ste 120, Michigan, 48381-2243
Free Consultation (800) 809-9414

Robert W. Harms

Family Lawyer Serving at Bismarck - North Dakota

815 N. Mandan St. P.O. Box 895, North Dakota, 58502-0895
  • Family, Personal Injury and Probate
  • Bismarck, North Dakota Family Lawyer with 44 years of experience
Free Consultation (701) 471-0959

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bismarck - North Dakota

815 N. Mandan St. P.O. Box 895, North Dakota, 58502-0895
Free Consultation (701) 471-0959

Cory Allen McBride

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

4218 SW Andover St Unit Main, Washington, 98116-3840
  • Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 9 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 932-1192

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

4218 SW Andover St Unit Main, Washington, 98116-3840
Free Consultation (206) 932-1192

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.