Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Brian L. Meikle

Lawsuits and Disputes Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1105 Tacoma Ave S, Washington, 98402-2005
  • Lawsuits and Disputes, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Family
  • Tacoma, Washington Lawsuits and Disputes Lawyer with 41 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1105 Tacoma Ave S, Washington, 98402-2005

Samuel James Olive

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

1819 5th Ave SW, Washington, 98371-5637
  • Appeals and Appellate, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Juvenile
  • Puyallup, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 8 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 678-8525

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

1819 5th Ave SW, Washington, 98371-5637
Free Consultation (253) 678-8525

Christian Lynn Babich

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

1409 Franklin St Ste 207, Washington, 98660-2826
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Vancouver, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 17 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

1409 Franklin St Ste 207, Washington, 98660-2826

Lisa Marie Wood

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

2401 Bristol Ct SW Ste A103, Washington, 98502-6037
  • Contracts and Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Olympia, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

2401 Bristol Ct SW Ste A103, Washington, 98502-6037

Thomas Michael Kalenius

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

2430 Chandler Court SW, Washington, 98504-2401
  • Administrative Law, Government, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Olympia, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 44 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 753-6823 EXT 1231

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

2430 Chandler Court SW, Washington, 98504-2401
Free Consultation (360) 753-6823 EXT 1231

Michael K. DuBeau

Business Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

2135 112th Ave NE Ste 200, Washington, 98004-2926
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government and Real Estate
  • Bellevue, Washington Business Lawyer with 38 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 455-9787

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

2135 112th Ave NE Ste 200, Washington, 98004-2926
Free Consultation (425) 455-9787

Trevorr Zacharriah Haapalainen

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

3416 Broadway Ste 4, Washington, 98201-5082
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Everett, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 7 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 563-3796

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

3416 Broadway Ste 4, Washington, 98201-5082
Free Consultation (425) 563-3796

Grant William Riva

Business Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

308 W 1st Ave Ste 207, Washington, 99201-6002
  • Business, Commercial, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Government, Personal Injury ...
  • Spokane, Washington Business Lawyer with 40 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 326-2146

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

308 W 1st Ave Ste 207, Washington, 99201-6002
Free Consultation (509) 326-2146

Chris Alan Montgomery

Business Lawyer Serving at Colville - Washington

287 E Astor Ave PO Box 269, Washington, 99114-2815
  • Business, Commercial, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Foreclosure, ...
  • Colville, Washington Business Lawyer with 42 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Colville - Washington

287 E Astor Ave PO Box 269, Washington, 99114-2815

Zachary P Hummer

Agriculture Law Lawyer Serving at Yakima - Washington

6 S 2nd St Ste 1016, Washington, 98901-2629
  • Agriculture Law, Appeals and Appellate, Bankruptcy and debt, Business, Commercial, Debt and Lending Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, ...
  • Yakima, Washington Agriculture Law Lawyer with 14 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Yakima - Washington

6 S 2nd St Ste 1016, Washington, 98901-2629

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.