Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Donald L Drozd

Employment and Labor Lawyer Serving at Eastsound - Washington

1202 Rosario Rd, Washington, 98245-8539
  • Employment and Labor, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government, Business and Public Finance and Tax Exempt Finance
  • Eastsound, Washington Employment and Labor Lawyer with 16 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Eastsound - Washington

1202 Rosario Rd, Washington, 98245-8539

Desmond Daniel Kolke

Business Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1201 Pacific Ave Ste 600, Washington, 98402-4384
  • Business, Commercial, Corporate and Incorporation, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Juvenile ...
  • Tacoma, Washington Business Lawyer with 30 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1201 Pacific Ave Ste 600, Washington, 98402-4384

Sarah S. Shepard

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Huntsville - Alabama

Sparkman, Shepard & Shepard, LLC, Alabama, 35801
  • Estate Planning, Health Care, Trusts, Wills and Living Wills and Probate
  • Huntsville, Alabama Estate Planning Lawyer
Free Consultation (256) 512-6019

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Huntsville - Alabama

Sparkman, Shepard & Shepard, LLC, Alabama, 35801
Free Consultation (256) 512-6019

Corey A. Rasmussen

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Leawood - Kansas

Rasmussen Law, Kansas, 66224
  • Estate Planning, Guardianship, Health Care, Trusts, Wills and Living Wills, Probate and Elder Law
  • Leawood, Kansas Estate Planning Lawyer
Free Consultation (913) 871-2188

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Leawood - Kansas

Rasmussen Law, Kansas, 66224
Free Consultation (913) 871-2188

Kimberly Danielle Brooks

Family Lawyer Serving at Nampa - Idaho

23 9th Avenue North, Idaho, 83687
  • Family, Criminal Defense, Wills and Living Wills, DUI and DWI, Immigration and Probate
  • Nampa, Idaho Family Lawyer with 25 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Nampa - Idaho

23 9th Avenue North, Idaho, 83687

James W. Bran

Real Estate Lawyer Serving at Rockland - Maine

15 Limerock Street PO Box 1021, Maine, 04841
  • Suffolk University
  • Real Estate, General Practice and Probate
  • Rockland, Maine Real Estate Lawyer with 45 years of experience
Free Consultation (207) 596-0554

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Rockland - Maine

15 Limerock Street PO Box 1021, Maine, 04841
Free Consultation (207) 596-0554

Amber M. Thomas Wagenschutz

Car Accidents Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

26901 Beaumont Blvd Ste 6D, Michigan, 48033-3849
  • Michigan State University College of Law
  • Car Accidents, Guardianship, Health Care, Insurance, Litigation, Medical Malpractice, Negligence Law, Premises Liability, Probate, ...
  • Southfield, Michigan Car Accidents Lawyer
Free Consultation (947) 522-3044

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

26901 Beaumont Blvd Ste 6D, Michigan, 48033-3849
Free Consultation (947) 522-3044

Thomas S. Bishoff

Antitrust and Trade Law Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

1 Woodward Ave Fl 2000, Michigan, 48226-5486
  • Wayne State University Law School
  • Antitrust and Trade Law, Business, Class Action, Commercial, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Federal Regulation, Franchising, Health Care, ...
  • Detroit, Michigan Antitrust and Trade Law Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 964-9015

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

1 Woodward Ave Fl 2000, Michigan, 48226-5486
Free Consultation (313) 964-9015

David Kendrick Fox

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Mount Pleasant - Michigan

1205 S Mission St Ste 1, Michigan, 48858-3939
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Business, Commercial, Family, Health Care and Probate
  • Mount Pleasant, Michigan Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer
Free Consultation (989) 400-4369

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mount Pleasant - Michigan

1205 S Mission St Ste 1, Michigan, 48858-3939
Free Consultation (989) 400-4369

Dan A. Collins

Probate Lawyer Serving at Greenville - South Carolina

PO Box 25726, South Carolina, 29616
  • University of South Carolina School of Law
  • Probate
  • Greenville, South Carolina Probate Lawyer with 49 years of experience
Free Consultation (864) 370-2277

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Greenville - South Carolina

PO Box 25726, South Carolina, 29616
Free Consultation (864) 370-2277

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.