Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Michael Mert Waller

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Oak Harbor - Washington

791 SE Barrington Dr, Washington, 98277-3278
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Landlord and Tenant
  • Oak Harbor, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 49 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 675-2226

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Oak Harbor - Washington

791 SE Barrington Dr, Washington, 98277-3278
Free Consultation (360) 675-2226

Michael David Kearney

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

2627 Trevue Ave SW, Washington, 98512-9043
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Environmental and Natural Resources, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government, Land Use and Zoning and Real Estate
  • Olympia, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 11 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

2627 Trevue Ave SW, Washington, 98512-9043

Jonathan Craig Reed

Admiralty and Maritime Lawyer Serving at Las Vegas - Nevada

6655 W Sahara Ave, Nevada, 89146
  • Admiralty and Maritime, Personal Injury, Animal and Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Real Estate, Motorcycle Accident, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death, ...
  • Las Vegas, Nevada Admiralty and Maritime Lawyer
Free Consultation (702) 343-0494

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Las Vegas - Nevada

6655 W Sahara Ave, Nevada, 89146
Free Consultation (702) 343-0494

Jeanette Williams White

Family Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

19785 W 12 Mile Rd Ste 486, Michigan, 48076-2584
  • Family, General Practice, Guardianship, Juvenile and Probate
  • Southfield, Michigan Family Lawyer
Free Consultation (248) 730-3124

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

19785 W 12 Mile Rd Ste 486, Michigan, 48076-2584
Free Consultation (248) 730-3124

Kirsten Lela Ambach

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

701 5th Ave Ste 3300, Washington, 98104-7055
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Tax
  • Seattle, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 20 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

701 5th Ave Ste 3300, Washington, 98104-7055

Reed Andrew Jones

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

999 3rd Ave Ste 4000, Washington, 98104-4009
  • Business, Commercial, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Tax
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 10 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

999 3rd Ave Ste 4000, Washington, 98104-4009

Patrick Paul Browne

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Shoreline - Washington

18130 Midvale Ave N Ste A, Washington, 98133-4536
  • Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Government, Landlord and Tenant, Personal Injury and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Shoreline, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 45 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 533-8168

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Shoreline - Washington

18130 Midvale Ave N Ste A, Washington, 98133-4536
Free Consultation (206) 533-8168

Landon M. Gibson III

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Auburn - Washington

901 E Main St, Washington, 98002-5629
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Guardianship and Personal Injury
  • Auburn, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 42 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Auburn - Washington

901 E Main St, Washington, 98002-5629

Connie Taylor Henderson

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

900 Washington St Ste 1010, Washington, 98660-3463
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Litigation, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury
  • Vancouver, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 30 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

900 Washington St Ste 1010, Washington, 98660-3463

Paul Alan Neumiller

Business Lawyer Serving at Oak Harbor - Washington

390 NE Midway Blvd Ste B201, Washington, 98277-2680
  • Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Foreclosure, Forfeiture, ...
  • Oak Harbor, Washington Business Lawyer with 26 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 675-2567

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Oak Harbor - Washington

390 NE Midway Blvd Ste B201, Washington, 98277-2680
Free Consultation (360) 675-2567

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.