Best Probate Lawyers - November 2024

Peter D Haroldson

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Maple Valley - Washington

PO Box 530, Washington, 98038-0530
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Government, Guardianship and Personal Injury
  • Maple Valley, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 20 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Maple Valley - Washington

PO Box 530, Washington, 98038-0530

Monique Louise Williams

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

29556 Southfield Rd Ste 205, Michigan, 48076-2021
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Family, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Southfield, Michigan Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 587-7871

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

29556 Southfield Rd Ste 205, Michigan, 48076-2021
Free Consultation (313) 587-7871

James Michael Curcio

Adoption Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

625 Kenmoor Ave SE, Ste 301, Michigan, 49546
  • Adoption, Divorce and Separation, Elder Law, Family, Medicaid and Medicare, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan Adoption Lawyer
Free Consultation (616) 226-1861

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grand Rapids - Michigan

625 Kenmoor Ave SE, Ste 301, Michigan, 49546
Free Consultation (616) 226-1861

Heather L. Lewis

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Pontiac - Michigan

1200 N Telegraph Rd Dept 419, Michigan, 48341-1032
  • Wayne State University
  • Administrative Law, Appeals and Appellate, Arbitration, Civil Rights, Contracts and Agreements, Election Campaigns and Political Law, Freedom of Information Act, Government Contracts, Litigation, ...
  • Pontiac, Michigan Administrative Law Lawyer
Free Consultation (248) 858-2003

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Pontiac - Michigan

1200 N Telegraph Rd Dept 419, Michigan, 48341-1032
Free Consultation (248) 858-2003

Kristina Rose Ralls

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

516 3rd Ave Rm C701, Washington, 98104-2381
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Government, Guardianship and Judicial Officer
  • Seattle, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 13 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

516 3rd Ave Rm C701, Washington, 98104-2381

Bifford S. Crane

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

4050 SW Admiral Way Ste A, Washington, 98116-2552
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government, Personal Injury, Real Estate, Land Use and Zoning and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Seattle, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 51 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 937-5930

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

4050 SW Admiral Way Ste A, Washington, 98116-2552
Free Consultation (206) 937-5930

Kelley Ann Duggan

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

2124 Yakima Ave, Washington, 98405-3865
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Litigation, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Tacoma, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 8 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

2124 Yakima Ave, Washington, 98405-3865

Michelle R. Siebenaler

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Federal Way - Washington

909 S 336th St Ste 102, Washington, 98003-7394
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Federal Way, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 15 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Federal Way - Washington

909 S 336th St Ste 102, Washington, 98003-7394

Candace Kay Ladley

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Poulsbo - Washington

25432 Port Gamble Rd NE, Washington, 98370-8827
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Litigation
  • Poulsbo, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 35 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Poulsbo - Washington

25432 Port Gamble Rd NE, Washington, 98370-8827

Erin Crisman Glass

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

306 N Commercial St Ste B, Washington, 98225
  • Appeals and Appellate, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Bellingham, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 17 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

306 N Commercial St Ste B, Washington, 98225

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.