Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Jay Clinton Fox

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Seabeck - Washington

7445 Mac Ln NW, Washington, 98380-8734
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Seabeck, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 2 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seabeck - Washington

7445 Mac Ln NW, Washington, 98380-8734

Timothy Cristofer Lehr

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Sedro Woolley - Washington

925 Metcalf St, Washington, 98284-1501
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Landlord and Tenant, Personal Injury, Real Estate and Workers Compensation Law
  • Sedro Woolley, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 8 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Sedro Woolley - Washington

925 Metcalf St, Washington, 98284-1501

Beth A. McDaniel

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Renton - Washington

272 Hardie Ave SW, Washington, 98057-5925
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Renton, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 29 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Renton - Washington

272 Hardie Ave SW, Washington, 98057-5925

Vic J. Devlaeminck

Business Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

10013 NE Hazel Dell Ave #317, Washington, 98685-5203
  • Business, Commercial, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Tax
  • Vancouver, Washington Business Lawyer with 38 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

10013 NE Hazel Dell Ave #317, Washington, 98685-5203

Taylor Nicole Coffell

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

601 W Main Ave Ste 1100, Washington, 99201-0666
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, Landlord and Tenant, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Spokane, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 2 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

601 W Main Ave Ste 1100, Washington, 99201-0666

Jane G. Bitz

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Spokane Valley - Washington

12209 E Mission Ave Ste 5, Washington, 99206-4824
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Spokane Valley, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 31 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane Valley - Washington

12209 E Mission Ave Ste 5, Washington, 99206-4824

Dean A. Fankhauser

Business Lawyer Serving at Sioux City - Iowa

Dean Fankhauser, Attorney at Law, Iowa, 51101
  • Business, Franchising, Mergers and Acquisitions, Lawsuits and Disputes, Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, ...
  • Sioux City, Iowa Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (712) 252-3226

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Sioux City - Iowa

Dean Fankhauser, Attorney at Law, Iowa, 51101
Free Consultation (712) 252-3226

Edwin H. Selwocki, Jr.

Car Accidents Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

1441 Saint Antoine St Fl 11, Michigan, 48226-2362
  • Detroit College of Law
  • Car Accidents, Collections, Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Litigation, Negligence Law, Personal Injury, Probate and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Detroit, Michigan Car Accidents Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 202-7088

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

1441 Saint Antoine St Fl 11, Michigan, 48226-2362
Free Consultation (313) 202-7088

Coy Dale Coffman, Iii

Foreclosure Lawyer Serving at Tulsa - Oklahoma

5100 E Skelly Dr Ste 140, Oklahoma, 74135-6528
  • Foreclosure, Litigation, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Oil and Gas and Probate
  • Tulsa, Oklahoma Foreclosure Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tulsa - Oklahoma

5100 E Skelly Dr Ste 140, Oklahoma, 74135-6528

Kevin Joseph Calvey

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Oklahoma City - Oklahoma

PO Box 20443, Oklahoma, 73156-0443
  • Appeals and Appellate, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Employment and Labor, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Probate, Real Estate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (405)808-0041

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Oklahoma City - Oklahoma

PO Box 20443, Oklahoma, 73156-0443
Free Consultation (405)808-0041

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.