Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Stephen Holland Ford

Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer Serving at Spokane Valley - Washington

320 S Sullivan Rd, Washington, 99037-8835
  • Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Landlord and Tenant, Personal Injury, Real Estate and Workers Compensation Law
  • Spokane Valley, Washington Corporate and Incorporation Lawyer with 32 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 924-2400

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane Valley - Washington

320 S Sullivan Rd, Washington, 99037-8835
Free Consultation (509) 924-2400

Lindsay King

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

1359 Columbia Park Trl, Washington, 99352-4770
  • Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family and Guardianship
  • Richland, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

1359 Columbia Park Trl, Washington, 99352-4770

John W. Crow

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Clarksville - Tennessee

Crow Estate Planning and Probate, PLC, Tennessee, 37040
  • Estate Planning, Guardianship, Health Care, Trusts, Wills and Living Wills, Probate, Business, Franchising, Mergers and Acquisitions ...
  • Clarksville, Tennessee Estate Planning Lawyer
Free Consultation (931) 218-7800

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Clarksville - Tennessee

Crow Estate Planning and Probate, PLC, Tennessee, 37040
Free Consultation (931) 218-7800

Robert G. Lewandowski

Probate Lawyer Serving at Troy - Michigan

1900 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 203, Michigan, 48084-3508
  • Probate
  • Troy, Michigan Probate Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 566-2500

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Troy - Michigan

1900 W Big Beaver Rd Ste 203, Michigan, 48084-3508
Free Consultation (313) 566-2500

Patrick Cherry

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Cadillac - Michigan

120 W Harris St Ste 1, Michigan, 49601-2165
  • Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Guardianship, Litigation, Probate, Real Estate and Personal Injury
  • Cadillac, Michigan Contracts and Agreements Lawyer
Free Consultation (231) 775-1391

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Cadillac - Michigan

120 W Harris St Ste 1, Michigan, 49601-2165
Free Consultation (231) 775-1391

Philip J. Weipert

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at South Lyon - Michigan

400 S Lafayette St, Michigan, 48178-1459
  • Thomas M. Cooley
  • Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Driver’s License Restoration, Elder Law, Family, Guardianship, Medicaid and Medicare, Probate, Real Estate, ...
  • South Lyon, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (248) 486-1100

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at South Lyon - Michigan

400 S Lafayette St, Michigan, 48178-1459
Free Consultation (248) 486-1100

Sarah E Smith

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

2401 NW 65th St, Washington, 98117-5831
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 17 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

2401 NW 65th St, Washington, 98117-5831

Gregory Lee Porter

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

801 2nd Ave Ste 1415, Washington, 98104-1517
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Personal Injury, Real Estate, ...
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 7 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

801 2nd Ave Ste 1415, Washington, 98104-1517

Claudia Elizabeth Augustine

Business Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

5615 144th St SE, Washington, 98208-9364
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Real Estate
  • Everett, Washington Business Lawyer with 25 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 650-4632

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Everett - Washington

5615 144th St SE, Washington, 98208-9364
Free Consultation (206) 650-4632

Janna Jill Annest

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

119 S Main St Ste 405, Washington, 98104-2555
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Family
  • Seattle, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 21 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

119 S Main St Ste 405, Washington, 98104-2555

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.