Best Probate Lawyers - November 2024

Julie R Sommer

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

701 5th Ave Ste 4640, Washington, 98104-7021
  • Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Guardianship and Sports
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 21 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

701 5th Ave Ste 4640, Washington, 98104-7021

Mary Catherine Wolney

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1833 N 105th St Ste 101, Washington, 98133-8973
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Seattle, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 47 years of experience
Free Consultation (206)323-0400

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1833 N 105th St Ste 101, Washington, 98133-8973
Free Consultation (206)323-0400

Heather Z Bliss

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

2112 N 30th St Ste A, Washington, 98403-3363
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Family
  • Tacoma, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 24 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

2112 N 30th St Ste A, Washington, 98403-3363

John David Nellor

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

201 NE Park Plaza Dr Ste 202, Washington, 98684-5871
  • Bankruptcy and debt, Lawsuits and Disputes, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Government
  • Vancouver, Washington Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer with 45 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Vancouver - Washington

201 NE Park Plaza Dr Ste 202, Washington, 98684-5871

Larry Dean Stout

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

2525 17th Ave NW, Washington, 98502-4116
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Olympia, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 37 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 556-3465

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

2525 17th Ave NW, Washington, 98502-4116
Free Consultation (360) 556-3465

Bradley James Schrock

Business Lawyer Serving at Camas - Washington

2005 SE 192nd Ave Ste 200, Washington, 98607-7475
  • Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Lawsuits and Disputes, Employment and Labor, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family ...
  • Camas, Washington Business Lawyer with 31 years of experience
Free Consultation (503) 626-3087

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Camas - Washington

2005 SE 192nd Ave Ste 200, Washington, 98607-7475
Free Consultation (503) 626-3087

Megan M Lewis

Business Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

905 S Monroe St, Washington, 99204-3835
  • Business, Commercial, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Real Estate ...
  • Spokane, Washington Business Lawyer with 17 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 242-3432

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

905 S Monroe St, Washington, 99204-3835
Free Consultation (509) 242-3432

Ferdinand H Mitchell Jr

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

24 W Augusta Ave, Washington, 99205-4813
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Health Care
  • Spokane, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 27 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 327-5181

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

24 W Augusta Ave, Washington, 99205-4813
Free Consultation (509) 327-5181

Tyson Smith Goss

Business Lawyer Serving at Royal City - Washington

4681 Rd 13.5 SW, Washington, 99357
  • Business, Commercial, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, State, Local And Municipal Law and Sports
  • Royal City, Washington Business Lawyer with 3 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Royal City - Washington

4681 Rd 13.5 SW, Washington, 99357

F. Steven Lathrop

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Ellensburg - Washington

PO Box 1088, Washington, 98926-1900
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Ellensburg, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 51 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 925-6916

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ellensburg - Washington

PO Box 1088, Washington, 98926-1900
Free Consultation (509) 925-6916

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.