Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Robert N. File

Insurance Lawyer Serving at Beckley - West Virginia

File Payne Scherer & File PLLC 130 Main St , West Virginia, 25801
  • Insurance, Litigation, Probate and Real Estate
  • Beckley, West Virginia Insurance Lawyer with 45 years of experience
Free Consultation (304) 253-3358

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Beckley - West Virginia

File Payne Scherer & File PLLC 130 Main St , West Virginia, 25801
Free Consultation (304) 253-3358

Bert Whitehead, IV

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Birmingham - Michigan

114 S Old Woodward Ave Ste 2, Michigan, 48009-6107
  • Criminal Defense, Debt and Lending Agreements, Family, Guardianship, Landlord and Tenant, Public Finance and Tax Exempt Finance, Probate, Speeding and Traffic Ticket and Wills and Living Wills
  • Birmingham, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Free Consultation (855) 437-3704

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Birmingham - Michigan

114 S Old Woodward Ave Ste 2, Michigan, 48009-6107
Free Consultation (855) 437-3704

Jacquelyn A. Rygiel-Sprague

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

3003 Washtenaw Ave Ste 3, Michigan, 48104-5107
  • Elder Law, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Ann Arbor, Michigan Elder Law Lawyer
Free Consultation (734) 669-3899

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ann Arbor - Michigan

3003 Washtenaw Ave Ste 3, Michigan, 48104-5107
Free Consultation (734) 669-3899

Richard J. Siriani

Probate Lawyer Serving at Royal Oak - Michigan

150 W 2nd St Ste 250, Michigan, 48067-3850
  • Michigan State University College of Law
  • Probate
  • Royal Oak, Michigan Probate Lawyer
Free Consultation (248) 763-1331

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Royal Oak - Michigan

150 W 2nd St Ste 250, Michigan, 48067-3850
Free Consultation (248) 763-1331

Aaron Maurice Arnall

Family Lawyer Serving at Midwest City - Oklahoma

1384 S Douglas Blvd, Oklahoma, 73130-5215
  • Family, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Expungement
  • Midwest City, Oklahoma Family Lawyer
Free Consultation (405)733-1683

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Midwest City - Oklahoma

1384 S Douglas Blvd, Oklahoma, 73130-5215
Free Consultation (405)733-1683

David Morris Dunlap

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Oklahoma City - Oklahoma

217 N Harvey Ave Ste 210, Oklahoma, 73102-3803
  • Appeals and Appellate, Bankruptcy and debt, Family, General Practice, Guardianship, Litigation, Probate and Real Estate
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (405)235-1950

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Oklahoma City - Oklahoma

217 N Harvey Ave Ste 210, Oklahoma, 73102-3803
Free Consultation (405)235-1950

Micah Louise Balasbas

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Lacey - Washington

4570 Avery Ln SE, PMB #260, Washington, 98503-5608
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government, Guardianship and Personal Injury
  • Lacey, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 16 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Lacey - Washington

4570 Avery Ln SE, PMB #260, Washington, 98503-5608

Jeremey Donn Dobbins

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

205 S Meridian, Washington, 98371-5915
  • Administrative Law, Government, Business, Commercial, Constitutional, Consumer Protection, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Lawsuits and Disputes, ...
  • Puyallup, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 10 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Puyallup - Washington

205 S Meridian, Washington, 98371-5915

Chad Eugene Bradshaw

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1105 Tacoma Ave S, Washington, 98402-2005
  • Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Family
  • Tacoma, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyer with 7 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tacoma - Washington

1105 Tacoma Ave S, Washington, 98402-2005

Minta Ann Andreve

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Fircrest - Washington

1021 Regents Blvd, Washington, 98466-6030
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family and Guardianship
  • Fircrest, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 6 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Fircrest - Washington

1021 Regents Blvd, Washington, 98466-6030

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.