Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Eric V. Smith

Business Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

1300 E Lafayette St Suite 1902, Michigan, 48207-2922
  • Business, Elder Law, General Practice, Government Contracts, Guardianship, State, Local And Municipal Law, Police Misconduct, Prisons and Corrections, Probate ...
  • Detroit, Michigan Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 961-2464

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

1300 E Lafayette St Suite 1902, Michigan, 48207-2922
Free Consultation (313) 961-2464

Kelli Brady Marletto

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Mill Creek - Washington

1817 168th Pl SE, Washington, 98012-8037
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Mill Creek, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 17 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 406-5710

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mill Creek - Washington

1817 168th Pl SE, Washington, 98012-8037
Free Consultation (206) 406-5710

Brian Daniel Ives

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

5507 35th Ave NE, Washington, 98105-2311
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Guardianship, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Seattle, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 31 years of experience
Free Consultation (206) 547-1400

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

5507 35th Ave NE, Washington, 98105-2311
Free Consultation (206) 547-1400

Judy Kaoru Nakashima Shoji

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

2400 NW 80th Street #511, Washington, 98117
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Seattle, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 31 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

2400 NW 80th Street #511, Washington, 98117

Robert Charles Pittman

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Fircrest - Washington

1019 Regents Blvd Ste 201, Washington, 98466-6037
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Fircrest, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 45 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 471-9779

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Fircrest - Washington

1019 Regents Blvd Ste 201, Washington, 98466-6037
Free Consultation (253) 471-9779

Marc Alan Wheeler

Business Lawyer Serving at Tumwater - Washington

6720 6th Ave SW, Washington, 98501-5404
  • Business, Commercial, Collections, Contracts and Agreements, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Foreclosure, ...
  • Tumwater, Washington Business Lawyer with 47 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 623-1009

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tumwater - Washington

6720 6th Ave SW, Washington, 98501-5404
Free Consultation (360) 623-1009

Aaron M Smith

Business Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

999 3rd Ave Ste 700, Washington, 98104-4039
  • Business, Commercial, Environmental and Natural Resources, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Land Use and Zoning and Public Finance and Tax Exempt Finance
  • Seattle, Washington Business Lawyer with 13 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

999 3rd Ave Ste 700, Washington, 98104-4039

Randy R Hanson

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Marysville - Washington

6129 82nd Pl NE Unit B, Washington, 98270-3362
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family and Landlord and Tenant
  • Marysville, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 15 years of experience
Free Consultation (425) 446-1138

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Marysville - Washington

6129 82nd Pl NE Unit B, Washington, 98270-3362
Free Consultation (425) 446-1138

Scott Friedman

Business Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

1300 114th Ave SE Ste 220, Washington, 98004-6960
  • Business, Commercial, Corporate and Incorporation, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Bellevue, Washington Business Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellevue - Washington

1300 114th Ave SE Ste 220, Washington, 98004-6960

Jenna Lynn Brozik

Employment and Labor Lawyer Serving at Pullman - Washington

445 S Grand Ave, Washington, 99163-2751
  • Employment and Labor, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Family
  • Pullman, Washington Employment and Labor Lawyer with 13 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Pullman - Washington

445 S Grand Ave, Washington, 99163-2751

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.