Best Probate Lawyers - November 2024

James Robert Doran

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

100 Pine St Ste 205, Washington, 98225-5463
  • Contracts and Agreements, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Foreclosure, Government, Landlord and Tenant, Personal Injury ...
  • Bellingham, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer with 39 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 393-9506

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

100 Pine St Ste 205, Washington, 98225-5463
Free Consultation (360) 393-9506

Loren Matthew Joner

Business Lawyer Serving at Battle Ground - Washington

PO Box 928, Washington, 98604-0928
  • Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Battle Ground, Washington Business Lawyer with 17 years of experience
Free Consultation (360) 687-9200

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Battle Ground - Washington

PO Box 928, Washington, 98604-0928
Free Consultation (360) 687-9200

Lisa Saar

Disability Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

5355 Tallman Ave NW Ste 202, Washington, 98107-3954
  • Disability, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Government, Guardianship, Landlord and Tenant, Medical Malpractice ...
  • Seattle, Washington Disability Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

5355 Tallman Ave NW Ste 202, Washington, 98107-3954

Sally Li

Consumer Protection Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

5816 S Pilgrim St, Washington, 98118-5851
  • Consumer Protection, Debt and Lending Agreements, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Housing, Landlord and Tenant, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Seattle, Washington Consumer Protection Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

5816 S Pilgrim St, Washington, 98118-5851

Robyn Breen McGinnity

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

717 W Sprague Ave Ste 1500, Washington, 99201-3923
  • Administrative Law, Government, Business, Commercial, Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Spokane, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 18 years of experience
Free Consultation (509) 455-5300 EXT 5103

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Spokane - Washington

717 W Sprague Ave Ste 1500, Washington, 99201-3923
Free Consultation (509) 455-5300 EXT 5103

Jillian Harlington

Agriculture Law Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

1333 Columbia Park Trl Ste 220, Washington, 99352-4713
  • Agriculture Law, Appeals and Appellate, Business, Commercial, Cannabis Law, Real Estate, Consumer Protection, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, ...
  • Richland, Washington Agriculture Law Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

1333 Columbia Park Trl Ste 220, Washington, 99352-4713

Dustin A. Duke

Probate Lawyer Serving at Little Rock - Arkansas

AR Law Partners, PLLC, Arkansas, 72205
  • Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Health Care, Trusts and Elder Law
  • Little Rock, Arkansas Probate Lawyer
Free Consultation (501) 710-6500

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Little Rock - Arkansas

AR Law Partners, PLLC, Arkansas, 72205
Free Consultation (501) 710-6500

John Paul Green

Divorce and Separation Lawyer Serving at Stow - Ohio

3869 Darrow Rd. Suite 101, Ohio, 44224
  • Divorce and Separation, Collaborative Law, Military Law, Property Division, Alimony, Uncontested Divorce, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Health Care, ...
  • Stow, Ohio Divorce and Separation Lawyer
Free Consultation (234) 334-6981

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Stow - Ohio

3869 Darrow Rd. Suite 101, Ohio, 44224
Free Consultation (234) 334-6981

Albert D. Spalding, Jr.

General Practice Lawyer Serving at Grosse Pointe Woods - Michigan

50 River Ln, Michigan, 48236-0018
  • General Practice, Guardianship, Probate, Professional Liability, Tax and Wills and Living Wills
  • Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan General Practice Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 218-3625

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grosse Pointe Woods - Michigan

50 River Ln, Michigan, 48236-0018
Free Consultation (313) 218-3625

Robert P. Morrison

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1111 3rd Ave Ste 3000, Washington, 98101-3296
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Seattle, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 30 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

1111 3rd Ave Ste 3000, Washington, 98101-3296

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.