Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Melanie K Hantze

Elder Law Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

1441 West Bay Drive NW Ste 102B, Washington, 98502
  • Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Guardianship
  • Olympia, Washington Elder Law Lawyer with 27 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Olympia - Washington

1441 West Bay Drive NW Ste 102B, Washington, 98502

Kyle Scott Mitchell

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

2011 Young St Ste 202, Washington, 98225-4052
  • Administrative Law, Government, Agriculture Law, Appeals and Appellate, Business, Commercial, Real Estate, Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, ...
  • Bellingham, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 10 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Bellingham - Washington

2011 Young St Ste 202, Washington, 98225-4052

Alan Hayes Green

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at SPOKANE - Washington

1312 N. Monroe St. No. 243, Washington, 99201
  • Administrative Law, Government, Animal and Dog Bites, Business, Commercial, Civil Rights, Communications and Media, Constitutional, Real Estate, ...
  • SPOKANE, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 17 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at SPOKANE - Washington

1312 N. Monroe St. No. 243, Washington, 99201

Thomas J. Heye

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

1333 Columbia Park Trl Ste 220, Washington, 99352-4713
  • Contracts and Agreements, Corporate and Incorporation, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Guardianship, Real Estate and Land Use and Zoning
  • Richland, Washington Contracts and Agreements Lawyer with 58 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Richland - Washington

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

John S. Grant Iv

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Ridgeland - Mississippi

Grant Legal Group, PA, Mississippi, 39157
  • Appeals and Appellate, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Ridgeland, Mississippi Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (601) 827-3031

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ridgeland - Mississippi

Grant Legal Group, PA, Mississippi, 39157
Free Consultation (601) 827-3031

Gary B. Leuchtman

Probate Lawyer Serving at Pensacola - Florida

The Law Office of Gary B. Leuchtman, PLLC921 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL , Florida,
  • Probate, Estate Planning and Tax
  • Pensacola, Florida Probate Lawyer with 0 years of experience
Free Consultation (850) 316-8116

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Pensacola - Florida

The Law Office of Gary B. Leuchtman, PLLC921 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL , Florida,
Free Consultation (850) 316-8116

Pamela Michelle Sossi

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

500 Griswold St Ste 2320, Michigan, 48226-4486
  • Appeals and Appellate, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Family, Litigation, Negligence Law, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Detroit, Michigan Appeals and Appellate Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 962-0000

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Detroit - Michigan

500 Griswold St Ste 2320, Michigan, 48226-4486
Free Consultation (313) 962-0000

Ernscie Augustin

Adoption Lawyer Serving at East Lansing - Michigan

1675 Watertower Pl Ste 800, Michigan, 48823-8047
  • Adoption, Divorce and Separation, Elder Law, Family, Guardianship, Litigation, Medicaid and Medicare, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • East Lansing, Michigan Adoption Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at East Lansing - Michigan

1675 Watertower Pl Ste 800, Michigan, 48823-8047

Steven E. Shelton

Business Lawyer Serving at Flint - Michigan

436 S Saginaw St Ste 101, Michigan, 48502-1823
  • Business, Communications and Media, Criminal Defense, General Practice, Libel and Slander, Probate, Personal Injury and Speeding and Traffic Ticket
  • Flint, Michigan Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (810) 991-4820

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Flint - Michigan

436 S Saginaw St Ste 101, Michigan, 48502-1823
Free Consultation (810) 991-4820

Thomas Keith Baldwin

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Ardmore - Oklahoma

100 E St SW Ste E, Oklahoma, 73401-4722
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Trusts, Wills and Living Wills, Guardianship and Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Ardmore, Oklahoma Estate Planning Lawyer
Free Consultation (580)319-7782

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Ardmore - Oklahoma

100 E St SW Ste E, Oklahoma, 73401-4722
Free Consultation (580)319-7782

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.