Best Probate Lawyers - September 2024

Matthew A Lind

Business Lawyer Serving at Poulsbo - Washington

PO Box 400, Washington, 98370-0400
  • Business, Commercial, Corporate and Incorporation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Guardianship, Admiralty and Maritime and Real Estate
  • Poulsbo, Washington Business Lawyer with 19 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Poulsbo - Washington

PO Box 400, Washington, 98370-0400

Andrew Richard Jerome

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Mountlake Terrace - Washington

5803 232nd St SW Ste 1, Washington, 98043-4637
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills and Tax
  • Mountlake Terrace, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 21 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Mountlake Terrace - Washington

5803 232nd St SW Ste 1, Washington, 98043-4637

Sandra Gayle Green

Probate Lawyer Serving at Tallahassee - Florida

Sandra G. Green, Esquire1105 Hays St, Tallahassee, FL , Florida,
  • Probate, Estate Planning and Guardianship
  • Tallahassee, Florida Probate Lawyer with 0 years of experience
Free Consultation (850) 792-6995

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Tallahassee - Florida

Sandra G. Green, Esquire1105 Hays St, Tallahassee, FL , Florida,
Free Consultation (850) 792-6995

Westley Joseph Neal

Contracts and Agreements Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

28366 Franklin Rd, Michigan, 48034-5503
  • Contracts and Agreements, Debt and Lending Agreements, Employment and Labor and Probate
  • Southfield, Michigan Contracts and Agreements Lawyer

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Southfield - Michigan

28366 Franklin Rd, Michigan, 48034-5503

Hon. Carl F. Jarboe

Business Lawyer Serving at Grosse Pointe Farms - Michigan

18720 Mack Ave Ste 240, Michigan, 48236-2991
  • Business, Contracts and Agreements, Entertainment, Freedom of Information Act, Government Contracts, State, Local And Municipal Law, Government and Probate
  • Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Business Lawyer
Free Consultation (313) 821-2600

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Grosse Pointe Farms - Michigan

18720 Mack Ave Ste 240, Michigan, 48236-2991
Free Consultation (313) 821-2600

Jessica Leigh Caruthers

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Enid - Oklahoma

302 N Independence, Suite 502, Oklahoma, 73701
  • Estate Planning, Family, Real Estate, Litigation and Probate
  • Enid, Oklahoma Estate Planning Lawyer
Free Consultation (580)234-6600

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Enid - Oklahoma

302 N Independence, Suite 502, Oklahoma, 73701
Free Consultation (580)234-6600

Walter Frederick Brune, Brune,

Adoption Lawyer Serving at Edmond - Oklahoma

1716 NW 179th Ter, Oklahoma, 73012-4152
  • Adoption, Bankruptcy and debt, Family, General Practice, Litigation, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Probate, Real Estate and Workers Compensation Law
  • Edmond, Oklahoma Adoption Lawyer
Free Consultation (580)761-4467

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Edmond - Oklahoma

1716 NW 179th Ter, Oklahoma, 73012-4152
Free Consultation (580)761-4467

Joseph Douglas Gehrke

Appeals and Appellate Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

500 Union St Ste 510, Washington, 98101-4068
  • Appeals and Appellate, Lawsuits and Disputes, Education, Employment and Labor, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Litigation and Personal Injury
  • Seattle, Washington Appeals and Appellate Lawyer with 10 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

500 Union St Ste 510, Washington, 98101-4068

Stephanie Ann Johannessen Esq

Estate Planning Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

5400 California Ave SW Ste E, Washington, 98136-1501
  • Estate Planning, Probate and Wills and Living Wills
  • Seattle, Washington Estate Planning Lawyer with 5 years of experience

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Seattle - Washington

5400 California Ave SW Ste E, Washington, 98136-1501

Jonathan Tate McCoy

Administrative Law Lawyer Serving at Lakewood - Washington

11202 96th Ave SW, Washington, 98498-2821
  • Administrative Law, Government, Debt and Lending Agreements, Lawsuits and Disputes, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Wills, Family, International Law, ...
  • Lakewood, Washington Administrative Law Lawyer with 35 years of experience
Free Consultation (253) 219-0890

0 reviews

Lawyer Serving at Lakewood - Washington

11202 96th Ave SW, Washington, 98498-2821
Free Consultation (253) 219-0890

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.