how to find a probate attorney

How To Find A Good Probate Attorney

• Ask a friend. The first tip that we have is to ask a friend. ...
• Look online in your area. ...
• Read reviews online. ...
• Find out more information about each attorney. ...
• You can find out more about each attorney directly on their website. ...
• Learn about their success rate. ...
• Call and ask them questions. ...
• Meet with the finalists in person. ...
• Make your final decision. ...

Full Answer

What are some questions to ask a probate attorney?

Probates are generally profitable for lawyers, so they're happy to take on the work. You can probably find some prospects through Nolo's Lawyer Directory. Read their profiles, which will tell you about each lawyer's experience and philosophy, to get an idea of what they would be like to work with and who might be a good fit.

Will you need to hire a probate lawyer?

Dec 16, 2019 · Being the personal representative of an estate is a big responsibility. When a parent or family member has passed away, you may think you need to find a probate attorney to settle the estate. Lawyers’ services can be expensive, though. After talking with a probate lawyer, however, you might decide that a better choice is to hire a registered legal document assistant …

How much do lawyers charge for probate?

Apr 15, 2020 · Finding a probate attorney is usually fairly easy in heavily-populated areas such as Los Angeles or San Diego. You might even see advertisements, billboards, or classifieds listings for local law firms focusing on probate day-to-day. Feel free to reach out to these firms directly to ask for a free consultation if you’re interested.

What are some basic costs related to probate?

Aug 17, 2021 · When word of mouth isn’t effective, you can always call your state bar association for referrals. Bar associations keep lawyer directories and are happy to provide names of probate lawyers in your area. Finally, you can always use a Google search. Just remember to thoroughly research every attorney you find.

Where can I find a probate attorney?

Finding a probate attorney is usually fairly easy in heavily-populated areas such as Los Angeles or San Diego. You might even see advertisements, billboards, or classifieds listings for local law firms focusing on probate day-to-day.

What is probate in court?

Probate – the process of proving a will in court after someone passes away or becomes incapacitated – can be extremely complex. Between laws, regulations, taxes, and even the very normal emotions that come along with executing someone’s last wishes, mistakes, frustration, and stress can occur. The good news is that you don’t have to face ...

Searching for candidates

If you know anyone who has used a probate attorney in the past, ask them who they worked with and whether they’d recommend their services. Most people are happy to tell you with whom they’ve worked and whether you should hire or avoid them.

What to ask probate attorneys

Before you choose a probate lawyer, you’ll need to interview each of them. The goal is to find out three things: whether they’re capable of performing the work, how they expect the proceedings to go and whether you want to work with them.

Glass Law Group, PLLC

Glass Law Group is a small boutique style practice with big firm experience! Our goal is to take the fear out of Estate Planning, put folks at ease w...

Biecker Law LLC

Centrally located providing services in multiple areas of the law that are most commonly needed by clients. Those services are: Family an... Read More

Tom H. Billiris, P.A

I have over 25 years experience in Real Estate matters, business law, bankruptcy (personal and business) and wills, trusts and probate. I also ... Read More handle immigration matters.

Slutzky Law Firm

After 42 years as an attorney, the last 7 of which are in Florida, I have helped countless individuals with their estate planning, probate, and busin... Read More ess law needs.

Victor Law Center, P. A

Ms. Danie Victor is a published author of over 300 legal books selling worldwide through amazon under “Danie Victor Books”. Danie has been prac... Read More

Meyer Law Firm

Planning for your future is about protecting and providing for the people you love. Meyer Law Firm in Jupiter, Florida guides you through the complic... Read More

Marc J. Soss, Esquire

For the past three (3) decades I have been providing legal services to individuals in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, Asset Protection, Prob... Read More

What is a Probate Attorney

A probate attorney is a state-licensed lawyer who can help the Executor of a Will (if one was appointed) or the beneficiaries of an estate get through probate as they work to settle an estate.

What Does a Probate Attorney Do?

Also known as a probate lawyer, probate attorneys are hired to help settle an estate. After the death of a loved one, their Estate Plan dictates the next steps. If they have a Will, probate will be necessary. Trusts won’t go through probate, which can sometimes make the process a bit less complicated and much more private.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Probate?

Whether or not you need a probate lawyer will depend on multiple factors and scenarios. You’ll want to consider things like:

Questions to Ask a Probate Attorney

If you do end up using a probate attorney, there are a few things you should know before retaining one. Asking questions up front will ensure there are no (costly) surprises along the way. Use the following list to help you find an attorney who will be the right fit for your exact needs.

Are Probate Records Available to the Public?

Probate records are available to the public, but they may not be available for free. Many county clerk’s offices have started charging a nominal fee for viewing them. You should be able to find probate records for both intestate cases and cases where the individual died with a will.

Other Methods to Access Probate Records

The Church of Latter-Day Saints has amazing resources for family history researchers and others who need access to probate records. You can search their historical records for free. You can use their family search database to help you determine the date of death and where they were buried.

The Bottom Line

Not all probate records are available online, but many are. You first have to isolate the date of death and place of death of the decedent to locate in what county and state that the probate records may be located. Then, you check with the county clerk’s office and find out what does exist online.

Tips for Estate Planning

Make a will, or other estate planning document. You will save your family so much time, energy and grief. You can even make your own will for free.