how to get free information from a probate attorney

Another option for anyone who lives out of state and can’t find the information they need is to contact an estate planning attorney. The attorney can get copies of documents for the estate in probate. While you will have to pay a fee for using their service, it may not be as costly as if you travel to the area and do the work yourself.

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What to do if you can't find probate records online?

Aug 14, 2013 · An honest probate attorney will tell the client if the goals are achievable. The difference between a good and a great probate attorney is in the details. The Probate Pro recommends spending the appropriate amount of time in the initial consultation to determine whether the free probate lawyer should become a lawyer worth hiring and paying.

How to get a copy of a probate document?

Dec 14, 2021 · Call an estate planning attorney's office in the area near the applicable probate court and ask if they will assist you in obtaining copies of probate documents from the local probate court. The office will most likely charge a fee for their services, but if you do not live close to the area, this will save you from the travel expenses that will be incurred to travel to the court …

Can I get a copy of a will for free?

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. Their services could typically include everything from finding and inventorying assets of the estate, to understanding and ...

When would you need a lawyer for probate?

How to get free credit reports. If you want immediate results, sign up for a "free" credit report from any one of the agencies listed below. The service is free for anywhere from seven to 30 days, after which you’ll be charged. While you have access, print or download a complete list of the deceased’s credit cards, bank loans, car loans, etc.

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.

What is the job of executor of an estate?

If you are an executor or administrator of an estate, one of your primary jobs is to pay the debts of the deceased. Since many individuals don’t make tidy lists of all their debts, you may have to do some digging. A credit report is a great resource.

How long does it take to get a free credit report?

If you want immediate results, sign up for a "free" credit report from any one of the agencies listed below. The service is free for anywhere from seven to 30 days, after which you’ll be charged.

Step 1 – Identify Location Where Probate was Filed

Your first step is to find out which county in the state has the public record. It will be in the county where probate was filed. This is most likely the county where the person died or where they were living at the time of their death if they passed away in another county.

Step 2 – Contact the County Probate Clerk

Once you know the county where probate was filed, you can look up the website for the probate court. Look for information about how to contact the county probate clerk. You might be able to read the record on the internet. However, another option, if they aren’t accessible online, is to contact the office of the clerk by phone or email.

Step 3 – Search the Internet

Once you know the county where probate was filed, you can do a search for the estate. You would go to the county government’s website and search by name of the deceased. You may also be able to search by the court docket or attorney. You can also use the case number to search probate cases if you have it.

Step 4 – Collect the Probate Records

If you are able to view the case online, you can print off the records. If you must go to the courthouse in person, you can ask the clerk to let you review the case or specific documents from the record. You may need to review the file in the office before you know which documents were included or what you will need.

Step 5 – Create Copies for the Court

You will want to make copies of any documents that are relevant to your search. If you are able to view the record online, you can print off the number of copies you need. If you must view the record in person, you will need to ask the clerk to make copies for you. They may charge a copying fee for each page.

Contact the Probate Court

You can also call the court and ask the clerk to make copies of probate records. Some clerks will help you with this task, so you don’t have to come in. This can be very important if you live in another state.

You May Need an Estate Planning Attorney

If you still cannot find an estate in probate after doing all these steps, it is possible that the estate was never opened. If this is the case and you know it should have been opened, you will want to contact an estate planning attorney who can review your case, give you more information, and provide legal counsel on your next steps.

How to find out if someone died in probate?

3) If you can’t find the records in the local court’s archive, you may have to search state archives. The last step is usually the hardest part in knowing how to find probate records.

How to find probate records?

Once you locate the archive, use the following steps on how to search probate records: 1) Find the index and search the deceased person’s name which will be listed alphabetically by surname. 2) Locate and list the docket number and date of probate. 3) Look under the names of family members of the deceased. 4) Once you know what dockets you’re ...

How to have a good relationship with a lawyer?

Having a successful working relationship with a lawyer, however, takes more than legal knowledge. So pay attention to how clearly the lawyer explains the process, how well the lawyer listens to your concerns, and how respectful the lawyer is. Make sure you're signing up with someone who: 1 Communicates clearly. Some lawyers just can't seem to talk in plain English. If you can't understand what the lawyer is talking about and don't get good explanations when you ask for clarification, look elsewhere. 2 Respects your efforts to educate yourself. If you're doing your best to learn about your responsibilities as an executor —and possibly do some of the work yourself to save on fees—you want a lawyer who will cooperate respectfully.

Is it hard to get a lawyer to do probate?

It's not usually difficult to get the name of a local lawyer or two who handles probates and estates. Probates are generally profitable for lawyers, so they're happy to take on the work.