Tips on Choosing the Right Probate Lawyer
Full Answer
Interviewing the Probate Lawyer. When you first sit down with a lawyer you're thinking about hiring, make it clear up front that you plan to talk to several lawyers before you hire one for the estate work. Then try to ask some questions before you get into the details of a probate court proceeding. A lawyer who has handled a lot of probates may assume that you're on board and …
How To Choose A Probate Attorney. Your attorney should be competent, compassionate and honest. A competent probate law attorney knows the law. A compassionate probate attorney will ask the client what the goals are. 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.
Nov 25, 2020 · The Nashville probate litigation lawyers at Martin Heller Potempa & Sheppard have five tips on how to choose a probate attorney. 1. Research on the Tennessee Bar Association. If you have never needed the guidance of an attorney, you likely may not even know of reputable lawyers in your area.
In addition, an attorney should have significant experience in probate matters. Probate is a highly specialized area of the law; an attorney with little or no probate experience will not be as effective as a highly experienced probate attorney. I have occasionally dealt with attorneys who have no probate experience representing parties before me.
This article assumes that you are the personal representative of the deceased person's (decedent's) estate, but these guiding principles are relevant no matter what your reason for seeking a probate attorney.
You should interview a few probate attorneys before retaining one. If the attorney who did the decedent's estate planning also handles probate estates, he or she should be familiar with the estate and may be a good choice.
Here are some (hopefully helpful) guidelines that might help you make your selection:
Get informed (read this blog) and then choose your attorney the right way. It will facilitate your working relationship with the attorney and you’ll be happier in the end.