Filter by

star star star star star
08 Aug, 2024 by Casey
I had the pleasure of working with Jack, and I can't say enough about the incredible job he did for me. As a plaintiff’s attorney, Jack truly goes above and beyond for his clients. He took on my case on a contingency fee basis, which was a huge relief since it meant I didn’t have to worry about paying costly fees upfront. From the start, Jack was not only professional but also incredibly compassionate. He took the time to understand every detail of my case, always made sure I felt heard, and provided clear explanations of what to expect throughout the process. His dedication to fighting for justice was evident in every interaction we had. Jack’s expertise and determination led to a successful outcome, and I am beyond grateful for his hard work. He was always accessible, kept me informed, and made me feel like I was his top priority. If you’re looking for an attorney who genuinely cares about his clients and will fight tirelessly on your behalf, I highly recommend Jack. He is an outstanding attorney who delivers results!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Feb, 2024 by C. midgett
Our litigation took years because we weren't in it for a quick settlement. Jack and his team worked with us every step of the way. He gave honest feedback in the preparation of what was to come and didn't rush the process. He wasn't just our lawyer, he became a trusted family friend. I am both pleased and proud of the work done. I would recommend him and his team to anyone.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
11 Sep, 2023 by Selena corpuz
Kraft Law offers reliable, trustworthy and efficient counsel. Eric Kraft understands Real Estate Law and has not only provided expert legal representation with my business but has also helped my clients with their commercial transactions and done so with the utmost professionalism and care.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
21 Jun, 2024 by Tim and patty jacobsen
Working with Jennie was an amazing experience! We had established a trust nearly 25 years ago, which was in definite need of an update. This was one of those things we kept intending to do, but never quite seemed to get around to it. After our referral to Jennie, we decided to get to work on updating our estate planning, imagining this project was going to be time-consuming, overwhelming, and stressful. It was quite the opposite! Jennie made the entire experience a pleasant one from beginning to end. Her warm and friendly personality put us at ease right away as she answered our many questions. Jennie is highly organized and communicated with us promptly each step of the way so that we could complete this task easily and in a timely manner. We feel so much peace in knowing that we have a plan in place when needed and that our children won't be left trying to make difficult decisions on their own. If you have been putting off your own estate planning process, we highly recommend you take the next step and contact Jennie. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
21 May, 2024 by Theresa shump
Jennie Carter helped me in several ways: First, she helped me by agreeing to engage with me as my attorney and by acknowledging me for what I had already accomplished before I engaged her, as well as encouraging and supporting me, calming down any fears and/or concerns that I had. She did this in all of our interactions. The above is extremely important as well as her looking over a Valid Probate Settlement Agreement that I needed assistance with because prior to Jennie agreeing to become my attorney I had been attempting to obtain one who would work for and with me for six months. I had called, left messages, wrote out on-line questions and answers, went in person to attorneys' offices to at least 90 different legal entities, law schools, legal agencies, private solo attorneys, big Legal attorney firms, etc. to no avail. Many would not even return my calls, weren't accepting new clients, didn't do the type of representation that I needed, wanted to charge me thousands of dollars for items that I didn't want or need to do. It was a very frustrating, angering, saddening, dejecting, rejecting process for me. I was at my wits end as to where and who I could or should turn to next when I got the Valid Probate Settlement Agreement. Especially since I had been calling, etc. all over Topeka, Lawrence and even some in the Kansas City, Ks and Mo areas. Once I obtained Jennie as my attorney my life and I calmed down. I didn't have to face each day knowing that I had to keep going through every means of communication possible to obtain an attorney. Plus, as stated above it was calming and peaceful to me knowing that I had someone on my side supporting and representing me who knew the Probate laws, procedures, etc. Jennie further demonstrated the above through how she handled the Valid Probate Settlement Agreement with and for me. She gave me her overall professional, expert legal opinion of it and whether or not it was favorable to me or not, answered questions over items that I had related to it, provided a written list of items that she felt that I should include in my next interaction with my brother's attorney as well as explained the Probate Hearing Procedures Process and other Probate items that I had questions about. I see Jennie as a very competent, straightforward, honest, supportive, patient, informative, professional attorney and person who I felt really cared about my legal Valid Probate Settlement Agreement matter and myself and one who would go out of her way if needed to assist me. She did call me back promptly if I needed her to due to the urgency of an upcoming Court Hearing. This promptness left me feeling important and valued as well as my concerns, questions, etc. Finally, I felt that she helps people like me by weighing and listening to what had happened in my search to obtain an attorney, what it was that I wanted her to assist me with, by being non-judgmental and being very clear, specific and direct as to what services that she would provide and the exact costs for these services and for additional services and/or her time if needed. Words will never be able to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for who Jennie was for me as an attorney and person as well as for the services and everything that she provided for me. Sincerely, Theresa Shump-Melito
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 May, 2024 by Phil peterson
The Counts Law Firm and probate attorney Michelle Burge have helped me with long, complicated but successful defenses of my parents' wills and trusts from a litigious brother and his family. They have provided personal and professional service to the highest standards. I highly recommend both The Counts Law Firm and Michelle Burge.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
21 Jun, 2024 by Tim and patty jacobsen
Working with Jennie was an amazing experience! We had established a trust nearly 25 years ago, which was in definite need of an update. This was one of those things we kept intending to do, but never quite seemed to get around to it. After our referral to Jennie, we decided to get to work on updating our estate planning, imagining this project was going to be time-consuming, overwhelming, and stressful. It was quite the opposite! Jennie made the entire experience a pleasant one from beginning to end. Her warm and friendly personality put us at ease right away as she answered our many questions. Jennie is highly organized and communicated with us promptly each step of the way so that we could complete this task easily and in a timely manner. We feel so much peace in knowing that we have a plan in place when needed and that our children won't be left trying to make difficult decisions on their own. If you have been putting off your own estate planning process, we highly recommend you take the next step and contact Jennie. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
21 May, 2024 by Theresa shump
Jennie Carter helped me in several ways: First, she helped me by agreeing to engage with me as my attorney and by acknowledging me for what I had already accomplished before I engaged her, as well as encouraging and supporting me, calming down any fears and/or concerns that I had. She did this in all of our interactions. The above is extremely important as well as her looking over a Valid Probate Settlement Agreement that I needed assistance with because prior to Jennie agreeing to become my attorney I had been attempting to obtain one who would work for and with me for six months. I had called, left messages, wrote out on-line questions and answers, went in person to attorneys' offices to at least 90 different legal entities, law schools, legal agencies, private solo attorneys, big Legal attorney firms, etc. to no avail. Many would not even return my calls, weren't accepting new clients, didn't do the type of representation that I needed, wanted to charge me thousands of dollars for items that I didn't want or need to do. It was a very frustrating, angering, saddening, dejecting, rejecting process for me. I was at my wits end as to where and who I could or should turn to next when I got the Valid Probate Settlement Agreement. Especially since I had been calling, etc. all over Topeka, Lawrence and even some in the Kansas City, Ks and Mo areas. Once I obtained Jennie as my attorney my life and I calmed down. I didn't have to face each day knowing that I had to keep going through every means of communication possible to obtain an attorney. Plus, as stated above it was calming and peaceful to me knowing that I had someone on my side supporting and representing me who knew the Probate laws, procedures, etc. Jennie further demonstrated the above through how she handled the Valid Probate Settlement Agreement with and for me. She gave me her overall professional, expert legal opinion of it and whether or not it was favorable to me or not, answered questions over items that I had related to it, provided a written list of items that she felt that I should include in my next interaction with my brother's attorney as well as explained the Probate Hearing Procedures Process and other Probate items that I had questions about. I see Jennie as a very competent, straightforward, honest, supportive, patient, informative, professional attorney and person who I felt really cared about my legal Valid Probate Settlement Agreement matter and myself and one who would go out of her way if needed to assist me. She did call me back promptly if I needed her to due to the urgency of an upcoming Court Hearing. This promptness left me feeling important and valued as well as my concerns, questions, etc. Finally, I felt that she helps people like me by weighing and listening to what had happened in my search to obtain an attorney, what it was that I wanted her to assist me with, by being non-judgmental and being very clear, specific and direct as to what services that she would provide and the exact costs for these services and for additional services and/or her time if needed. Words will never be able to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for who Jennie was for me as an attorney and person as well as for the services and everything that she provided for me. Sincerely, Theresa Shump-Melito
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 May, 2024 by Phil peterson
The Counts Law Firm and probate attorney Michelle Burge have helped me with long, complicated but successful defenses of my parents' wills and trusts from a litigious brother and his family. They have provided personal and professional service to the highest standards. I highly recommend both The Counts Law Firm and Michelle Burge.
Read more Google Maps
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You

A probate lawyer assists with the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This often involves guiding executors (if a will exists) or beneficiaries (if no will exists) through the probate process to settle the estate according to the deceased’s wishes or applicable laws. Probate lawyers can help validate the will, distribute assets, resolve disputes among heirs, handle outstanding debts or taxes, and ensure the estate is legally and efficiently administered.

Whether you’re an executor of an estate or an heir facing probate proceedings, a probate lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process to ensure the estate is settled correctly.

When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a probate lawyer when you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual, especially in the following situations:

  • The estate has substantial assets: If the estate includes significant assets like real estate, investments, or business interests, legal assistance is often necessary to handle the distribution properly.
  • The will is being contested: If there are disputes among heirs regarding the validity of the will or the division of assets, a probate lawyer can help resolve the conflict.
  • The estate includes complex or unclear provisions: If the will contains complicated instructions or there are no clear beneficiaries, a lawyer can ensure that the estate is administered according to legal requirements.
  • There is no will (intestate estate): When a person dies without a will, the estate is subject to intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed. A probate lawyer can help navigate this process.
  • Debt or tax issues exist: If the estate owes significant debts or is subject to estate taxes, a probate lawyer can help ensure debts are paid appropriately and taxes are minimized.
  • Probate disputes: If family members or other parties are disputing the distribution of assets or challenging the executor's actions, legal representation is crucial to defending your rights and ensuring the estate is handled properly.

Hiring a probate lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the estate is settled efficiently.

What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?

A probate lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help manage and settle an estate. Their tasks can include:

  • Validating the will: Filing the will with the probate court and ensuring its legal validity.
  • Guiding executors or administrators: Advising the person responsible for managing the estate on their duties, including inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and paying debts.
  • Filing necessary paperwork: Preparing and submitting the legal documents required to initiate and complete the probate process.
  • Resolving disputes: Mediating or litigating disputes among heirs or between beneficiaries and executors, including challenges to the will or disagreements over asset distribution.
  • Handling debt and tax matters: Ensuring that outstanding debts, taxes, and estate taxes are properly calculated and paid from the estate’s assets.
  • Distributing assets: Ensuring that assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
  • Closing the estate: Completing the final steps of the probate process, including filing a final accounting with the court and formally closing the estate.

How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?

Probate lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the estate and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Most probate lawyers charge by the hour, with rates depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more.
  • Flat fee: For simple estates or straightforward probate tasks, some lawyers may charge a flat fee that covers all of the necessary legal work.
  • Percentage of the estate: In some states, probate lawyers are allowed to charge a percentage of the estate's value as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 2% to 5%, depending on the size of the estate and state regulations.
  • Retainer fee: Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the probate process progresses.

It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how you will be charged and avoid unexpected costs.

How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a probate lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type of legal issues involved, and the lawyer’s fee structure. General cost estimates include:

  • Simple estates: For estates with straightforward assets and no disputes, probate legal fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer's fees and the state's probate laws.
  • Complex estates: For larger or more complicated estates with multiple properties, business interests, or disputes, probate costs can exceed $10,000 and may reach $20,000 or more.
  • Hourly rates: If charged by the hour, expect rates between $150 and $500, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and geographic location.
  • Percentage fees: In some cases, a probate lawyer may charge 2% to 5% of the estate’s value, particularly for larger estates or those involving complex legal matters.

Always ask for a clear estimate of fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost of probate representation.

Top Questions to Ask a Probate Lawyer

Before hiring a probate lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re hiring someone qualified to handle your estate needs. Key questions include:

  1. What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate.
  3. What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
    While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate.
  4. What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
    Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution.
  5. Will you be handling my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case.
  6. What are potential challenges we may face?
    A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.

How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:

  • Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
  • Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
  • Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
  • List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
  • Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
  • Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
  • Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
  • Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.

By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.

Scroll to top