Pinnacle Legacy Law Blog

How to Find a Quality Probate Lawyer

A probate lawyer is a lawyer who receives special training in estate law. According to FindLaw, probate lawyers, often known as estate or trust lawyers, assist executors (or “administrators” if there is no will) in managing the probate process. They also help plan estates, such as creating wills or living trusts, providing advice on powers of attorney, and even functioning as executors or administrators.

It’s crucial to find probate lawyers specializing in estate law because they have the experience and understanding of this area of law to make the process as smooth as possible for you and your family. Here are some tips on how to find a quality probate attorney.

1) Ask Your Friends and Family for A Referral

If you do not know of a probate lawyer, try asking your friends and family. They may be able to provide you with the name of an attorney they have worked with in the past. A personal experience like this can provide invaluable information. However, remember that it’s often unprofessional for a lawyer to accept referrals from private sources.

2) Check Online

Try going online and checking for probate lawyers in your area. This is a good approach if you do not know anyone who could recommend an attorney. This method will also allow you to match several criteria: cost, location, experience, and qualifications. A probate attorney may specialize in a specific area of probate law like wills, estates, or trusts. It would be unwise to hire a lawyer who does not have experience in the field where you need assistance.

3) Find A Lawyer Who Has a Proven Record of Success

Hiring the wrong probate lawyer could be costly. This is particularly true if you hire someone inexperienced or not well-respected by colleagues and clients in the legal community. Therefore, finding an attorney who has had some success is vital. Ideally, you want someone whose past cases have been successful and whose clients have given them good reviews.

4) Check Out the Attorney’s Reviews Online

Another good strategy is to check out the attorney’s reviews online. If they have a website, check their available information and look at their “client reviews” or “testimonials.” If they do not have a website, a Google search may help find some information on the lawyer. Sometimes local bar associations will have a website that will be helpful. You can also use the state bar association’s website to search for probate lawyers.

5) Set Up an Initial Meeting

You should set up an initial meeting with the probate lawyer you’re interested in hiring. A good probate lawyer will gladly discuss their experience and qualifications with you, so take advantage of that opportunity. Ask questions about the attorney’s area of expertise and their experience at this meeting. You will also want to ask them about their services and how much they will cost you.

6) Be Realistic

Hiring a probate lawyer is a critical and sometimes difficult decision. A probate lawyer has a lot of responsibilities. These responsibilities include writing wills, administering and managing trusts, and preparing estate taxes. Taking the time to search for an attorney who can provide you with the services you need is essential because the outcome of your case will be partially based on the advice and counsel of your probate lawyer.

While many probate lawyers are in the market, not all are professional and experienced. Before hiring any professional, it’s always important to check the lawyer’s experience and qualifications. Always ask for records, testimonials, and check out the lawyer’s reviews online.

Are you looking for a quality probate lawyer to assist you in your estate planning or administering an estate? If so, contact Pinnacle Legacy Law today. We’re a professional probate law firm with experience in probate and estate administration. Let us help you with the legal aspects of your inheritance. We can help make the process go as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Top Reasons Why You Should Have a Will

Few people these days seriously consider the major benefits of estate planning, such as writing a will. While it might seem too early for you to write a will, it’s never too late to start.

Why Hiring an Attorney Can Streamline the Probate Process and Prevent Family Conflicts

As many of you know, probate is a complex and often challenging process. It can be both time-consuming and expensive, and a multitude of paperwork and legal requirements can make it feel overwhelming. "Should I avoid probate?" is a frequent question many individuals...

Three Principles for Financial Independence

You can risk your time. You can risk your interest. But never, under any circumstance, risk your principal. If you have a principal, you can recover. If you don’t, you have to start from scratch.

How to Find a Quality Probate Lawyer

It’s crucial to find probate lawyers specializing in estate law because they have the experience and understanding of this area of law to make the process as smooth as possible for you and your family.

Estate Planning Mistakes Farmers and Ranchers Make and Avoiding Them

Farming or ranching is more than a means of livelihood – it is about preserving a legacy and unique way of life.  Unfortunately, many farmers and ranchers fail to make an estate plan.  The farm or ranch passed down for generations then ends up being sold and converted into non-agricultural use, cutting the legacy short and ending the family’s unique lifestyle choice.

10 Reasons to Start Estate Planning Now

Although it may not be ideal to think about the future of your possessions after your departure, creating an estate plan ensures you and your assets are protected during and after your life. For those who haven’t started planning their estate, here are ten pressing reasons to use estate planning services sooner rather than later.

Understanding the Difference: Will vs. Trust – Which Do You Need?

Planning for the future is crucial, especially when it comes to the distribution of your assets after you're gone. Often, the question arises: do I need a will or a trust? Both outline your wishes regarding asset distribution but differ significantly in their...

The Ultimate Guide to Power of Attorney: Understanding Its Importance and Functionality

What is Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is a legal document that gives one person, known as the agent, the authority to act on behalf of another person, referred to as the principal. This authority can cover many actions, including managing finances, making...

What You Lose By Not Planning

The motivation to put a legal plan in place increases when you fully understand what you lost when you do not plan.

It’s Planning Season

For each season, there is planning that you must do on the farm. To be successful, this planning must be done thoughtfully and in advance. Your life is no different. To properly plan for the next season in your life and the lives of your family, a well-executed estate plan is a must. Below are a few documents to consider when crafting a plan to protect yourself, your family, your business, and your legacy.

Start protecting your legacy.

Click the link below and schedule a call with a member of our team.  We will explain our unique process for working with farmers, ranchers and their families. The call is FREE!