How to Choose the Right Probate Lawyer
The probate process can be a long and complicated process filled with many headaches. Even a small mistake or oversight when submitting documents can result in huge delays. To ensure the best outcomes, enlisting the help of a probate lawyer should be a top priority.
However, you’ll want to choose the right lawyer that makes the most sense for you and your case. With the right lawyer on your side, you can prevent the probate process from tying up any assets for months on end as well as avoiding hefty taxes. We’ll break down some qualities to look for when choosing your probate lawyer.
A Lawyer with Up-to-date Knowledge
The first quality you’ll want to look for in a probate lawyer is one that’s armed with knowledge regarding probate, trusts/wills, and estate planning. You’ll also want a lawyer with current knowledge regarding the probate process and adjacent fields.
Although we don’t tend to think of the law as dramatically changing throughout the years, the truth is that every field undergoes changes and law is no exception. A lawyer who keeps up with their practice and who will know the current probate process is crucial.
A Lawyer with the Right Experience
Maybe you’ve found an attorney well-versed in the probate process and who even has a track record of winning cases. However, you’ll also want a probate lawyer who has handled similar cases as yours. Some probate cases might be more straightforward while others might require a fine bit more finesse. To establish if your lawyer has the right experience, you can ask for referrals from them, ask them questions, study other cases they’ve worked on, etc.
How You Get Along with a Lawyer
While you’re probably not looking to become best friends with your attorney, chances are the two of you will be spending a lot of time together as you settle the probate process. As such, you’ll want to make sure you’re able to get along with your lawyer. For example, are you comfortable around your lawyer? How’s communication–is your lawyer able to expertly break down the probate process in a way you can understand? Does the lawyer understand what your desired outcome is? These are all important questions to ask.
Does Your Potential Lawyer Have Enough Time?
Lawyers can be extremely busy and unfortunately, settling the probate process can require a considerable amount of time. You’ll want to ensure your lawyer has enough time to devote to your case and can help you resolve the case in a timely manner. While the timeframe for each probate case can vary and outside circumstances can prolong a case, your potential lawyer should be able to provide you with an estimated timeframe. Along with this, you’ll also want to determine the lawyer’s fees and expenses, and if those fees match the budget you’re looking for.
The probate process isn’t without its headaches, but one way to alleviate stress is by having the right probate lawyer on your side. Our friends at Carpenter & Lewis PLLC have a team of attorneys ready to assist!