what can a lawyer help with for wills

Work with a lawyer to prepare a simple will. An attorney can help you figure out what to include and make a plan for your estate. Ultimately, your will should contain instructions on what to do with your assets. You should also select beneficiaries, guardians for your children (if you have any) and an executor for the will.

Full Answer

Do I need an attorney to create a will?

En español | If you've put off making a last will and testament because you don't want to pay a lawyer, you should know that it's not necessary to hire an attorney to draw up a will.. Many people who require a basic will can create one online or simply use store-bought legal forms. Each of these methods of creating a will is far less expensive than retaining a lawyer to do the job.

How much will a lawyer charge to write your will?

A probate attorney can accomplish many things to settle an estate and assist the Executor and beneficiaries, including: Collecting life insurance policy proceeds Determining and paying inheritance taxes Figuring out and paying estate and income taxes that may be due Identifying all estate assets ...

Will estate lawyers?

Establish rightful heirs to the property. Establish guardians for minor children. Name the estate executor. It is important to note, however, that your will does not cover everything. Life insurance, retirement plans, assets held in living trusts, and jointly …

Will lawyers in my area?

Do I need an attorney to prepare my will? No, you aren't required to hire a lawyer to prepare your will, though an experienced lawyer can provide useful advice on estate-planning strategies such as living trusts. But as long as your will meets the legal requirements of your state, it's valid whether a lawyer drafted it or you wrote it yourself on the back of a napkin.

Glass Law Group, PLLC

Glass Law Group is a small boutique style practice with big firm experience! Our goal is to take the fear out of Estate Planning, put folks at ease w...

Kevin D. Purnell, PLLC

Our Law Firm provides Experineced and Expert Legal Representation in the areas of Criminal & Traffic cases including DUi's in Virginia with over ... Read More

American Wills & Estates

American Wills & Estates is a locally founded, owned and operated Pittsburgh law firm with a practice limited to Probate Estate Administrati... Read More

Stephen Jurman Attorney At Law

My service is personal and face to face, with 40 years of experience and knowledge. Practicing law in Pennsylvania since 1977, we offer extensive leg... Read More al experience with a strong focus on bankruptcy, real estate matters and tax law. We focus a lot of attention on real estate law for both the residential and commercial sectors.

Rick Linn Attorneys At Law

We are a neighborhood general practice law firm serving both individuals and their local businesses. We provide legal services in nearly every area o... Read More

Olen Law Office

40 years experience using the hands on method, but fully in synch to comport with 21st Century e-commerce. For Business and Real estate related Clien... Read More

Shelley L. Centini, Esq

I am a criminal defense attorney and civil rights lawyer practicing since 2000. I handle state and federal court matters. I am a 7-time S... Read More

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 last will and testament?

The Last Will and Testament is undoubtedly the most well-known estate planning tool . In California, a will is a document that you can create to provide instructions on the distribution of your assets and property at the time of your death. When drafted in a legally sound manner and implemented in conjunction with a living trust, this document can provide invaluable assistance to your loved ones when determining your final affairs. If you are searching for lawyers for wills or other estate planning related services, Werner Law Firm can help you create a will and guide you through the process of planning for your future with ease.

What is Werner Law Firm?

As a full-service law firm, Werner Law Firm represents clients with passion and commitment to their particular needs. We closely assess each aspect of the individual’s or family’s case during a free case evaluation. From there, we can develop a unique strategy based on the personal attributes of the case. After developing a case strategy, we will work relentlessly on our client’s behalf to resolve the specifics of the legal matter at hand. Whether you want to protect your estate or you have suffered injuries from a dog bite, we are prepared to be your guide through each step of the legal process. Please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.

Who inherits the good silver is just the beginning

Writing a will isn't the most pleasant of tasks. After all, by doing so you're not only acknowledging your own inevitable demise but actively planning for it. That might explain why so many adults avoid this cornerstone of estate planning. According to an AARP survey, 2 out of 5 Americans over the age of 45 don't have a will.

AARP In Your State

Visit the AARP state page for information about events, news and resources near you.

Total Fees Charged by Estate Administration Lawyers

In our survey, more than a third of readers (34%) said that their lawyers received less than $2,500 in total for helping with estate administration. Total fees were between $2,500 and $5,000 for 20% of readers, while slightly more (23%) reported fees between $5,000 and $10,000.

How Lawyers Charge for Probate and Other Estate Administration Work

The total fees that estates paid for legal services were based on one of three types of fee arrangements charged by attorneys for probate and other estate administration work: hourly fees, flat fees, and fees based on a percentage of the estate’s value.

Free Consultation With Probate Lawyers

More than half (58%) of the probate attorneys in our national study reported that they offered free consultations. The typical time for these initial meetings was 30 minutes, though the overall average was higher (38 minutes).

What is an individual lawyer?

Individual lawyers (also called attorneys) are experts in different areas of the law. Some attorneys specialize in a certain field of law, such as business, civil, criminal, or juvenile law. You will need to determine which type of attorney is right for your legal situation.

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

Keep in mind, Chapter 7 bankruptcy information stays on your credit report for 10 years. This can make it hard to get credit, buy a home, receive life insurance, or get a job. Learn more about bankruptcy, and other options for dealing with debt .