what kind of lawyer for wills, probate, trusts

by Aurelio Mueller 6 min read

An estate planning attorney handles wills and trusts. Due to complexities of laws, attorneys typically focus their expertise on several practice areas. Estate planning attorneys, for example, need to know the state-specific estate planning laws, probate laws, federal and state tax laws, property laws, and asset protection laws.

Generally speaking, probate lawyers, also called estate or trust lawyers, help executors of the estate (or “administrators," if there is no will) manage the probate process.May 8, 2020

Full Answer

What type of Attorney handles wills and trusts?

An estate planning attorney handles wills and trusts. Due to complexities of laws, attorneys typically focus their expertise on several practice areas. Estate planning attorneys, for example, need to know the state-specific estate planning laws, probate laws, federal and state tax laws, property laws, and asset protection laws.

What kind of lawyer helps with Wills?

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. Their services could typically include everything from finding and inventorying assets of the estate, to understanding and paying all the debts the estate may have, to distributing and …

What kind of lawyer do I need to make a will?

Dec 10, 2020 · Aim to hire a transactional probate attorney if your loved one has recently died and you simply want to start the probate process. Lawyers with expertise in trusts and estate planning may also be good at transactional probate matters. On the other hand, if you want to challenge the will or are unhappy with the way the executor or the current attorney is handling probate—or …

Do I need an attorney to create a will?

Oct 21, 2021 · Trusts and estates lawyers often specialize in a particular area—in estate planning, probate, trust administration, special needs issues, elder care, or other specific legal issues. You want an attorney who is experienced in the area you need, but not necessarily highly specialized in other areas—otherwise you might end up paying a higher rate for specialization that doesn’t …

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What is transactional probate?

Transactional probate attorneys handle the administrative side of probates, and probate litigators represent clients in probate lawsuits. Some lawyers do both, but most of them tend to specialize in one area or the other.

What to do when someone close to you dies?

When a relative or someone close to you dies, you may need to find a good probate or estate administration lawyer to help you wrap up that person’s estate. The job of hiring a lawyer may fall to you if: you believe that the existing executor or probate attorney isn’t doing a good job.

Does a will name an executor?

the will did not name an executor. the named executor is dead or otherwise unavailable, or. you believe that the existing executor or probate attorney isn’t doing a good job. Use your common sense and gut instincts to evaluate the lawyers on your list. What Is a Probate Lawyer?

What does a probate lawyer want to know?

In addition to a general understanding of your legal needs, the lawyer may want to know who else is involved with the case and their relationship to you. For example, in some probate matters, a client visits the lawyer to seek help for his or her parents or siblings.

How to save money on trust and estates?

Do everything you can to reduce the time that lawyer will have to spend on your case. Even eliminating one email exchange could save you hundreds of dollars. ...

What to talk about at a lawyer consultation?

At the consultation, be prepared to talk about your case. The lawyer may not too many details of your case before you sign a fee agreement, but you should be prepared just in case.

What to do if a lawyer doesn't ask for documentation?

Even if a lawyer doesn't ask for documentation beforehand, it's still a good idea to bring a copy of all relevant documents to the meeting. Spend some time thinking about what you may have on hand. Try to organize the documents in a logical manner before you meet with the lawyer.

How to save money on legal fees?

To save money on legal fees, take the time to select a good lawyer, prepare well for your first meeting, and do everything you can to reduce the time that lawyer will have to spend on your case . Even eliminating one email exchange could save you hundreds of dollars.

How to start a relationship with an attorney?

After you decide on which attorney to hire, you’ll sign a fee agreement and officially begin your relationship with your lawyer. The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information. You will spend a good deal of time explaining to the attorney the details of your legal issue and answering his or her questions. He or she will spend a good amount of time discussion and laying out a plan. If you think you might get nervous or forget something, you could practice this conversation with a friend, or you could write down what you want to say.

What happens at your first meeting with an attorney?

The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information.

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