{"id":287050,"date":"2020-05-08T07:58:02","date_gmt":"2020-05-08T12:58:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/probate\/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-probate.html"},"modified":"2025-07-23T02:34:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T07:34:00","slug":"do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-probate","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate\/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-probate.html","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need a Lawyer for Probate?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do I Need a Lawyer for Probate?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, including distributing assets and paying debts. Although you do not have to hire an attorney for probate, the process is complex and you may benefit from a lawyer’s guidance.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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An Attorney Can Assist You With the Probate Process<\/h2>\n

Whether you hire an attorney depends on the facts of the specific case, especially what is included in the probate estate. Ask the following questions to determine the best option:<\/p>\n