{"id":287052,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:20","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/probate\/intake-questionnaire-initial-meeting-with-a-probate-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2025-07-24T02:38:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T07:38:00","slug":"intake-questionnaire-initial-meeting-with-a-probate-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate\/intake-questionnaire-initial-meeting-with-a-probate-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"Intake Questionnaire: Initial Meeting with a Probate Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Intake Questionnaire: Initial Meeting with a Probate Lawyer<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/oni-harton-j-d\/\">Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/aisha-success-esq\/\">Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 24, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>An intake questionnaire is a document used by probate lawyers to get essential information before handling a case. It gives the attorney details such as personal information on the decedent and their heirs and estate assets and liabilities to streamline the probate process.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image fl-no-margin\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/image\/upload\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/content-original-images-Agency-relationship.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An experienced probate lawyer can help you handle a deceased person&#8217;s estate. This article provides guidance on how to prepare for your first meeting with a probate attorney.<\/p>\n<p>If you are considering hiring a probate attorney, you are probably either:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Named as a personal representative in someone&#8217;s will<\/li>\n<li>A conscientious family member of someone who died without a will<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Either way, an experienced probate lawyer can help you handle a deceased person&#8217;s estate.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is Probate?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate.html\">Probate<\/a>\u00a0has two meanings. It refers to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/resources\/estate-planning\/last-will-and-testament\/what-is-a-valid-will.html\">ensuring a will is valid<\/a>\u00a0in a probate court. Probate law generally relates to estate administration or the general\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate.html\">process of distributing a deceased person&#8217;s estate<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In probate, the goal is to distribute property in a deceased&#8217;s estate according to their will after satisfying financial obligations. If a will does not exist,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/resources\/estate-planning\/die-without-estate-plan.html\">intestacy\u00a0<\/a>rules apply.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/intestate-succession-laws-by-state.html\">State laws of intestate succession<\/a>\u00a0control the distribution of assets in such cases. In all cases, the legal process involves:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Swearing in a personal representative<\/li>\n<li>Calculating assets<\/li>\n<li>Paying debts<\/li>\n<li>Distributing the remaining property<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In most cases, the probate process goes smoothly. However, sometimes complications arise. Heirs and creditors may decide they are entitled to a more significant cut, or someone may contest the will. Liquidating property to pay debts can also complicate matters. In these scenarios, getting legal advice from an experienced attorney can help.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is a Personal Representative?<\/h2>\n<p>If you are reading this article, you were likely named personal representative. A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/what-is-a-personal-representative-6-important-questions-and-answers\/\">personal representative<\/a>\u00a0is an individual responsible for handling a deceased person&#8217;s estate.<\/p>\n<p>When appointed in a will, this person is sometimes known as an \u201cexecutor.&#8221; When appointed by a court, they are sometimes called an \u201cadministrator.&#8221; Either way, the personal representative is sworn in by a probate court to distribute the estate according to law.<\/p>\n<p>Personal representatives owe a fiduciary duty to the decedent&#8217;s estate. A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/breach-of-fiduciary-duty.html\">fiduciary duty<\/a>\u00a0requires the personal representative to handle the estate responsibly and efficiently. They must do so according to the directives in a decedent&#8217;s will, if one exists, or according to governing law if one does not. A probate attorney can be a valued ally in carrying out this duty responsibly.<\/p>\n<h2>Information To Gather Before the Initial Meeting<\/h2>\n<p>To do their job well, attorneys rely heavily on the information provided by their clients. An experienced attorney is a master at asking the right questions. You can make the most of your time with the attorney by preparing for any meeting, whether it&#8217;s a phone call or a meeting at the attorney&#8217;s law office.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, gather as much information about the estate before your initial consultation as possible. Most law offices will provide an intake form to help you organize the relevant information. But even if the attorney does not offer such a form, consider the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Last will and testament<\/b>:\u00a0Bring the decedent&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/wills.html\">last will and testament<\/a>\u00a0if one exists. It should ideally be the original copy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Death certificate and identifying information<\/b>:\u00a0Bring the decedent&#8217;s death certificate. If the certificate is unavailable, bring an obituary with the date of death. Also, have their date of birth, last address, and social security number ready to provide to the attorney.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Heirs and beneficiaries<\/b>:\u00a0Individuals selected to inherit in a will are known as beneficiaries. Individuals who otherwise inherit according to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/intestate-succession-laws-by-state.html\">laws of intestate succession<\/a>\u00a0are known as heirs. Bring the names and contact information for both. Start with spouses and children, and then work from there.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Personal representative<\/b>:\u00a0If a will names a personal representative and that person is not you, bring their contact information as well. This may be more applicable if you need help\u00a0<i>contesting\u00a0<\/i>a will. For more on challenging a will, see\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/wills\/reasons-to-challenge-a-will.html\">Reasons To Challenge a Will<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/wills\/who-can-challenge-a-will-.html\">Who Can Challenge a Will?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Assets and liabilities<\/b>:\u00a0Collecting and inventorying assets and liabilities is the list&#8217;s most complex and consequential task. An accurate inventory and appraisal of assets and debts will ultimately determine what is available to distribute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Any business interests<\/b>:\u00a0If there are any business interests held by the deceased person, this should also be accounted for. Remember safety deposit boxes, too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Other documents<\/b>:\u00a0Bring legal documents that may impact estate distribution, including real property deeds, vehicle titles, and tax returns. Further, bring any other estate planning documents you locate. For example, if the deceased person created a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/living-trust-information.html\">living trust<\/a>\u00a0as part of their estate plan, bring the trust formation documents. If they left a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/financial-power-of-attorney.html\">power of attorney<\/a>, bring that too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Again, the inventory process will likely require the most effort from you, your attorney, and the law firm&#8217;s paralegal. The inventory should include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Real estate<\/li>\n<li>Valuable personal property (e.g., vehicles, jewelry, and furniture)<\/li>\n<li>Bank accounts<\/li>\n<li>Credit card accounts<\/li>\n<li>Life insurance policies without a named beneficiary<\/li>\n<li>Investment accounts (e.g., money market and mutual funds) owned by the estate<\/li>\n<li>Retirement accounts (e.g., pensions, annuities, and IRAs) owned by the estate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As you start collecting information for your initial consultation, FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/estate-planning-checklist.html\">Estate Planning Intake Questionnaire<\/a>\u00a0may be helpful.<\/p>\n<h2>Before Hiring a Probate Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p>Because probate is a narrow practice area, your probate attorney, or their firm, will likely have a more general practice as an estate planning attorney. Either way, your attorney should be someone you can trust and work with. Before hiring an attorney, consider asking the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are they specialized in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate.html\">probate<\/a>\u00a0and\/or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate.html\">estate planning<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>Do they have experience litigating disputed probate cases?<\/li>\n<li>How do they\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/types-of-legal-fees.html\">charge for their service<\/a>? An hourly fee? If so, what is the hourly rate? Do they charge a flat fee? If so, how much is it? In a few states, attorneys can even charge a percentage of the estate value so long as it is reasonable.<\/li>\n<li>How will expenses be paid? Beyond attorney&#8217;s fees, probate cases often involve additional court costs and appraisal fees.<\/li>\n<li>What is their availability to meet with clients?<\/li>\n<li>How can probate costs be reduced?<\/li>\n<li>What is a probate attorney&#8217;s primary job?<\/li>\n<li>How does the probate attorney work with other staff, including paralegals?<\/li>\n<li>How do they coordinate duties with an estate&#8217;s personal representative?<\/li>\n<li>How are estate creditors and debts handled?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You should be able to communicate effectively with your attorney and trust them. The real work can begin once you have addressed your concerns and feel comfortable establishing an attorney-client relationship.<\/p>\n<h2>Next Step: Hiring a Probate Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>The probate process can feel overwhelming, especially when grieving the death of a loved one. An estate planning attorney with experience in probate can be your most important ally. Whether distributing an estate or litigating a contested will, a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/probate-estate-administration\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">probate attorney<\/a>\u00a0can help.<\/p>\n<p>If you need to get your own estate planning done, an estate planning attorney can help as well. Or you can use an online legal services company such as <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115370\/26746?subId1=intake-questionnaire-initial-meeting-with-a-probate-lawyer-custom\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">our trusted partner, LegalZoom<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" 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was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex probate situations usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer will take these matters seriously and enforce protections\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many attorneys offer free consultations\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa 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<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw discusses how an attorney can help during the probate process, what to ask when hiring a probate attorney, and how to prepare for your meeting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":287044,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2728],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-287052","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-estate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/287052","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=287052"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/287052\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/287044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=287052"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=287052"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=287052"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=287052"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=287052"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}