{"id":287064,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:20","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/probate\/what-is-a-probate-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2025-07-24T15:45:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T20:45:00","slug":"what-is-a-probate-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate\/what-is-a-probate-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is 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\">What Is 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>A probate lawyer is a licensed legal professional who can help guide families and loved ones through the administrative probate process after someone dies. Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person\u2019s estate and distributing their assets.&nbsp;<\/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-pro-bono-Lawyer_Handshake.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This FindLaw article explains the role of a probate lawyer. It also discusses why you might need a lawyer to help you through probate.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is a Probate Lawyer?<\/h2>\n<p>Probate lawyers are also called estate attorneys. These attorneys work in an area of law that helps clients through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate.html\"><b>probate process<\/b><\/a>. They help non-lawyer clients with their duties administering an estate. They assist their clients in fulfilling roles as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Administrators<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/what-is-a-personal-representative-6-important-questions-and-answers\/\"><b>Personal representatives<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/estate-administration\/what-does-an-executor-do.html\"><b>Executors of estates<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Probate attorneys assist as much or as little as needed during the probate process. The probate process includes paying the deceased person&#8217;s debts and distributing the estate&#8217;s assets. The distribution must occur according to the will or state law.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is the Difference Between a Probate and Estate Planning Lawyer?<\/h2>\n<p>Probate and estate planning attorneys work in practice areas relating to estate law. But there&#8217;s one primary difference. Timing.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>A probate attorney handles the process of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/estate-administration.html#:~:text=%22Estate%20administration%22%20refers%20to%20collecting,or%20beneficiaries%20of%20the%20estate.\"><b>estate administration<\/b><\/a> after a person dies. They prepare legal documents required for probate. The probate attorney may even serve as an executor or administrator of an estate. If the person has no one else to designate, it&#8217;s common to have an attorney help in this role.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate.html\"><b>estate planning<\/b><\/a> attorney advises clients on estate planning matters. They draft estate planning documents according to the individual&#8217;s estate planning needs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Estate Planning During Life<\/h3>\n<p>An estate planning attorney works with living clients to draft:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/wills.html\"><b>Wills<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/revocable-living-trust.html#:~:text=A%20trustee%2C%20usually%20you%20or,any%20time%20before%20your%20death.\"><b>Revocable living trusts<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/resources\/estate-planning\/living-will\/power-of-attorney-living-will-and-healthcare.html\"><b>Powers of attorney<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/living-will.html\"><b>Health care directives<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/living-will\/living-wills-introduction.html\"><b>Living wills<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>They also help families with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder.html\"><b>elder law<\/b><\/a>. They can help you plan for incapacity or Medicaid planning. The work of an estate planning attorney includes assistance with asset protection and tax planning. This includes reducing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/estate-tax-laws.html#:~:text=Basic%20Concept%20and%20Law,and%20generation%2Dskipping%20transfer%20tax.\"><b>estate taxes<\/b><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/state-laws-estate-taxes.html\"><b>inheritance taxes<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>When minor children or individuals with special needs are a concern for a client, the attorney can assist with setting up a trust and subsequent trust administration.<\/p>\n<p>A probate attorney can also be an estate planning attorney. They can do both or choose to specialize in one or the other.<\/p>\n<h2>What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?<\/h2>\n<p>The range of tasks a probate attorney can do is long. What the probate lawyer does depends on the executor or administrator&#8217;s needs. The needs depend on whether:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/decedent.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>decedent<\/b><\/a> had a will<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The estate&#8217;s complexity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The beneficiaries or debtors want to sue the estate<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Other difficulties with the estate property exist<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A probate attorney must handle any number of issues.<\/p>\n<h3>When the Decedent Leaves a Will<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, a deceased person dies with a valid, signed last will and testament. In such cases, an administrator hires a probate lawyer to guide them through the probate process. This is a consultative role.<\/p>\n<p>Most wills go through probate without a problem. But in some cases, there may be a challenge to the will. A probate attorney may represent a party in probate when a beneficiary believes the will is either:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Invalid<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Signed under duress<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Signed under the undue influence of another<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Perhaps someone wants to contest being written out of a will. There are numerous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/wills\/reasons-to-challenge-a-will.html\"><b>reasons to challenge a will<\/b><\/a>. The probate attorney may represent a party in probate litigation in these cases.<\/p>\n<h3>When the Decedent Does Not Leave a Will<\/h3>\n<p>If the decedent left no valid, written will, they are said to have died &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/intestate.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>intestate<\/b><\/a>.&#8221; When that happens, state inheritance laws determine who inherits. These laws can vary widely. For instance, a surviving spouse may receive half of their deceased spouse&#8217;s property. It all depends on their state&#8217;s intestate laws.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to note that the probate lawyer and the estate administrator are bound to distribute property according to state intestacy laws. Regardless of what the deceased person said while alive, state law determines the distribution of estate assets. How much family members need money is not a consideration.<\/p>\n<p>A probate lawyer may help a loved one go to court to be named the estate administrator. Or they may be hired later after the probate judge names the person administrator.<\/p>\n<p>A relative who wants to be the estate&#8217;s administrator must first secure &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/renunciation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>renunciations<\/b><\/a>&#8221; from the decedent&#8217;s other relatives. A renunciation is a legal statement renouncing one&#8217;s right to administer the estate.<\/p>\n<p>A probate attorney can help secure and file these statements with the probate court. The attorney can then assist the administrator with the probate process.<\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is the Role of a Probate Lawyer?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>A personal representative can hire a probate attorney to provide legal advice. Or they can hire a probate attorney to perform various tasks, including the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Finding property and creating an\u00a0inventory<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Securing the decedent&#8217;s estate, including the decedent&#8217;s savings account and checking account, vehicles, real estate, personal property,\u00a0and more<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Identifying and collecting on life insurance policies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Securing appraisals for the decedent&#8217;s assets<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Managing the estate&#8217;s checkbook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Securing a tax accountant or working with an in-house accountant to prepare the deceased person&#8217;s final income and estate tax returns<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Advising on debt payments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Preparing and filing documents required by a probate court<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When the executor or administrator lives out of state, they rely heavily on local probate attorneys and their staff. The attorney can help with the administrator&#8217;s tasks. Some law firms specialize in providing comprehensive services for just this circumstance. Even when the administrator is local, they can engage the probate attorney to provide more comprehensive services.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Do You Need a Probate Lawyer?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Hiring a probate lawyer is not always necessary. However, some county probate courts have an attorney requirement for probate matters.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The probate court itself can be very helpful to executors and administrators. Before you hire an attorney, ask yourself:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Does the probate court require an attorney to open a probate estate?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Have you handled the probate of an estate before?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Can the estate be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate\/when-is-probate-not-necessary.html\"><b>distributed without probate<\/b><\/a>?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Does your state have a relatively easy probate process?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Will the family members named in the get along with each other?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Is the money in the estate sufficient to pay its debts?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You may only need to hire a probate attorney immediately in some cases. Should you require assistance later, you can always hire one. Getting a referral from a trusted family member or friend can be an excellent place to start.<\/p>\n<h2><b>How Much Do Probate Lawyers Charge?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Probate lawyers use one of three methods to charge their clients:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>An hourly rate for services<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>A flat fee<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>A percentage of the estate&#8217;s value<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The exact amount of fees will depend on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>The attorney&#8217;s experience<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The going rate in the geographic area<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The legal matters to be addressed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You should discuss the attorney&#8217;s fee structure during the first meeting or consultation.<\/p>\n<h2><b>What Questions Should You Ask a Probate Lawyer?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>If you decide to retain a lawyer for a probate case, consider asking the following questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Do they specialize in probate law?\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Have they\u00a0handled a case like yours before?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>What services can they provide?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Will the lawyer personally handle your case?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>How does the lawyer intend to charge you?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>What is the process involved in your specific case?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are questions to get you started. Communication is key when dealing with any attorney. You should feel comfortable asking any question you have.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Help<\/h2>\n<p>If this is your first time handling the probate of an estate, you should speak to a probate lawyer. They are probate law experts and can help you administer your loved one\u2019s estate. Speak to an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/probate-estate-administration\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>experienced probate attorney<\/b><\/a><b> <\/b>today.<\/p>\n<p>If you need to create a will or estate planning documents, contact an estate planning attorney or to do it yourself, use <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115370\/26746?subId1=what-is-probate-lawyer-custom\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\">our trusted partner, LegalZoom<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>\u00a0<\/h3>\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            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        ><\/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 fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/probate-estate-administration\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Estate Planning Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, browse our directory now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n          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I Need a Lawyer for Probate?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate\/probate-process-and-timeline.html\">\n                        Probate Process and Timeline\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Popular Directory Searches<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/probate-estate-administration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Probate and Estate Administration Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n           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<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains the role of probate lawyers, their tasks, and when you might need one. Learn how they assist with estate administration and legal complexities.<\/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-287064","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-estate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/287064","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=287064"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/287064\/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=287064"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=287064"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=287064"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=287064"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=287064"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}