It can be difficult to deal with the legal aspects of a loved one’s estate, especially when you are currently grieving.
A recent forbes.com study revealed that only 2% of Americans are aware that probate typically lasts 20 months. According to the U.S. government, the probate process might even take several years.
According to a probate lawyer from https://www.albaneselawllc.com/, having the right probate attorney by your side can make the difference between planning your estate and negotiating the probate process after a loss.
A competent probate lawyer can help to guarantee that the difficult and emotionally challenging probate process runs well, prevent typical legal traps, and provide peace of mind.
Given the abundance of attorneys available, how can you decide which one best meets your legal needs?
This article will help you select a probate lawyer who meets the goals you have set for your estate plan.
Understand the Role of a Probate Lawyer
A probate attorney is required if you want to deal with the complications that often accompany the death of a loved one and interpret the deceased’s estate plan.
According to Arizona probate lawyer C. David Martinez, a lawyer can clarify the probate process and file before the court all necessary documents and records. The services of a probate lawyer might range from handling and allocating estate assets to settling estate debts or taxes.
Legal representation is important for communicating with beneficiaries and interpreting the will, if present. Attorneys are prepared to represent you in court in case of any potential legal disputes.
Assess Experience and Specialization
Selecting a probate lawyer depends heavily on experience and specialization. An experienced attorney who has handled similar cases to yours can make a significant difference in your case.
Ask how long a probate lawyer has been practicing to gauge if their experience will help them handle the complexities of your case.
Check if the attorney specializes in estate planning, trust administration, or contested wills. A lawyer’s field-specific specialization will provide them the knowledge they need to develop a case-specific legal strategy.
Do not be afraid to ask about past successes or current testimonials to assess their estate management skills and reliability.
Evaluate Communication and Availability
Look for a lawyer with strong communication skills and consistent availability when selecting prospective candidates for your estate planning. You’ll likely want a lawyer who answers questions quickly and keeps you informed during the case.
Check their response time to calls and emails during initial meetings and interviews. Their way of answering urgent concerns and questions can reveal their communication style.
Check their consultation and appointment availability. Find a lawyer who can accommodate your schedule and be punctual when it matters. Stay away from lawyers who will give you a hard time scheduling an appointment.
A lawyer’s ability to communicate and be accessible can make your experience stand out. If you trust your instincts and feel comfortable discussing your concerns, it may indicate that you have found the right probate lawyer for your estate.
Consider Fees and Payment Structures
Finding a decent probate lawyer goes beyond simply getting along with them. It is important to have an idea of the payment plans and legal costs involved when hiring a legal professional.
Inquire about the costs. Does the lawyer charge a set fee, hourly rate, or some percentage of the estate value? To find the best payment plan for you, learn about the most common payment structures for lawyers, as each has pros and cons.
Don’t forget to ask about potential extra expenses such as administrative costs or court fees. Knowing if these fees are paid separately can help you plan your budget accordingly.
A sincere attorney will openly address their costs to provide you with peace of mind and make you feel at ease regarding the financial aspect of the probate procedure.
Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations
Reading reviews and looking for recommendations can significantly affect the selection of a probate attorney.
Ask among friends, family, or coworkers if they have interacted with a lawyer whom they trust. Personal recommendations often provide insights not found anywhere online.
Once you have a list of prospective lawyers, investigate their skills and competency by browsing internet reviews. Reviews on websites like Avvo or Yelp might help you choose a probate lawyer.
Focus on the general score and comments that highlight the lawyer’s communication skills, responsiveness, and knowledge.
Contact former clients. These individuals may provide you with firsthand accounts and opinions on whether hiring a lawyer would have been beneficial.
