More than half of all Americans die without an estate plan, so you’ll need a probate lawyer to settle an estate. Before your affairs become complicated, it’s a good idea to consider your probate lawyer options. Making the right choice will mean fewer headaches and hurdles.
Choosing a probate attorney includes asking about experience, finding out about fees, and reading online reviews. A good probate attorney will work with all sides to resolve any differences between the parties.
Check out these ways to choose a probate attorney.
Experience
Hiring a lawyer begins with asking about an attorney’s experience during an initial consultation. Be sure to ask about their success rates in solving conflicts and disputes. Inquire about any courtroom experience, should your case go beyond a conference room.
You want a probate lawyer who ‘just’ handles probate law. Avoid someone who also handles DUI cases and real estate transactions. Hiring an attorney means you want an expert in the field, not someone who only scratches the surface in different areas of the legal field.
Experience matters to us here at parkerlawsc.com, and we can help you when hiring an attorney for a probate law case.
Fees
When considering your probate attorney options, find out how you will pay your attorney once they resolve the case. Will it be a percentage of the estate? Will there be additional fees you must pay?
Find out if your attorney will charge you by the hour or if they must use outside services for additional work. Bigger firms often mean a higher price.
Every lawyer charges a different price, so it’s essential to know the upfront costs before getting started.
Online Reviews
People hiring an attorney should check online reviews while considering probate attorney options. Online comments can help you gauge customer relations, timeliness, and professionalism when hiring a lawyer. Many will also write about their overall satisfaction when considering probate lawyer options.
You want a lawyer with a good reputation handling your case. Seeing repetitive issues when thinking about probate attorney options could raise a red flag during the process.
Professionalism
A good probate lawyer works in your best interest, returns phone calls, and comes prepared to meetings.
Moreover, you want a professional attorney when explaining the probate process and in their communication with you. The law is full of ‘legalese,’ and it can sometimes be difficult if you don’t understand the language.
Choosing the Best Probate Lawyer
When choosing a probate lawyer, there are several things to consider, including experience, fees, online reviews, and professionalism. Don’t let the death of a loved one leave you scrambling for help and making a rash decision when hiring an attorney.
Please read more about probate law on our website if you find this article helpful. After someone’s death, there are a lot of details to sort out with probate law. We can assure you that you’ll make the right decision by using our expertise.
Veronica Baxter is a writer, blogger, and legal assistant operating out of the greater Philadelphia area.
