How to Find the Right Probate Lawyer?
The courts are the next step in the inheritance process when an estate owner dies without a will or last testament. Getting the estate settled is a complex matter that can be very time-consuming and can prove challenging for many people. If you’re an executor of a deceased person’s will, you might be looking for a probate lawyer to help guide you through the complex probate process.
Read on to know some tips from the experts at Johnston & Associates Law about how to find the right probate lawyer in Sonoma County.
How Do You Find the Right Probate Lawyer?
One of the most critical steps you should when looking for a lawyer in Sonoma County is to ask if anyone you know has experience working with a particular attorney. A brief in-person meeting or phone conversation with one of the lawyers can help you determine if they are the right match for you.
Factors to consider while choosing the probate lawyer:
● The Expertise of a Lawyer: Expertise is essential when handling the estate administration process. Having a background in trusts, estates, and wills is very beneficial for any lawyer who wants to be involved in the estate’s management. As the process changes over time, lawyers with this knowledge are more likely to keep themselves updated and help the beneficiaries and heirs of an estate. Having the right lawyer can help you avoid potential issues and ensure proper estate handling.
● Their Area of Specialization: If an attorney specializes in property exchanges, wills, and estate planning, they are often the ideal candidate for the case of the court-sanctioned transfer of assets. When it comes to the preparation of wills and estates, the beneficiary or heir usually prefers to hire someone who has already handled the various tasks involved in the process.
● The Reputation of the Lawyer: Some people may hire a lawyer for estate planning based on their experience, without realizing that a lawyer’s reputation can also influence their work with clients. An experienced attorney should also have the reputation of possessing the necessary skills to help clients through the process.
● The Fee Charged by the Attorney: Although it’s essential to check the attorney’s bill per hour, it’s not always an indication of how well they will fit the client’s needs. For instance, some lawyers may want to extend the process to get the job done, while others try to push through the proceedings quickly to acquire the client’s assets.
Prepare a questionnaire based on these factors to help evaluate any potential attorneys you may work with. To find the right attorney for the probate process, interview multiple people.
After that, you should be able to select the one you feel will best help you through the process. Aside from having an amiable style and personality, the lawyer should also be able to communicate effectively. An efficient probate lawyer will help in fast and smooth estate settlement.
The Johnston & Associates Law team is your team of attorneys in Sonoma County that has the experience and empathy to help you navigate the complex legal field. Contact us for a free consultation at (707) 545-6542.