When Do You Need a Probate Lawyer?

The probate process has a reputation for being time-consuming and costly. Still, probate has its place, as do probate attorneys. In fact, many people will end up dealing with a probate lawyer at some point in their lives, or would if they recognized those instances in which they could use an attorney’s services. So, when do you need a probate lawyer?

Are You Creating a Will?

One area where we can all use a probate attorney is when we create our wills, and we all need to have a Last Will and Testament. The will is the most common method used to dictate how you want your assets distributed when you die.

There’s a popular trend out there that involves the use of DIY wills. These form documents are often marketed as being almost as good as a professionally prepared will. Law professors and legal professionals, however, usually disagree with that assessment. The fact is that those DIY documents have no guarantees, and most people will never know whether their self-created will is valid, since the true test only comes after they die.

Your best option will always be to rely on a professional probate attorney. That’s the best way to ensure that your last will is customized to meet your individual needs, properly prepared and executed, and drafted to withstand a legal challenge should one arise. Most importantly, your attorney can help to eliminate potential mistakes that might negate your last wishes altogether.

Have You Been Named as an Estate Executor?

You should also consider enlisting the services of a probate lawyer if you’ve been named as the executor of an estate. Even if you’re certain that you can handle those duties on your own, obtaining sound legal guidance on your side can avoid pitfalls that could leave you liable for legal action from disgruntled heirs and others with an interest in the estate. The good news is that executors are entitled to retain legal counsel at the estate’s expense. That attorney can prove invaluable for ensuring that you follow through on the probate process without any serious trouble.

Finding the Right Attorney

Recognizing those reasons for retaining a probate lawyer is only the beginning of the process. You also need to find the right attorney to work with you to resolve your needs. The good news is that the attorneys at the Potter Law Firm have the experience you need to handle all your probate, will creation, and related needs. We help testators create the custom wills they need to provide for their families’ security, assist executors with their estate settlement duties, and aid heirs who have questions about executor actions. To learn how our team of probate professionals can help you with your individualized needs, be sure to contact us online or call us today at  (704) 944-3245 (Charlotte, NC), (606) 324-5516 (Ashland, KY), or (859) 372-6655 (Florence, KY).