Top Seattle, WA Probate Lawyers Near You
Probate Lawyers | St. Petersburg Office | Serving Nationwide, FL
Dedicated to helping our clients with all of their estate planning needs. Call us today for a Free Consultation!
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1603 8th Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109
Lawgena of Washington has experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Seattle, Washington.
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22021 7th Ave S, Suite 6, Des Moines, WA 98198
Get local legal help for your Probate issues. Marine View Law assists clients in the Seattle, Washington area.
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936 N 34th St, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98103
Let the practice of Lovik & Juhl, PLLC in Seattle, Washington be your Probate advocate.
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201 St Helens Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402-2519
Bottimore & Associates, P.L.L.C. has years of experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Seattle, Washington.
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Probate Lawyers | Kent Office | Serving Seattle, WA
8407 S. 259th St, Suite 203, Kent, WA 98030
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
407 1/2 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
2033 6th Ave, Suite 920, Seattle, WA 98121
Probate Lawyers | Edmonds Office | Serving Seattle, WA
144 Railroad Ave, Suite 308, Edmonds, WA 98020
Probate Lawyers | Bellevue Office | Serving Seattle, WA
40 Lake Bellevue Dr, Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98005
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
701 5th Ave, Suite 3300, Seattle, WA 98104
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
1833 N 105th Street, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98133
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
1902 East Aloha Street, Seattle, WA 98112
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
10115 Greenwood Ave N, PMB #275, Seattle, WA 98133
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
1700 7th Avenue, Suite 2100, Seattle, WA 98101
Probate Lawyers | Redmond Office | Serving Seattle, WA
16650 NE 79th St, Suite 200, Redmond, WA 98052
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
701 Fifth Ave, Suite 4200, Seattle, WA 98104
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
701 5th Ave, Suite 2460, Seattle, WA 98104
Probate Lawyers | Mercer Island Office | Serving Seattle, WA
7525 SE 24th Street, Suite 600, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Probate Lawyers | Redmond Office | Serving Seattle, WA
7826 Leary Way NE, Suite 202, Redmond, WA 98052
Probate Lawyers | Renton Office | Serving Seattle, WA
95 S. Tobin St., Suite 203, Renton, WA 98057
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
1000 2nd Ave, Suite 1770, Seattle, WA 98104
Probate Lawyers | Seattle Office
925 Fourth Avenue, Suite 2900, Seattle, WA 98104-1158
Probate Lawyers | Silverdale Office | Serving Seattle, WA
3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Silverdale, WA 98383
Seattle Probate Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Seattle and checks their standing with Washington bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria- Ample Experience Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
- Good Standing Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
- Annual Review Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
- Client Commitment Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
Understanding Probate
When an individual dies leaving a will, the legal process that takes place is called probate. Probate refers to how an estate is administered and processed through the legal system.
Probate Lawyers
The probate process can be confusing and overwhelming considering the circumstances. A Seattle probate lawyer will help with the management of the decedent’s estate, any trusts he or she may have as well as any guardianships or conservatorships in question.
Probate cases often become very detailed and a probate lawyer will help ensure the rights of the deceased are fully protected. Attorneys also have the sensitivity to family dynamics and are knowledgeable in common problems with probate cases.
What is probate?
Probate is the process through which assets from a deceased person’s estate are transferred to beneficiaries, such as spouses, children, and other loved ones. In plain terms, reading a person’s will and distributing the items contained in it is part of the probate process. In some states, probate courts also handle matters related to guardianships and conservatorships of children or disabled adults.What happens if you don’t do probate?
Without an estate plan in place, the probate process will often still go forward, but it can get messier. Someone who dies without a will in place will often have their assets given to any survivors, even if that would have gone against their wishes. Court battles can unfold among relatives who feel like they deserve more.How long does probate take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.How can you avoid probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.How an Attorney Can Help
An attorney can often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. You should seek out an attorney whose practice focuses on the area of law most relevant to your issue.
How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation
Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.
Points to Consider Before Hiring a Lawyer
Experience. Regardless of the type of legal matter you need help with, an experienced attorney will usually be able to get you better results.
Competence. Determine an attorney’s expertise by asking about their track record for the issue you need help with resolving.
Fit. There are plenty of good attorneys out there; make sure you find one you are comfortable working with.
Common legal terms explained
Pro se – This Latin term refers to representing yourself in court instead of hiring professional legal counsel. Pro se representation can occur in either criminal or civil cases.
Statute – Refers to a law created by a legislative body. For example, the laws enacted by Congress are statutes.
Subject matter jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority to hear the claim based on the specific type of issue brought to the court. For example, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court only has subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings, therefore it does not have the authority to render binding judgment over other types of cases, such as divorce.
Court Locations in Seattle, WA
King County Superior Court Division
516 Third Ave.Seattle, WA. 98104
Phone: (206) 477-1400
Court Website
King County District Court Division
516 Third Ave.Seattle, WA. 98104
Phone: (206) 205-9200
Court Website