Questions to Ask a Probate Attorney

Questions to Ask a Probate Attorney - Fricker Law OfficeLosing a loved one is hard enough. Coupling your grief and emotion with the complexity of the probate process can make the whole experience that much harder, as there are many things to think about and decisions to make. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced probate lawyer by your side, guiding you through the process and helping to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Whether you are a personal representative of the estate of a recently deceased person, or someone looking for information on how to prepare for (or avoid) probate with their own estate planning, this blog post is for you. We will discuss some of the questions you should consider when preparing for your first meeting. We will also provide tips on how to find an experienced probate lawyer in Milwaukee and Waukesha County. Read on to learn more and contact Fricker Law Office with questions about our probate law or estate planning services.

Understanding Probate

First, it’s important to understand what probate is. Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after they die. Not all estates or all portions of a given estate go through probate, but it’s important to be prepared should you have to navigate this process. It’s very helpful and important to have an experienced probate lawyer on your team.

A probate lawyer can offer support with many aspects of the process, including:

  • Inventory and appraisal the deceased person’s assets
  • Payment of any debts and taxes owed by the estate
  • Distribution of assets to the rightful heirs
  • Answering questions
  • Support with paperwork and court appointments
  • …and more.

How to Choose a Probate Lawyer

When choosing a probate lawyer in Waukesha or Milwaukee counties, you should consider their level of experience and expertise with probate law in Wisconsin. You should also ask about their fees and what services they will provide. It’s important to have a clear understanding of what the lawyer will do for you so there are no surprises down the road.

You have options when it comes to choosing a probate attorney in Milwaukee and surrounding communities. Below are some questions to ask a potential probate lawyer :

  • What is your experience with the probate process?
  • Do you have any special training or certification in probate law?
  • What services do you offer? Will you help me settle the estate and distribute assets to heirs, or just handle the legal aspects of probate?
  • Are you available to answer questions after the initial consultation?
  • Do you have any references from past clients?
  • Do you have experience helping people prepare for and avoid probate within their own estate plan?

Once you select a probate attorney to work with, you will want to ensure you are prepared for your first meeting, and that includes coming armed with the right questions. Here are some smart questions you may consider asking your probate lawyer during your initial consultations:

  • What can I expect from the probate process?
  • How long will the probate process take?
  • What are the estimated fees for your services?
  • What is the role of the personal representative in probate?
  • Are there any potential challenges or disputes that could arise during the probate process?
  • Can you provide me with some resources on estate planning and how to avoid probate in the future?

Navigating probate can be complicated, but having an experienced and professional probate attorney by your side will make it much easier. It’s also smart to consider how you can craft your estate plan to avoid or minimize the effects of probate on your family’s future. An attorney with expertise in both probate law and estate planning is the partner for you.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to call Fricker Law Office today. It’s important that you feel comfortable with them and trust their expertise. With the help of a qualified probate lawyer, you can rest assured that the probate process will be handled smoothly and efficiently. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Fricker Law today. We serve clients in Milwaukee and Waukesha County looking for an experienced probate attorney or assistance with estate planning.