Mar
4
2025
How To Find The Right Texas Probate Attorney For Your Family
When a loved one passes away, navigating the legal process of probate can be overwhelming. A probate attorney can help you manage the estate, settle debts, and distribute assets according to the Will or Texas state law.
However, choosing the wrong attorney can make the probate process much more costly and stressful than it should be, as I have explained in this blog. So how do you find the right attorney for both your situation and your family’s needs, especially with so many options available?
Follow the steps in the guide below to make the best choice and navigate through the probate process with confidence.
6 Steps To Find The Right Probate Attorney
1. Identify Your Needs
Probate cases can vary widely in complexity. In almost all cases, however, finding a highly qualified attorney with years of experience working in Texas probate will be a good choice.
To find the right attorney for you and your family, start by assessing these aspects of your loved one’s estate:
- Estate Size And Type: Did your loved one own one property or multiple? Did they own commercial property or rental homes that generated income? Was any of the property jointly owned or inherited? The more properties they own and the more special considerations, the more complex their estate.
- Potential Disputes: In some situations, the family members all agree on the terms of the Will. However, if you anticipate conflicts among heirs, you should look for an attorney experienced in probate litigation.
- Special Assets: If the estate includes businesses, intellectual property, mineral interests, or out-of-state assets, it will be more complicated and require a more skilled attorney.
2. Ask For Recommendations
Ask family, friends, or financial advisors for recommendations. Online reviews and legal directories can also provide insights. As you research, look for reviews that specifically address probate law. Some attorneys may have excellent reviews for family law or personal injury cases but have no experience with probate.
3. Evaluate Their Experience & Credentials
When you have identified a potential lawyer, check their credentials on sites like lawyer.com. This site lists the attorney’s specialties, shares their experience and credentials, identifies any potential misconduct, and ranks them on a scale of 1 to 100.
Membership in professional organizations can be a good sign. Other things to consider are whether the attorney has any accolades or awards, such as being a BBB Accredited Business or Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Peer Rated Attorney.
4. Consider Personality & Communication Style
Probates, more so than many other legal matters, can be stressful. Finding someone you feel comfortable with is essential. Fortunately, many attorneys offer a free initial consultation so you can get to know them a bit better before hiring them to assist you in the probate process.
During initial consultations, consider:
- Communication: Do they explain legal terms clearly and in a way you can understand?
- Patience and Empathy: Are they understanding and patient with your questions?
- Comfortability: Are you comfortable with the personality and communication style of this attorney and their staff?
- Availability: Can you reach them easily when needed? Will they respond to your inquiries?
5. Discuss Fees & Expectations
Probate attorneys may charge hourly rates, flat fees, or a percentage of the estate. Ensure you understand their fee structure and get a written agreement. Ask about potential additional costs, like court fees or document preparation.
A trustworthy attorney will always be upfront about their fees.
6. Trust Your Instincts
After meeting with an attorney, trust your gut. Probate can be a long and emotional process, so it’s important to work with someone who makes you feel supported and confident. If you suspect the attorney is not a good fit for you or your case, you can always choose someone who is. The worst probate experiences result when the fit between the attorney and the family of the deceased is poor.
With The Right Attorney, Probate Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful
The right probate attorney will have the skills to handle your legal needs and a personality that puts you at ease. By taking the time to evaluate their experience, communication style, and approach to your case, you’ll be better equipped to navigate probate with confidence and clarity.
If you live in Texas and would like more information about the probate process, contact Adair M. Buckner now for a free consultation*.
*(The free consultation does not cover actual review of documents or giving legal advice on a specific situation.)
** This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, specific tax, legal, or accounting advice. We can only give specific advice upon consulting directly with you and reviewing your exact situation.
TESTIMONIALS
Mrs. Buckner did a full estate plan for me. Her work was excellent, her communication was great, and the price was reasonable. I would highly recommend her for your estate planning needs.
When my husband passed away, I contacted the attorney that we had used to prepare our wills but was unhappy with his attitude of indifference. I discovered Adair Buckner and all of my issues were resolved. Adair is professional, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable. She saved me a large amount of money by processing my will in the appropriate manner to best suit my situation.
We appreciate Adair Buckner’s professional and personable service. Our legal needs were met promptly and succinctly. We would not hesitate (and do!) recommend her to our family and friends.
Adair drew up a beautiful power of attorney and Will for my father in a timely manner. I highly recommend that you use her. She’s a wonderful lady.
This was as painless as it gets to hire an attorney in Amarillo Texas. Handled all the estate needs and never had to appear in court. You won't find any better and I use Attorneys quite often in my line of work.
It was way past time to finally get our Wills completed. This was something that was extremely complicated for us, but Adair and her assistant never made us feel like we were bothering them...and we (I) bothered them...a lot! Things were explained to us in a way that we could understand easily. Extremely professional and knows her stuff!
I was meeting with a financial advisor who encouraged me to finish my Will. He offices next door to an Estate Attorney, and voila, 'one-stop shopping]! Adair and her assistant Pennye made completing my estate planning fun, easy, and pleasant. I wholeheartedly recommend Adair Buckner!!
Trying to get our LLC changed over after moving to Texas was complicated, but Adair Buckner made the process so simple! We just gave her the details, and she handled everything quickly and professionally. Thank you, Adair, for making this part of our move stress-free!
Adair is very professional. She cares about her clients and explains everything very well. She makes you feel like a friend.
Losing my Mother and being appointed as Executor of her estate was overwhelming. Adair was very professional and personable. She handled and processed the estate with ease and kindness.