A Guide to Choosing the Right Probate Attorney for Your Case
Choosing the right probate attorney in San Francisco can be the linchpin to navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding estate administration. Having been a Probate Realtor in this vibrant city for over 35 years, I understand the pivotal role a proficient probate attorney plays in ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the finest legal minds in the field, which has equipped me with a keen eye for distinguishing exceptional probate attorneys from the rest.
A good probate attorney is proficient with the local probate code, possesses strong communication skills, empathy, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of probate laws and procedures. They should be responsive, organized, and able to guide clients through the complex probate process with clarity and compassion. On the other hand, a bad probate attorney might exhibit poor communication, lack of expertise, disorganization, and a failure to prioritize their clients’ needs.
Signs of a lack of expertise from a probate attorney might include frequent confusion about probate laws and procedures, an inability to answer basic legal questions, a lack of experience in handling complex probate cases, and a general unfamiliarity with local probate court practices. Additionally, if the attorney seems hesitant or unsure when discussing your case, or you can never really understand the way they explain things, it could be a sign of insufficient expertise.
Here are a few questions to ask a probate attorney to gauge their experience & organizational skills:
1 – Do you specialize in Probate?
- 1a – Which other areas of law do you specialize or practice in?
- 1b – How many probates have you handled in the last 12 months and how many do you currently have?
- 1c – What are the typical steps and timelines involved in the probate process?
- 1d – What is your practice for keeping clients updated and on track?
- 1e – Who are the current judges?
- 1f – Who are the current examiners?
- 1g – What is the purpose & responsibility of the Probate Referee?
2 – What unique challenges have you encountered when handling probate cases in San Francisco, and how did you address them?
- 2a – How many of your cases was real estate sold?
- 2b – Please explain the different processes for selling real estate in probate.
- 2c – How strongly do you recommend using a probate realtor?
3 – How do you get paid?
- 3a – Are your fees negotiable?
- 3b – What percentage of your probate cases do you ask for extraordinary fees? Some attorneys rarely ask for them but many ask for them in every case they can. They’ll talk about ordinary/statutory fees up front but don’t say anything about extras until the end.
In conclusion, choosing the right probate attorney is a critical decision in navigating the complexities of estate administration. The more complex the case, the more you’ll benefit from a specialist who’s efficient. Having collaborated with the Top Bay Area Probate and Trust Attorneys, I’d be happy to refer you to three attorneys that match your needs. I have a wealth of experience and insights that could be invaluable and save you time. Let my 35 years of working closely with probate attorneys be your advantage in making the right choice for a seamless probate process. Feel free to call, text, zoom or let’s meet in person.
by Pat Rock, Probate Realtor
Leave a Reply