Hiring a lawyer can be an expensive proposition. Before reaching deep into your wallet, it may be wise to find a free probate lawyer to provide an initial consultation. An initial consultation is the client’s first discussion and meeting with the lawyer. During this initial consultation, the client should be able to openly and honestly discuss their issue. Why do I refer to this as a free probate lawyer? The lawyer will provide a free consultation to assist the client in evaluating their specific issue and whether the lawyer is the correct fit. It does not necessarily mean that the legal work will be free.
The initial consultation should be treated as an interview of the lawyer. A thorough review of your issues is the only way to adequately quote a fee and ascertain whether that probate attorney is the right person for you. Here are some wise questions to ask the attorney at your initial consultation to gauge whether the attorney should be hired.
- What are of law do you specialize in?
- What percentage of your practice is devoted to probate (litigation, administration, planning)?
- How many situations similar to mine do you handle in a year?
- How often you do work on conflicts that end up in getting litigated?
- Described the timeline of how my case should proceed?
- How will you maintain communication with me? How often?
- Please explain your billing process.
- Based on what you know about my case, what are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Take the time to get to know the attorney.
Remember, probate is a highly specialized field. Be cautious with the attorney whose practice includes multiple areas. Many attorneys practice probate law as a means of supplementing their income. You need an attorney who knows probate law so well that the attorney does not waste energy or time learning the law which may be costly and cause delays. You should be assured that the probate attorney has a sufficient team of lawyers and paralegals to address your specific needs.
Your attorney should be competent, compassionate and honest. A competent probate law attorney knows the law. A compassionate probate attorney will ask the client what the goals are. An honest probate attorney will tell the client if the goals are achievable.
The difference between a good and a great probate attorney is in the details.
The Probate Pro recommends spending the appropriate amount of time in the initial consultation to determine whether the free probate lawyer should become a lawyer worth hiring and paying.