What Is the Difference Between a Probate Dispute Lawyer and an Estate Lawyer?
Whether you’re planning your own estate or disputing the distribution of the estate of a loved one you believe was handled incorrectly, it’s helpful to know some of the terms you’re likely to encounter.
Unfortunately, the legal field has a serious problem with jargon, and that can make things complicated for everyone who isn’t an attorney. But that problem can usually be solved by reviewing some key terms used in the legal field in these types of cases.
Let’s look at two important terms, estate lawyer and probate dispute lawyer, to find out who you should consider turning to for help in your situation.
What Does an Estate Lawyer Do?
Estate lawyers, also called estate planning attorneys, might have several different services they offer clients. In general, estate lawyers help their clients plan how their own assets will be distributed after they die. Some estate lawyers also help plan their client’s end-of-life care or business succession.
As part of their services, estate lawyers typically help draft important documents, such as wills, living wills, and power of attorney. After their client passes, they might also assist in the execution of the deceased’s asset distribution.
What Does a Probate Dispute Lawyer Do?
Probate dispute lawyers, or estate dispute lawyers, deal primarily in disagreements that arise in the wake of someone’s death. They often represent someone who is either a beneficiary of the deceased’s estate or someone who believes they were wrongfully left out of a will.
Note that there are also attorneys who help executors (an estate’s personal representative) distribute a deceased person’s assets or pay off debt. These attorneys are called probate lawyers. Some but not all probate lawyers also handle probate disputes.
Some Attorneys Handle Several Case Types
Most attorneys technically can handle most types of cases, even if they don’t in practice. For example, a tax attorney could handle personal injury cases (and vice versa), though many attorneys focus their services on a specific type of case. An attorney who doesn’t specialize in the area you want them to handle usually will not be as efficient or effective as an attorney who does specialize in that area.
You’re likely to encounter some attorneys who do estate planning and occasionally help a client with probate or a probate dispute. The bigger the case, however, the more likely you are to need the help of a specialist, or an attorney who handles a very specific type of case.
Make Sure the Attorney You Hire Has Experience With Your Case Type
There can be major benefits to hiring an attorney who specializes in your case type. The more experience a lawyer has with certain kinds of cases, the more likely they are to have encountered what you’re going through and know the best possible course of action for you to take.
It’s up to you to decide which lawyer you want to handle your case. For the highest chance of success, make sure the attorney you hire has direct experience handling cases like your own. That’s especially true with probate disputes, as they can be complex and highly contested by all parties involved.
Need Help? Contact Our Probate Dispute Lawyers
The Nashville probate dispute attorneys at Fair Share Lawyers have years of experience helping people contest wills or dispute asset allocation of their loved ones’ estates. We believe that everyone has a right to demand their fair share, and we’re committed to getting results for our clients.
If you’d like to speak to our team about your case, contact us today to schedule a consultation.