Settling an Estate can be a challenging legal process and so typically a Probate Attorney is hired to help.

Though not required by law, an attorney can help provide expertise and oversight to an Executor and surviving family, as well as confidence that the Estate will be settled properly.

It's best to choose an attorney who specializes in Probate and practices in the state where the deceased lived because they will be more familiar with local state laws and procedures.

Regardless whether an attorney charges a flat fee, by the hour, or as a percentage of the Estate, they are typically paid by the Estate, not by surviving family members or the Executor.

See the Finalize Probate and Close the Estate section of the checklist for more information on final payments.

And see links below to search for local Probate Attorneys.