A probate lawyer, also known as a probate attorney, is a state-licensed lawyer who helps settle an estate after the death of a loved one. They can help the executor of a will or the beneficiaries of an estate get through probate as they work to settle an estate. Their services could typically include everything from finding and inventorying assets of the estate, to understanding and paying all the debts the estate may have, to distributing and settling the estate, and more.

Probate lawyers generally either represent an heir to an estate (a beneficiary) or the personal representative or the estate itself. They can accomplish many things to settle an estate and assist the executor and beneficiaries, including collecting life insurance policy proceeds, determining and paying inheritance taxes, and more.

Whether or not you need a probate lawyer will depend on multiple factors and scenarios. You’ll want to consider things like how complex the estate is, whether there are any disputes among beneficiaries, and whether the estate is subject to estate taxes.

Its important to note that a probate lawyer is not the same as an estate planning attorney. A probate lawyer works with a family to settle an estate after they’ve lost their loved one, while an estate planning attorney works with living clients to help them plan their estate.