Probate attorneys are an essential part of managing the legal affairs of a deceased person’s estate. They handle the legal process of transferring ownership of assets from the deceased person to their heirs. However, not all probate attorneys are created equal. Hiring the wrong probate attorney can cost you time, money, and stress. In this blog post, we’ll discuss six signs that you’ve hired the wrong probate attorney.
- Poor Communication
Effective communication is essential when working with any attorney. If your probate attorney is not responsive to your calls or emails or fails to keep you informed about your case’s progress, this could be a sign of poor communication skills. A lack of communication could lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and costly mistakes.
- Lack of Experience
Probate law is complex, and not all attorneys have experience in this area of law. It’s important to choose an attorney who has experience handling probate cases. A lack of experience could lead to mistakes in the legal process, which could delay the distribution of assets to heirs.
- No Plan of Action
A good probate attorney should have a plan of action in place for handling your case. If your attorney does not have a clear plan of action or cannot explain the legal process to you, this could be a sign that they are not the right fit for your case.
- Unreasonable Fees
Hiring a probate attorney can be expensive, but unreasonable fees can be a red flag. Make sure to ask for a breakdown of fees and expenses upfront, and if the fees seem unreasonable, it may be time to look for another attorney.
- Lack of Empathy
Probate law can be emotional and stressful for clients, especially if they have recently lost a loved one. A good probate attorney should be empathetic and understanding of their clients’ needs. If your attorney is dismissive or insensitive, it may be time to find an attorney who is more compassionate.
- No Results
At the end of the day, the results are what matter. If your probate attorney is not making progress on your case or is not achieving the results you desire, it may be time to find a new attorney.
In conclusion, hiring the wrong probate attorney can be a costly mistake. As the saying goes, “A bad lawyer is worse than no lawyer at all.” Just because a person is a lawyer doesn’t mean they are the right one for your case. Take the time to research and choose an attorney who has experience in probate law, good communication skills, a clear plan of action, reasonable fees, empathy, and a track record of achieving results for their clients. Your future and that of your loved ones depend on it.
