Expertise.com
2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in Columbus

Our Recommended Top 12

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Columbus Probate Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

54

Reviewed

37

Curated

12

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
821 3rd Ave., Columbus, GA 31901
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Brace W. Luquire Attorney at Law in Columbus is a business that has been helping the local community for 39 years. Its owner and attorney, Brace Luquire, has helped over 10,000 clients since starting his practice. His area of practice focuses on probate matters, bankruptcy, and criminal law. Brace's probate experience covers estate administration assistance, such as helping clients divide assets, paying creditors, and determining the taxes owed by an estate. The firm also offers personalized representation for bankruptcy cases.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.5 / 5 (37)
Avvo
4.5 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
936 2nd Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Estate Settlement

Why choose this provider?

Poydasheff & Sowers, LLC provides legal assistance in probate and estate planning matters to clients in Columbus. Robert S. Poydasheff, Jr. and Timothy J. Sowers advise clients in probate proceedings and estate administration. They handle petitions related to the removal of will executors and administrators as well as objections to last will and testaments. Some of their other practice areas are conservatorship, business succession planning, and estate administration without a will, and durable power of attorney.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Robert Poydasheff - Partner38 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.5 / 5 (33)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (13)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Cunningham Center, 3100 Gentian Blvd Suite 8B, Columbus, GA 31907
  • Wills
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Wright Legal Group, LLC, is a law firm that represents clients in Columbus. It deals with matters of probate that include drafting of wills and other documents for asset distribution. The firm also works on issues that involve DUI, personal injury, veterans’ benefits, and business law. Katonga Wright, one of the firm's attorneys, has served as a forensic toxicologist at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory. She is a certified forensic expert by the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Katonga Wright - Member17 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (9)
Avvo
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1214 First Ave, Suite 204, Columbus, GA 31901
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Morgan and Lyle, P.C., has helped solve legal issues involving businesses in Columbus and its environs since 2018. It assists small business owners and their families in succession planning and offers services in the areas of wills, trusts, and other related estate plan documents. The law practice focuses on matters concerning the transfer of ownership of businesses. In addition to estate planning, the firm provides counseling on business formation, real estate transactions, and mergers and acquisitions.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
3100 Gentian Blvd, Suite 117, Columbus, GA 31907
  • Wills
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Virgil Ted Theus, P.C. Attorney and Counselor at Law, is a legal firm that offers services to clients in the Columbus metro. It assists in various aspects of probate law and the establishment of wills. The law firm also represents plaintiffs and defendants in litigation cases involving business disputes, personal injury, and condemnation actions. Lead attorney Virgil Ted Theus has been in legal practice since 1990. He also frequently helps teachers through the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Virgil Theus - Principal34 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
18 9th Street, Columbus, GA 31901
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Settlement

Why choose this provider?

The Beil Law Firm, P.C. has been providing legal services to clients in Columbus for more than 50 years. Jacob Beil is a seasoned attorney who is focused on probate and estate planning matters. He and his son, Joshua William Beil, collaborate with clients to help them prepare estate plans that include living trusts and wills and represent them in probate proceedings. They also offer assistance in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Joshua Beil - Partner12 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5704 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus, GA 31904
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Meacham & Earley, P.C., is a law firm providing legal services to corporations and individuals in Columbus and the surrounding communities for more than 21 years. It represents clients in probate cases, including estate planning and administration and drafting of wills and trusts. Chris Meacham, the firm's founder, began his legal career in 1984 and was appointed by Governor Joe Frank Harris as Special Master to hear and adjudicate labor and employment disputes brought against the State of Georgia.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.6 / 5 (38)
Facebook
3.5 / 5 (13)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
100 Southern Way Suite B, Columbus, GA 31904
  • Wills
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Nicolson, Ray, and Turner, LLC, Attorneys At Law, has been serving clients in Columbus since 1946. Its team of attorneys helps clients oversee the validation and administration of a will in probate court after a family member has passed. It assists clients in creating estate plans that include will, trust, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. The firm also provides legal assistance in business law, real estate, and the transactional process of purchasing or selling property.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.8 / 5 (10)
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
4800 Armour Road, Suite A, Columbus, GA 31904
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

Arey & Cross PC is a Columbus-based law firm that primarily practices bankruptcy, divorce, and real estate law, but also handles the administrative aspects of probate for executors and families throughout the surrounding cities. The firm's attorneys' experience includes validating wills with the proper probate courts, publicly notifying creditors, heirs, and beneficiaries, and closing the final accounts with the court. They also guide executors, helping them understand the legal restrictions of their roles.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Carswell - Partner24 yrs
America Cross - Partner24 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.6 / 5 (33)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
5734 Windsor Drive, Unit 6, Columbus, GA 31909
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Charles W. Miller, P.C. Attorneys at Law is a full-service legal firm that serves the Columbus locale. It has been in practice since 2004 under the leadership of Charles Miller. The firm provides probate, estate planning, and business planning services. It can help clients handle probate matters, such as dealing with beneficiaries and helping them divide assets. The firm is also experienced in pursuing legal action or defending clients against eminent domain and condemnation law matters.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.4 / 5 (12)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
111 12th Street, Suite 300, Columbus, GA 31902
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Waldrep Mullin & Callahan has been a general litigation firm representing clients in the Columbus metro since 2006. It handles probate litigation services, including disputes involving allegations of fraud, mental capacity and undue influence, negligence in the drafting of wills and powers of attorney, professional negligence claims, and disputes against executor or trustee. The firm's lawyers bring over 225 years of collective legal experience and have successfully prosecuted over 200 trials to verdict before the federal and state courts in Alabama and Georgia.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Joseph Waldrep - Partner54 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
723 Broadway, Columbus, GA 31901
  • Wills
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Snipes & Snipes, LLP, Attorneys at Law, provides legal assistance to individuals and families in the Columbus metro. Since 1981, it has been handling probate law, personal injury, and family law matters. Its lawyers, who have more than 65 years of collective experience, represent clients in resolving issues like inheritance disputes and will contests. One of the firm's attorneys, Robert L. Snipes, is a member of both the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and the Columbus Trial Lawyers Association.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Columbus, Georgia?

    You may contact 311 and 706-653-4000 for non-emergency services and government information in Columbus.

  • How much does probate cost in Columbus?

    The costs involved in probate in Columbus vary widely, although there is a general range. Uncontested probates may cost from $1,500 to $3,000. If the estate is contested, the probate cost could reach $3,000 to more than $10,000. Fees that should be shouldered by the estate include:

    • attorney fees
    • appraisal, accounting, and land survey fees
    • filing and court fees
    • compensation and fees for executors, which state law mandates as approximately 2.5% of the estate’s total value
    • probate/executor bonds.
  • How can probate be avoided in Columbus?

    Probate in Columbus can be skipped for some estates with no will as long as each inheritor agrees on how the assets are divided, the estate has no outstanding debts, and creditors have no issue bypassing the process. Some assets can also avoid probate, such as those in joint tenancy with a right to survivorship, those with a named beneficiary such as retirement and payable-on-death accounts, and revocable living trusts and life insurance policies.

  • What would happen if a Columbus will is not filed for probate?

    If a Columbus will is not filed for probate by the executor or individual possessing it, they can get into trouble. According to Georgia law, the probate court can cite the individual for contempt and imprison and fine them until they deliver the will. In other words, that person may face criminal and civil charges for not filing it.

  • When should a will be filed in Columbus?

    Georgia law, particularly Georgia Code 53-5, states that a person in Columbus who possesses a will should file it promptly with the court. The will must be filed as soon as possible upon the death of the testator, offered for probate no later than five years after someone is appointed as the personal representative of the estate, or after the court says that an estate does not need an administrator or personal representative.

  • What is the jurisdiction of a Georgia probate court that presides over Columbus estates?

    A Georgia probate court that processes estates in Columbus has exclusive jurisdiction over the following:

    • the probate and administration of a decedent’s estates
    • the appointment of guardians of properties and persons of incapacitated individuals and minors
    • the commitment of individuals to the involuntary treatment of substance addiction and mental illness.

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