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Best Probate Lawyers in Fort Wayne

2024

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Website
301 West Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 200, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Carson LLP is a law practice in Fort Wayne that brings legal advocacy to matters involving estate planning, administration, and litigation. Its attorneys provide legal advice and assistance to the decedent's executors in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. These may include marshaling assets, paying creditors, accounting, and distributing properties to heirs. They also defend clients' interests in a probate court trial when a will contest or trust dispute arises. Carson LLP was founded in 1945 and operates another office in Michigan.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Eric Blume - Partner13 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
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)

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
803 S. Calhoun S. Suite 110, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Podlaski LLP, Attorneys at Law, provides probate services to clients in Fort Wayne. It helps individuals secure the future of their loved ones, assets, and finances by offering estate planning services. These services cover wills, trusts, advanced healthcare directives, Medicare planning, and living wills. In addition to personal services, the law firm caters to businesses needing legal assistance with corporate formation, contracts, and succession planning. One of its attorneys, Alison Podlaski, graduated from law school with a Magna Cum Laude degree.

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

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
215 E Berry St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Taxes

Why choose this provider?

Barrett McNagny LLP is a law firm in Fort Wayne handling probate processes for clients in the metro area. The firm oversees each step of the process, investigating the will for validity, evaluating the assets left behind, and managing the distribution of assets to beneficiaries or creditors. It also works to ensure that as many debts as possible are resolved and that litigation does not threaten the estate or its beneficiaries. Barrett McNagny LLP's team of estate planning attorneys in Fort Wayne assists with every step of the estate planning process.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
John Barce - Partner/Owner35 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.
4.1
Google
4.1 / 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.
3.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
406 South Scott Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46814
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Dale, Huffman & Babcock is a law firm that offers legal advice to heirs and trustees in Fort Wayne left with a deceased loved one’s will. It assists with probate, estate, and trust administration matters, offering clients support and working with the executors and beneficiaries of the estate to effectively handle and distribute assets on behalf of the deceased. One of the firm’s lawyers, Kristin Steckbeck, has been a certified trust and estate specialist by the Indiana State Bar Association’s Trust & Estate Specialty Board since 2017.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Timothy Babcock - Partner25 yrs
Keith Huffman - Partner44 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
4.7 / 5 (14)

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
110 W Berry St #1910, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Administration

Why choose this provider?

Boyer & Boyer handles probate-related cases for clients in Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas. The firm's legal team implements the wishes of the deceased and distributes property to the heirs. In addition, it deals with other legal matters, including domestic and corporate law, bankruptcy, estate administration, and real estate law. Its partner, R. David Boyer, II, has been practicing law since 1998. He served as the past president of the Allen County Bankruptcy Creditors Rights Section.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
R Boyer - Partner26 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.
4.0
Google
3.9 / 5 (16)
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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
927 S Harrison Ste 200, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Bonahoom Bobilya Attorneys is a Fort Wayne legal firm that serves clients seeking estate-related guidance. Its lawyers provide probate and non-probate estate administration, including tax filing, estate inventory, credit payment, and asset distribution. They also help families seek legal remedies in guardianship issues, will contests, and trust disputes. They provide estate planning services that aim to help clients avoid or minimize such issues. Bonahoom Bobilya Attorneys also guides business succession, commercial litigation, elder law, and real estate.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Dan Bobilya - Partner23 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
Google
5.0 / 5 (12)

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
PO Box 30 147 South 2nd Street, Decatur, IN 46733
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Taxes

Why choose this provider?

DeVoss, Baker, Ainsworth, & Razo a Professional Corporation is located in Decatur and provides estate planning attorneys near Fort Wayne. It helps with probate processes, managing the assets of the estate according to the will left behind or the laws of the state in cases of intestacy. The firm helps the estate to finalize expenses and pay debts associated with assets or the deceased. When needed it handles litigation and mediates disputes between heirs concerning the transfer of assets.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Scott Ainsworth - Partner36 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.
4.5
Google
4.2 / 5 (13)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)

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
9809 Dawsons Creek Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46825
  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Grunden Law Office is a firm helping individuals, families, and businesses in Fort Wayne. It offers legal guidance in estate planning which can involve living wills, financial power of attorney, business succession planning, lease agreements, and Medicaid planning. Its team conducts an initial consultation to determine the needs and goals of each client and provide ongoing assistance in continuously changing legal dynamics. The firm's owner, April Grunden, is affiliated with different civic organizations such as Mental Health America and Toys for Tots.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
April Grunden - Principal27 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
Google
5.0 / 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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
803 S Calhoun Street Suite 100, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Urberg Law Office, LLC serves clients in the Fort Wayne metro. It provides legal representation to clients involved in probate matters, which include estate planning. It helps clients draft wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced directives for health care. In addition, the firm's legal team assists them in determining the documents needed to facilitate their wishes and intents. Urberg Law Office's other practice areas are corporate, family, personal injury, criminal, real estate, and tax law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Konrad Urberg - Principal27 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.
4.5
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)
Avvo
4.2 / 5 (5)
Google
3.7 / 5 (3)

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
1645 Hillcrest Dr Suite 2A, Ossian, IN 46777
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Swearingen Elder Law LLC serves clients in Fort Wayne. The company offers compassionate advice on probate and estate planning issues to the elderly and their families. Gerret Swearingen assists clients in preparing estate planning documents such as wills, special needs trusts, deeds, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. He also guides clients through the Medicaid planning process, assisting them in preserving their hard-earned assets. Gerret has been serving his community for over a decade, including younger clients and those with disabilities.

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 (6)
Facebook
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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
229 West Berry St. Suite 400, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Shambaugh Kast Beck & Williams, LLP, is a Fort Wayne-based team of attorneys, which cover probate law in its practice areas. They represent guardianship wards, will and trust beneficiaries, and powers of attorney principals in probate proceedings, whether the case involves contested wills or claims against executors. The lawyers also offer estate planning assistance. Ronald Felger, one of the firm's probate attorneys, graduated from law school in 1982. He has provided legal services for specific families for three generations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Benjamin Williams - Partner21 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.
4.3
Google
3.9 / 5 (22)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (9)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)

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.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
116 E. Berry Street, Suite 1000, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Robert W. Gevers II P.C. offers legal services to clients in Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas. It handles probate and estate planning and assists in guardianship and conservatorship, drafting of advance directives and wills, trusts administration, and appointment of a proper executor. Lead attorney Robert W. Gevers brings 33 years of legal experience. His extensive background includes being a district attorney in Allen County, Indiana, an assistant United States attorney, and a rural county senior district attorney.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Robert Gevers - Principal39 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.
4.8
Google
4.5 / 5 (6)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)
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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
130 W Main St, Ste 22, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Administration

Why choose this provider?

Christoff & Christoff Attorneys provides legal assistance to clients in Fort Wayne. Its practice areas include real estate, family, and estate law. Its attorneys assist clients in drafting powers of attorney and wills in estate law cases. They also facilitate the transfer of assets in estate administration proceedings. Catherine Christoff, one of the firm's attorneys, is a member of the Written Publications Committee of the Indiana State Bar Association. She also serves as guardian ad litem for children in need of services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Joseph Christoff - Partner34 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.
4.2
Google
4.2 / 5 (32)
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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
6009 Stoney Creek Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Michael D. Ghilardi is a firm representing clients in Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas. It is led by Michael D. Ghilardi, who is a member of the Allen County Bar Association. He is also admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan. Practice areas covered by the firm include estate planning, which can cover probate, drafting last wills and testaments, and appointing guardians. Family law, criminal defense, and personal injury cases are also be handled by the firm.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Ghilardi - Partner/Founder12 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
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)

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
716 Broadway Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46774
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Rochyby Law Office serves families and individuals in the Fort Wayne metro. Principal and sole practitioner Jack Rochyby assists clients in all stages of the legal process, including document preparation, mediation, arbitration, and trial in probate cases. He listens to clients' concerns, educates them, and keeps them up to date on their cases' progress. He works on a plan that makes logical sense from both legal and economic perspectives. Rochyby has been practicing estate and probate law for over 30 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jack Rochyby - Principal33 yrs

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 W. Wayne Street Suite B, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Kiplinger Law Firm, P.C., offers legal representation to individuals and organizations in the Fort Wayne area. Its primary attorney, Roy Frace Kiplinger, handles matters involving estate planning, business organizations, creditor's rights, commercial law, and bankruptcy. His estate planning services cover probate matters, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. To establish his presence in the community, Kiplinger participated in the Volunteer Lawyer Program, donating over a hundred hours of legal services. He is licensed to practice in both Ohio and Indiana.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Roy Kiplinger - Principal29 yrs

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
918 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

For more than 25 years, Lebamoff Law has been providing legal representation and advice to Fort Wayne residents with probate cases. It utilizes a collaborative approach in its practice by working closely with its clients in preparing a legal plan that matches their probate needs and preferences. This allows its clients to maintain control over their assets and ensure their proper distribution in the future. Principal attorney Justin Lebamoff is a member of Allen County Bar Association's Criminal Defense Section.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Justin Lebamoff - Principal29 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.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (109)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (9)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

(+1 additional source)

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.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
505 E Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Since 1952, the Rothberg Law Firm has aided individuals and corporate entities with estate and trust administration fiduciary responsibilities. The firm assists clients with asset protection, charitable giving, succession, income tax planning, compliance, and gifting. It also handles the litigation and administration of estates. Denny Logan is the supervising attorney in charge of estate planning and probate matters. He is a member of the Fort Wayne Estate Planning Council and is responsible for drafting wills and trusts for individuals, including those with second and subsequent marriages.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Deam - Managing Partner35 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.
4.1
Google
4.1 / 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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
6710 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Sprunger Elder Law is a multi-practice firm that serves clients in Fort Wayne. It assists clients in arranging and completing estate and wealth transfers to their loved ones. To help individuals preserve their assets, the firm also offers estate planning services that include drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. Its attorneys also handle cases in several practice areas, such as criminal defense, business law, and family law. James Springer established the firm in 1968.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Cory Sprunger - Managing Partner10 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.
4.5
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (17)

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 Fort Wayne, Indiana?

    260-427-1222 is the Fort Wayne Police Department non-emergency line.

  • Can an estate be administered in Fort Wayne without court intervention if it is valued at $51,000?

    An estate in Fort Wayne cannot be administered without court intervention if its value is at $51,000. Assets that are worth less than $50,000 may be distributed using a small estate affidavit. Since the sum in question is $1,000 in excess of the threshold, the heirs and the administrator have to go to court to prevent fraud and protect their rights.

  • How can high-value assets exceeding $50,000 in Fort Wayne be transferred to heirs without probate?

    To transfer high-value assets in Fort Wayne without subjecting the heirs to probate, life insurance policies would be useful since the proceeds transfer upon the death of the insured without a need for court orders. For real estate, establishing trusts is a hassle-avoidance measure since only fully-owned properties are subject to probate.

  • Can a grandchild in Fort Wayne inherit directly from a grandparent if the parents are still alive?

    Yes, a grandchild in Fort Wayne can inherit directly from a grandparent when the parents are alive if there is a will. The testator must directly name the grandkid in the will as an heir with a matching share. Otherwise, the rules on intestacy will kick in, and the parents will inherit first before their own kids inherit later on from them.

  • Can a foster child inherit in intestacy from a foster parent in Fort Wayne?

    Whether or not a foster child can inherit in intestacy from a foster parent in Fort Wayne hinges on whether or not there is a legal adoption. If the child was adopted formally by the parent, then all the rights of a biological child apply, including heirship. Otherwise, the foster kid is effectively an alien to the estate and is due nothing.

  • What provisions can be included in a will drafted in Fort Wayne?

    A will drafted in Fort Wayne contains an enumeration of the testator's assets plus instructions on how to distribute these to the named heirs. Orders can be added that iron out the guardianship and care concerns over the minor children. The document also names an executor, who is a trusted individual who carries out the provisions of the testament.

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