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Best Probate Lawyers in South Bend

2023

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Website
2025 Edison Road, South Bend, IN 46637
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Godfrey Law Offices has a team of probate attorneys in South Bend providing a comprehensive estate plan covering all aspects of the process. The process integrates the retirement assets of its clients into its estate planning services. This protects the retirement plan assets from federal estate taxes in the future and ensures it remains within the family. Additionally, it can also protect the children of its clients from creditors and lawsuit judgments, among others.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Christopher Godfrey - Principal30 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
Avvo
5.0 / 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
202 South Michigan Street Suite 801, South Bend, IN 46601
  • Wills
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Gardner & Rans P.C. Attorneys at Law offers legal services to clients in South Bend. It assists with probate proceedings, where the assets of a deceased person are distributed. This includes settling outstanding debts and handling disputes among beneficiaries. Its attorneys also handle personal injury suits like construction accidents, dog bites, and defective products, along with helping clients obtain compensation from motor vehicle accidents. Lead counsels Martin Gardner and Kristy Rans have more than 40 years of combined legal experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Martin Gardner - Founding 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.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (17)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)

(+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
1717 South Bend Ave, South Bend, IN 46637
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Stipp Law, which is located in South Bend, provides counsel on a variety of legal matters. It serves individuals and families in the local metro seeking assistance on estate planning and probate matters. It also helps clients navigate the different facets of family law, including divorce petitions, adoptions, paternity rights, and guardianships. Stipp Law was formed in 2015 by Thomas Sean Stipp, a certified family law specialist and a registered domestic relations mediator.

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
4.3 / 5 (39)
Avvo
4.0 / 5 (3)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

(+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.
3.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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Website
511 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend, IN 46617
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Founded by a farmer, Schwarz Law Office, PC, puts special attention toward the estate planning needs of South Bend agriculturists. John J. Schwarz II helps families form succession plans that assist with the preservation, protection, and proper turnover of their business, land, and operational assets. He also helps clients make long-term healthcare arrangements in a way that will not drain their assets. Schwarz handles agribusiness planning, boundary disputes, and crop insurance on top of these services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
John Schwarz - Principal18 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
Facebook
5.0 / 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
908 Lincolnway West, Osceola, IN 46561
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Hope Law Firm is the private practice of Rachel Hope Miller, an estate planning and probate attorney serving people in the South Bend metro area. The law firm focuses on helping individuals and families navigate through the probate process. Miller gathers the decedent's assets, determines the value of the assets, arranges the payments of debts, files estate taxes, and distributes the decedent's estates to the beneficiaries. Hope Law Firm also handles bankruptcy and family law cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Rachel Miller - Principal5 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
1051 E Market St, Nappanee, IN 46550
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Christopher G. Walter, PC is a law firm based in South Bend. Its team of legal practitioners provides legal counsel in estate administration, advanced directives, and the creation of wills and living trusts. Clients can expect legal advice that's been tried and tested by over 85 years of experience in the field. The three attorneys at this firm also practice in other areas of law such as bankruptcy, real estate, personal injuries, and family law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Christopher Walter - Senior Member30 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.
4.4

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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
521 West Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

For Halpin Slagh, Attorneys At Law, an estate plan is a legacy. Without one, the law decides what happens to a person's assets when they pass away. Knowing this, the team at Halpin Slagh, Attorneys At Law, is determined to help clients protect their hard-earned assets for future generations. The firm is passionate about providing services in estate planning, probate, and family law. Other areas of expertise include real estate law and business law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Andrea Slagh - Partner25 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
4.1 / 5 (9)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)
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
509 West Washington Street, South Bend, IN 46601
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Headquartered in South Bend, Hahn Walz Attorneys at Law offers representation for issues involving probate law and estate planning. The firm provides assistance in legal procedures involving wills and trusts, estate administration, Medicaid regulations, and family asset protection. Established in 1986 as a combination of Charles W. Hahn and Wilford V. Walz's respective practices, Hahn Walz has a legal team with a combined experience that spans decades. The firm also handles civil litigation and family, bankruptcy, and business law cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Thomas Walz - Principal/Sole Practitioner45 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 (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.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
511 East Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Brooks Legal, LLC's probate attorneys can handle issues that often arise during the estate process. They take on cases related to probate administration and guardianship arrangements, helping individuals and families in South Bend. The law firm's attorneys can create customized planning projects and help with drafting wills, trusts, special needs trusts, living wills, and powers of attorney agreements. Brooks Legal, LLC's other practice areas include business law and family law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Tanner Brooks - Founding Member7 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 (29)

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
401 E Colfax Ave Ste 180 Box #2, South Bend, IN 46617
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Estate Administration

Why choose this provider?

Marcel Lebbin is a lawyer serving the South Bend metro. His areas of expertise include probate and estate administration, which includes assisting clients with life insurance proceedings, property appraisals, and asset searches. He also assists customers with paying bills and debts, completing the probate court paperwork, and splitting assets among heirs. His additional areas of practice include wills, trusts, and estate planning, elder law, commercial real estate, and litigation. Marcel Lebbin once defended a multi-million dollar trust fight against claims of undue influence.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Marcel Lebbin - Principal18 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 (52)

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
115 North William Street, South Bend, IN 46601
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Cole Law Firm, LLC is a law firm serving individuals seeking estate planning attorneys in South Bend and surrounding communities. Led by Dianna L. Cole, the firm believes that a well-crafted estate plan is one way to protect an individual's assets, loved ones, and beneficiaries. This legal practitioner can establish guardianshisp, draft living wills, create a special needs trust, and draft the legal documents required in a comprehensive estate plan.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Dianna Cole - Owner and President21 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
4.5 / 5 (16)
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.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
224 West Jefferson, Suite 305, South Bend, IN 46601
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

Patrick McFadden, Attorney at Law, provides estate planning assistance to South Bend residents. McFadden helps clients make plans for their properties and families and drafts necessary documents, such as wills and trusts. His estate services include elder rights and divorce. McFadden carries more than 38 years of legal experience, handling family law, real estate, DUI, and criminal law matters. He has been licensed to practice law in Michigan since 1982 and in Indiana since 1978.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Patrick Mcfadden - Principal45 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.
4.4
Google
4.4 / 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
52582 Indiana 933 North, South Bend, IN 46637
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Adult Guardianship
  • Living Wills

Why choose this provider?

Mario J. Zappia, Attorney at Law represents clients in matters involving family law and estate planning throughout South Bend and nearby regions. Zappia and his staff help clients draft documents like powers of attorneys and living wills. They also assist clients in assigning someone as their healthcare representative in case the client is incapacitated. Zappia has been practicing law for over 25 years. He serves as the treasurer of the St. Joseph County Bar 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.
4.5
Google
4.4 / 5 (28)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (14)
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

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in South Bend, Indiana?

    The South Bend police takes non-emergency calls at (574) 235-9201.

  • Which assets in South Bend do not have to pass through probate?

    Assets in South Bend that are not solely owned by or beneficial to the decedent are not subject to probate. These range from living trusts which are for the benefit of specific third parties, to co-woned real estate. These properties and interests pass ownership automatically upon death because of law or contract and never become part of the estate.

  • Is it advisable to disinherit an heir in South Bend by leaving them out of the will?

    It is not advisable to disinherit an heir in South Bend by leaving them out of the will. Disinheritance by omission is not favored by the courts because they will likely assume that it was made in error. It is preferable to expressly state the disinheritance in the document and to name the person.

  • Is there a need to subject an estate to full probate in South Bend if the valuation is at $90,000?

    There is no need to subject an estate to full probate in South Bend if the valuation is at $90,000. Small estates that are devoid of real property can be distributed completely probate-free upon the decedent's passing. This is possible if all the real property is co-owned or part of revocable trusts that are not part of the estate.

  • What is the remedy if an heir or legatee in South Bend inherits an asset that is too expensive to properly maintain?

    If an heir or legatee in South Bend inherits an estate that is too expensive to maintain, it is possible to disclaim the inheritance. A disclaimer of interest in the property would prevent a transfer of title from the testator or decedent to a would-be recipient. The heirs of the recipient would instead receive the share by means of representation as if their ascendant in interest died before them.

  • What are the cases handled by the St. Joseph Probate Court which has jurisdiction over South Bend?

    The St. Joseph Probate Court has jurisdiction over South Bend and handles cases relating to the preservation, distribution, and administration of trusts and estates. It also takes on matters concerning paternity, adoption, and delinquency as these have implications on the transfer or properties upon death, through an increase of heirs or loss of capacity to take care of one’s own affairs.

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