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2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in Lawrence

Our Recommended Top 13

We did the research for you!

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

32

Reviewed

24

Curated

13

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
1040 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of David Brown, LC is a Lawrence law firm that caters to decedents, beneficiaries, and executors of probate in the city. It educates each client on how ownership and asset transfers are done for the deceased with and without wills. It also processes paperwork for compiling and distributing assets among loved ones. The firm works with accountants and financial advisors to advise clients on property division and postmortem taxation. Its principal attorney, David Brown, spent 10 years as a reporter and editor before pursuing law.

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 (2)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)
Avvo
5.0 / 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
831 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Sloan Law Firm offers legal services to individuals, families, and businesses in Lawrence and the nearby cities. It helps clients with the court-supervised process of probate and estate administration, whose requirements vary based on the type and size of the estate, and finalizes the person’s financial affairs and property distribution. It also assists clients in deciding and drafting documents, including last wills and testaments, medical directives, and trusts. The Sloan Law Firm was originally formed in 1930. 

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.
3.8
Google
3.8 / 5 (24)

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
900 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1925, Stevens & Brand LLP is a firm providing the services of a probate attorney in Lawrence. The firm has an extensive history of handling probate matters and its team is capable of helping the decedent's loved ones get their affairs in order. Its lawyers remain knowledge about state probate laws and regulations and they can resolve disputes in a professional and timely manner. Stevens & Brand also offer will and trust creation services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
John Bullock - Partner33 yrs
Bradley Finkeldei - Managing 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.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (48)
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)
FindLaw
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
100 East Park Street, Olathe, KS 66051
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust

Why choose this provider?

Schlagel Long Rivera LLC is a firm available for clients seeking the services of a probate lawyer near Lawrence. For estates requiring the probate process, this practice works with the decedent's family members and loved ones to ensure the proceedings occur in a fair and law-abiding manner. Its team also helps clients understand and fulfill their tax duties upon receiving their inheritance. Attorney Benjamin E. Long has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Benjamin Long - Partner / Member Attorney13 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 (16)

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
2712 W. 27th Terrace, Lawrence, KS 66047
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Parnell Law Office LLC is a law firm in Lawrence that focuses on real estate, probate, and estate planning. Jonathan D. Parnell helps families in the probate process, from validating a will and determining how assets and property are divided to the distribution of assets to heirs. Parnell also assists clients in estate planning, helping ensure assets are protected and passed on as desired. He helps clients create and update wills, trusts, and powers of attorneys. Parnell also offers Christian alternative dispute resolution services.

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

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
730 New Hampshire St #210, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Fagan & Emert LLC is a law firm providing representation to individuals, families, and businesses around Lawrence. Its legal staff helps clients draft estate planning documents like general powers of attorney, living wills, and wills to help clients avoid the probate process. It also assists with the durable power of attorney for health care decisions, a document utilized for when the client is incapacitated and financial or medical decisions need to be made. Other areas of practice include family law, real estate law, and personal injury.

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 (8)
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
832 Pennsylvania Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Wilson Elder Law LLC serves individuals and families in the Lawrence metro. The firm provides sound legal counsel for matters such as special needs planning, elder law, and estate planning. It also handles trust administration and probate services, representing estate and heirs in probate litigation. Wilson Elder Law was founded by Stephanie Wilson, who dedicates her practice to guiding clients through probate proceedings. Wilson is the president of the Kansas Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Stephanie Wilson - Principal22 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
4.3 / 5 (6)
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
2887 Southwest Macvicar Avenue, Topeka, KS 66611
  • Estate Planning
  • Inheritance Taxes
  • Estate Taxes
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Stumbo Hanson LLP is a firm staffed by several probate attorneys near Lawrence capable of assisting clients with a range of probate matters. For over 80 years, this firm has been representing the decedent's family members in probate court during routine hearings as well as hearings to determine property rights and resolve inheritance disputes. The practice also handles adoption cases, which are included under the state probate code. Attorney Gary Hanson maintains an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Tom Barnes - 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

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
333 West Ninth St. Suite B, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate
  • Probate Administration

Why choose this provider?

Thompson-Hall P.A. is a law firm based in Lawrence that handles various legal practices, including probate law, divorce and family law, and criminal defense. It also offers to counsel on business matters, such as acquisitions, entity formation, and disputes. Adam Hall, one of the firm's four lawyers, has experience assisting clients with estate planning and probate, elder law, and conservatorship and guardianship. He has presented continuing legal education and programs on criminal law and authored legislation that needs legal reforms.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Todd Thompson - Partner42 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 (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
2101 Southwest 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Alderson, Alderson, Conklin, Crow & Slinkard LLC is a firm offering services to clients throughout Lawrence and the northeast Kansas area. For over 35 years, this firm has been helping clients understand and successfully probate their deceased loved one's estate. The practice oversees and facilitates all aspects of the probate process, from interpreting the will to distributing assets and closing the estate. Attorney Alan Alderson maintains an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Daniel Crow - Partner31 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
4.0 / 5 (30)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)
Facebook
5.0 / 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.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
810 Pennsylvania St Ste 211, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Ad Astra Legal LC has been providing legal assistance to clients in Lawrence since 1991. Its principal attorney, Scott C. Stockwell, takes on probate, estate planning, and real estate claims. His probate services cover mediating disputes over contested wills, making an inventory of assets, and settling outstanding debts. He also facilitates the distribution of remaining assets on behalf of the decedent. Stockwell is a member of the Douglas County Estate Planning Council. He also served as the president of the FUMC Lawrence.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Scott Stockwell - Principal40 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
805 New Hampshire St., Suite B, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration

Why choose this provider?

Granson & Legacy LLC is a law firm serving clients throughout Lawrence and the surrounding communities. It handles legal matters involving probate, assisting clients throughout the whole process of asset transfer. It also offers estate planning and tax protection, asset protection planning, and trust administration. In addition, the firm assists clients in naming legal guardians for their children and provides personalized solutions for them. The firm's founder, Chris Green, has served as a felony assistant deputy district attorney. He is also licensed to practice in Missouri.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Chris Green - Principal7 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
212 Southwest 8th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Duncan Law Offices is a firm available for clients seeking the assistance of an estate planning attorney near Lawrence serving clients in the local area. Led by Tuck Duncan, this firm has over 35 years of experience with handling routine and complex probate proceedings for the family members of the decedent. It can also provide legal support during disputes and conflicts over the will or estate. Additionally, Duncan Law Offices takes on cases related to guardianship and conservatorship.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
R.E. Duncan - Principal48 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 (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

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 Lawrence, Kansas?

    Calls for non-emergency police assistance should be made to the Douglas County dispatch office at 785-843-0250.

  • Is a probate lawyer necessary for the personal representative of an estate in Lawrence?

    Kansas law does not necessarily require the personal representative of an estate in Lawrence to retain an attorney. However, a probate attorney can help address the legal complexities of resolving an estate and complying with the fiduciary duties of a personal representative. Early in the estate administration process is the best time to consult with a lawyer so that proper measures are made for the court appointment of the personal representative and to assess what method will be required for estate administration.

  • Does the court require a probate process for every estate plan in Lawrence?

    Not all assets in Lawrence are subject to probate. Property and assets that do not go through probate include the following:

    • Property possessed by the decedent as a joint tenant with a right of survivorship in another person or persons 
    • Assets placed in a living trust during the decedent's lifetime
    • Assets that are automatically transferred upon death due to a beneficiary designation, such as a life insurance policy or a retirement account
    • Financial accounts and securities with transfer-on-death or pay-on-death provisions
  • What happens to your assets if you have passed away without a will in Lawrence?

    If you pass away without a will in Lawrence, your assets will be considered as dying intestate, wherein the state takes responsibility for dividing assets among descendants via a probate court. Only solely-owned property of the deceased is subject to probate if they did not leave a will. Other assets, such as a living trust or life insurance policy, retirement accounts or 401(k)s, joint property with a right of survivorship, and property listed as pay-on-death, can be distributed before intestate succession.

  • What are the valid reasons for a will contest in Lawrence?

    You are eligible to challenge a will if you are a beneficiary or someone who would have received property under the state's rules for "intestate succession." Some valid reasons to contest a will in Lawrence are the following:

    • Incorrectly excluding a spouse or kid from a will.
    • The testator's incapacity to make the will.
    • Technical errors, such as modifying a will without two witnesses or distributing property that is not part of the estate, can invalidate it under Kansas law.
    • Forged wills or deceived testators.
    • Unknown will revision.
  • When someone dies in Lawrence, how long do their heirs have to file for probate?

    The heir must file for probate in Lawrence within six months of the decedent's date of death. Additionally, any interested party with access to a will has six months from the date of death to submit it for probate. Death tax returns and payments may be due no later than nine months after the decedent's date of death. All debts, taxes, and fees can be settled before the six-month mark for assets with a value no more than the law permits.

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