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2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in Columbia

Our Recommended Top 20

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

41Reviewed

32Curated

20Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

1142 York Rd, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.2 (15)
FindLaw
4.5 (6)
Yelp
3.5 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Robert M. Stahl LLC is a law firm serving individuals, families, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in Columbia. It practices in probate, estate planning and administration, bankruptcy, tax law, and debtor/creditor law. Aside from assisting clients with drafting wills and creating estate plans to protect assets, the lawyer also provides representation in personal injury claims and criminal cases. Robert M. Stahl has been practicing law for more than 30 years.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Stahl - Managing MemberActive31 yrs

8850 Stanford Boulevard Suite 2300, Columbia, MD 21045
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (9)
Google
4.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Catering to the residents of Columbia and its neighboring metros, the Law Offices of Dwight W. Clark L.L.C. has been providing its services for more than two decades. It offers legal counsel on matters involving estate planning, wills, and trusts. The firm’s team of legal professionals also handles cases in practice areas such as family and business law. Principal Dwight Clark established his practice after a career in the Department of Defense. The attorney has given talks and led seminars on estate planning and administration.

  • Wills

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Dwight Clark - PrincipalActive39 yrs

7100 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046
Website

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Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2010, Elville and Associates is a law firm with offices throughout Maryland. The probate attorneys in Columbia educate and counsel administrators and executors about their rights and responsibilities and assist them with the court proceedings to ensure a smooth transition of their loved one's estate. Its legal team also guides clients through the estate planning process to reduce or prevent probate time through living trusts, advanced health care proxies, and powers of attorney.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Stephen Elville - Managing PrincipalActive23 yrs

2000 Spencerville Road, Spencerville, MD 20868

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (45)

Why choose this provider?

Simpson Law, PA, has been offering counsel to clients in the Columbia metro since 2003. It takes on probate cases and helps the decedent's family in filing tax returns and final documents with the court. It also assists in the inventory and distribution of assets to the heirs. In addition, the law firm drafts wills, powers of attorney, and premarital agreements. One of its attorneys, Suzanne B. Simpson, is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Suburban Maryland.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Trust Administration

900 Bestgate Road Suite 103, Annapolis, MD 21401
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Since 2013, Sinclair Prosser Gasior has been representing clients across Columbia. The firm has experience assisting individuals through the probate process, helping them with issues involving estate tax, and advocating for their interests in will contest proceedings. It also provides estate planning services to members of the LGBTQ community and sets up trusts. Jon Gasior, its owner, is an American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys member. He has presented seminars on elder incapacity for organizations like the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jon Gasior - PrincipalActive12 yrs

6990 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (23)
Avvo
5.0 (9)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Providence Law Group LLC is a legal firm that focuses on estate planning and probate services in Columbia and the surrounding areas. Its attorneys help representatives through the court proceedings and their responsibilities, such as notifying heirs and creditors, filing required documents, paying the estate's bills, transferring real estate holdings, and distributing the rest of the assets to the beneficiaries. The firm also assists with special needs planning to preserve government benefits and other finances.

  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Amy Lazas - PrincipalActive10 yrs

839 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (12)
Google
5.0 (8)
Facebook
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Frost Law is a legal firm representing individuals at offices in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Its probate attorneys near Columbia have experience and knowledge of the state estate laws and work with executors and administrators to fulfill their obligations, such as notifying heirs, paying creditors, filing final tax returns, transferring real estate, and distributing the remaining assets. The firm also handles estate planning matters to help reduce or avoid probate time.

  • Estate Taxes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Glen Frost - Managing PartnerActive15 yrs

5850 Waterloo Road Suite 140, Columbia, MD 21045

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (24)
Google
5.0 (22)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Spencer Law Group, P.C. offers legal counsel from its office in Columbia. Covered in its practice areas are probate and estate planning. The firm provides assistance in preparing advance planning documents such as financial powers of attorney, wills, trusts, and advance directives. It also offers legal representation for clients going through a divorce and facing issues concerning property division and child custody. Managing partner Chad Spencer has been practicing independently since 2005. He used to work for the Howard County State's Attorney's Office.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Chad Spencer - Managing PartnerActive20 yrs

5513 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 220, Columbia, MD 21045
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Berger Burns is a general practice law firm that serves clients in Columbia and the nearby areas. It assists clients with estate planning and probate matters such as wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and guardianship. The firm also handles family law cases such as traditional divorce, collaborative divorce, child custody, child support modification, and visitation rights. Managing partner Victor D. Berger has over 29 years of legal experience. He is also licensed to practice law in New York.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Victor Berger - Owner/PartnerActive19 yrs

10440 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Charles L. Fuller is a legal firm serving clients in Columbia and the surrounding areas. Its probate attorney helps clients understand their responsibilities and assists them with the court proceedings, including notifying creditors and heirs, locating and appraising assets, preparing and filing final tax returns, and distributing any remaining assets according to the will. The firm also handles will contests and claims against the estate. Other practice areas include personal injury, criminal defense, and civil litigation.

  • Wills

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Charles Fuller - PrincipalActive37 yrs

17319 Avenleigh Drive, Ashton, MD 20861

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Morris & Fay offers representation to Columbia-based families facing hurdles in estate law. It helps clients navigate the probate process, including preparing and filing court-required documents and state and federal estate tax returns. The firm also assists in trust administration and drafts estate planning documents, such as wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, financial powers of attorney, and medical directives. Probate lawyers Anthony W. Morris and J. Sean Fay have been practicing estate law since 1999 and 2005, respectively.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

10440 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 300, Columbia, MD 21044

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Addison-Darden serves individuals and families in Columbia. The firm is committed to providing personalized services to clients dealing with a variety of legal concerns, including wills and trusts preparation, estate planning, and guardianship appointment. It also helps clients' beneficiaries manage and distribute their estates and carry out their final wishes after they pass away. Evelyn Darden, the firm's principal and managing partner, sits on the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

9881 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

O'GuinnMcNeal is a full-service law firm in Columbia representing individuals, families, and businesses. Its attorneys handle all probate-related matters, including guiding executors through the court proceedings, such as notifying heirs and creditors, locating all assets, preparing taxes, meeting deadlines for documents, transferring real estate, and distributing the remaining assets. The firm also assists with estate probate litigation. Other practice areas include complex civil litigation and criminal, elder, and business law.

  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Patrick O'guinn - PartnerActive34 yrs

8825 Stanford Blvd #140, Columbia, MD 21045
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (13)
Google
5.0 (11)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Lundy Law Group is a private firm that offers legal counsel and representation to individuals and families in Columbia, Howard County at large and its surrounding counties, as well as the District of Columbia. Its staff assists in drafting estate planning documents like powers of attorney, wills and trusts to help clients avoid the probate process. In cases wherein probate is necessary, the office provides representation in litigation, disputes, and administration. Other areas of practice include guardianship, family law, business start-up and succession, non-profit consulting and special needs planning. Founding attorney Paulette Lundy has over 20 years of experience in the legal field.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Paulette Lundy - FounderActive17 yrs

7230 Lee Deforest Drive, Columbia, MD 21046
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (15)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Rick Todd provides legal services for individuals and families throughout the area. Its probate lawyer in Columbia, with additional locations in Chevy Chase and Fairfax, helps clients understand their duties and guides them through the complex process to settle their loved one's estate. The legal team assists with petitioning the probate court, notifying the heirs, inventorying the assets, paying the deceased's debts, transferring property, and distributing any remaining assets to beneficiaries.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Rick Todd - PrincipalActive10 yrs

10632 Little Patuxent Parkway Building 2000, Suite 406, Columbia, MD 21044
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (5)
Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

MVP Law Group, P.A. serves clients in Columbia seeking a probate lawyer. The law firm provides assistance with the drafting, revision, and revocation of wills, helping individuals leave behind a legacy for their loved ones. It also provides guidance on how power of attorney and advance directive works and its coverages. Managing attorney Kellie N. Lego provides pro bono legal services through her involvement with the Wills for Heros Program and the Homeless Persons Representation Project.

  • Wills

8850 Columbia 100 Parkway, Columbia, MD 21045

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (14)
Avvo
5.0 (10)
Facebook
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Jayson A. Soobitsky P.A. is a Columbia-based firm that represents clients in estate-related and family law cases. Its attorneys help clients develop estate plans, drafting documents like wills, advanced health directives, and durable general powers of attorney. They also assist in estate administration. Emily Machovec, one of the firm's attorneys, has over a decade of legal experience and is a member of the Trusts and Estates Section of the Maryland State Bar Association.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

9841 Broken Land Pkwy #206, Columbia, MD 21046

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (35)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Walsh & Company is a law firm that has been serving Columbia since 1995. It helps individuals and families with different aspects of estate administration and probate processes, such as establishing accounts, reviewing the estate's outstanding debts, and filing the necessary tax and probate paperwork. One of its legal practitioners, James D. Walsh, is also a CPA with extensive experience in tax law, which can help in minimizing an estate's tax exposure and preserving the assets for the beneficiaries.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
James Walsh - Founding AttorneyActive41 yrs

6851 Oak Hall Lane Suite 202, Columbia, MD 21045
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (37)
Avvo
4.9 (32)

Why choose this provider?

Oliver Leffler Law represents clients in family and elder law cases in Columbia. It assists personal representatives of estates and beneficiaries in navigating the probate process in order to protect the rights of legally designated heirs. Its attorneys use their combined legal experience of more than three decades to help traditional and non-traditional families resolve complex family matters through settlement or litigation. Partners Margaret Oliver and Lauren Leffler are mediators and collaborative attorneys who strive to help clients reach resolutions without going to court.

  • Trusts
  • Wills

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Margaret Oliver - FounderActive27 yrs

10632 Little Patuxent Parkway Suite 236, Columbia, MD 21044

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (4)
Yelp
1.0 (1)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Columbia, Tracy Miller Law, LLC, provides clients with legal assistance in a wide range of practice areas, such as family law, civil litigation, CINA, estate planning, and juvenile law. The firm handles various cases involving family law, such as child support and custody, adoption, collaborative divorce, domestic violence, and property division. It aggressively represents and advocates for its clients' rights in the entire process of negotiating separation agreements and divorce litigation. The owner and founder, Tracy Miller, has been practicing law since 2012.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

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 with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

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

    410-313-2200 is the non-emergency contact number of the Howard County Police Department, which oversees the Columbia community.

  • What happens when someone raises an objection to the will in Columbia?

    When someone objects to a will in Columbia, it initiates a process known as a "will contest." They are common in probate processes and can incur significant legal costs. Individuals objecting must be legally qualified, usually due to concerns about unfair beneficiary distributions or modifications to distribution plans from earlier iterations of the will. In will contests, disagreements might also surface regarding the executor chosen.

  • What if the only asset of the decedent in Columbia was a motor vehicle?

    If a motor vehicle is the only asset of the decedent in Columbia, the administration procedure is based on the asset's worth and the existence of a living spouse. A small estate procedure is utilized for vehicles with a net value under $50,000 and when there is a surviving spouse and the net value is less than $100,000. Regular estate administration is necessary if there is no surviving spouse and the net value is greater than $50,000.

  • Which parties have priority for payment if there are insufficient assets in Columbia?

    Register fees, administrative costs, funeral costs (up to $10,000), representative compensation, family allowance, taxes, medical expenditures, rent, wages, public assistance claims, and other claims must be paid by the personal representative in Columbia, in that order. Priority is given to claims filed with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and absolute precedence is given to debts owed to the United States, such as IRS taxes.

  • How can you challenge a last will and testament in Columbia?

    To challenge a last will and testament in Columbia, you can file a formal objection called a "caveat proceeding" or "will contest." Grounds for challenges include improper execution, lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or existence of a more recent will. Evidence and arguments are presented in court, where the judge will determine the will's validity.

  • Are there financial benefits for serving as a personal representative in Columbia?

    Serving as a personal representative or executor in Columbia may come with financial benefits. Personal representatives are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable costs incurred in administering and distributing an estate. In accordance with the location and size of the estate, they might also get statutory fees. Personal representatives, however, are subject to fiduciary obligations and are answerable for poor management.