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2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in Wilmington

Our Recommended Top 18

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

39Reviewed

30Curated

18Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

9111 Market St, Suite A, Wilmington, NC 28411
Website

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Google
4.7 (49)
Facebook
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

David E. Anderson, PLLC, is a law firm that dedicates its services to helping individuals and families in estate planning. Based in Wilmington, it assists clients in handling the difficulties involved in probate and trust administration, such as contested guardianships, litigation of documents, and challenges to powers of attorney. Its estate planning services include creating wills, trusts, and other asset protection tools. Founder David Anderson is a member of WealthCounsel, a nationwide network of lawyers that provides planning advice.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate

1213 Culbreth Drive, Suite 448, Wilmington, NC 28405

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Review Sources

Google
5.0 (47)

Why choose this provider?

Johnson Legal, PLLC, takes on probate and estate administration matters for clients throughout the Wilmington metro and the surrounding areas. The firm takes care of various aspects of the probate process to effectively handle and distribute assets on behalf of the deceased, working closely with executors and beneficiaries to close out the estate without further delays. Likewise, it assists in the preparation, drafting, and execution of last wills and testaments, durable powers of attorney, and trusts. Shane T. Johnson is a Certified Association Executive.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Shane Johnson - PrincipalActive4 yrs

5725 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403

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Review Sources

Google
4.7 (25)

Why choose this provider?

Price & Williams, P.A., is a Wilmington law office that offers legal assistance to the city's residents in matters concerning estates, trusts, and wills. The firm's probate attorney, James Price, has years of experience in helping surviving family members navigate probate proceeding as well as the estate administration process. Co-attorney D. Robert Williams, Jr., meanwhile, works to resolve real estate law matters. Price & Williams, P.A., also assists people with bankruptcy law cases.

  • Wills

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
James Price - PartnerActive20 yrs

5725-F2 Oleander Dr., Wilmington, NC 28403

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Avvo
4.9 (51)
Facebook
4.9 (32)
Yelp
4.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

The Collins Law Firm represents clients in Wilmington and the neighboring communities in multiple practice areas. It helps personal representatives of estates and designated beneficiaries navigate the probate process. Founding attorney David B. Collins Jr. and his team have over 65 years of combined criminal defense and personal injury law experience. Collins has been licensed to practice law in North Carolina and South Carolina since 1993. Telephone consultations are available for less serious criminal charges such as minor traffic violations.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Collins - PrincipalActive31 yrs

Oleander Oaks, 5725 Oleander Drive, Suite F1, Wilmington, NC 28403

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Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Baker Law Firm has been providing services to clients in Wilmington for more than 45 years. It represents individuals in probate litigation cases, providing legal counsel to heirs and beneficiaries in estate disputes, including claims against the estate, unclear modifications of the will, and mismanagement of assets. It also guides clients in estate administration, helping personal representatives distribute the assets as directed by the will or state laws. Principal attorney Mitch Baker serves on the board of governors of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.

  • Estate Planning

2419 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28403
Website

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Facebook
5.0 (6)
Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

For over a century, the multi-practice law firm Rountree Losee LLP has been representing clients in Wilmington. It provides legal assistance to individuals facing probate proceedings and counsels on creditor management and asset liquidation issues. The firm also offers estate planning solutions and drafts documents like living wills. Its other practice areas include real estate and corporate law. One of its partners, Geoffrey Losee, is certified in superior court mediation by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission. He is a US Navy veteran.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Geoffrey Losee - PartnerActive30 yrs

215 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
Website

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Why choose this provider?

Collins & Collins Law Offices PLLC has been solely focusing on real estate law representation for clients in Wilmington and neighboring areas since its opening in 2000. The law firm expanded its practice to offer estate planning services in August 2016. Its attorneys assist clients in creating documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that fit their unique family situation. The attorneys and paralegals at Collins & Collins each have at least 10 years of experience in the field.

  • Estate Planning
  • Real Estate

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Andy Collins - PartnerActive22 yrs

201 N. Front St. Suite 408, Wilmington, NC 28401

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Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Established in 2017, Cason Crummie Law Firm, PLLC, represents clients and businesses in Wilmington in estate planning and probate administration. The firm assists in administering estates by working with the executors and beneficiaries of the estates to effectively handle and distribute assets on behalf of the deceased. Its legal staff also help prepare legally binding documents such as wills and living trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Ryan G. Cason Crummie has been serving the community for over 10 years.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

701 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Craige & Fox PLLC is a general practice law firm that has been serving clients in Wilmington since 2004. It provides probate-related counsel and representation, which include asset consolidation, debt payment, and asset distribution in accordance with the wills of decedents. The firm also drafts estate planning documents, such as powers of attorney, living wills, and living trusts. Lawrence S. Craig and Charlotte Noel Fox have more than 35 years of combined legal experience. They keep clients' objectives at the center of every stage of representation.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Lawrence Craige - PartnerActive26 yrs

519 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (20)

Why choose this provider?

Seay Law Firm, PLLC offers complete estate administration and probate services in and around Wilmington. The probate attorneys from the firm help estate administrators and representatives get admitted to probate, understand will provision, and consolidate assets into the estate. They also settle any issues that arise during the probate execution like petitions for the elective shares of disinherited spouses, changing personal representatives, and reclaiming estate property. Seay Law Firm, PLLC is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association.

  • Probate Litigation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
James Seay - Partner / Senior AttorneyActive42 yrs

310 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

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Review Sources

Google
4.5 (11)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Block, Crouch, Keeter, Behm & Sayed, LLP is a law office that serves clients in and around Wilmington. The office's estate planning and probate attorneys provide legal services in matters concerning wills, trusts, and estate plans. These services include revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, business succession planning, Medicaid and social security planning, and tax planning. The lawyers of Block, Crouch, Keeter, Behm & Sayed, LLP also handle family law and business law cases.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Auley Crouch - PartnerActive48 yrs
Christopher Behm - PartnerActive26 yrs
Linda Sayed - PartnerActive26 yrs

226 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Website

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Review Sources

Google
4.7 (15)
Avvo
4.2 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Brandon C. Pettijohn Attorney at Law, PLLC, is a multi-practice firm serving Wilmington and nearby areas. Pettijohn counsels clients in a wide range of areas such as estate planning and business law. He also represents personal injury victims and handles family and criminal law matters. The legal practitioner, who also serves residents in Tennessee and Indiana, served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing law. He was also appointed as the Veterans Court Coordinator for the State of Indiana.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

5215 Junction Circle, Suite 100, Wilmington, NC 28412
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (9)
Google
4.3 (6)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Kincaid & Associates, PLLC, Attorneys at Law is a Wilmington-based firm that addresses probate-related concerns throughout the local metro. Its lawyers serve as representatives and advisors of families in initial filings, consultations with financial institutions, and court proceedings. They offer comprehensive counsel regarding the creation of special needs trusts and guardianships, as well as estate plans for the domestic needs of same-sex partners. The firm's owner, Mitzi Y. Kincaid, is also the founder of Indie Tree, Inc., which provides supported housing for those with disabilities.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

5039 Main Street, Shallotte, NC 28470

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (17)
Avvo
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

B. Joseph Causey, Jr. is a probate lawyer near Wilmington, who is passionate about helping clients navigate the confusing process of resolving probate. Valuing compassion and accuracy in his craft, this lawyer aims to make estate administration after a loved one's passing a quick and easy process. With nearly 30 years of experience, Causey also provides legal counsel for estate plans, specifically for living and last wills, guardianship of minors and adults, and ancillary probate of out-of-town estates.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
B. Causey - PrincipalActive33 yrs

4317 Ramsey St.1121 Military Cutoff Rd, Suite P, Wilmington, NC 28405
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Hutchens Law Firm has been serving individuals and businesses in various litigation and legal issues since 1980. The firm's attorneys cater to Wilmington families looking for legal professionals to navigate them through the probate administration process and form a will or trust. They listen to the client's demands regarding the distribution of their assets and design an estate plan that protects their legacy. Its lawyers also provide services for matters involving business successions, guardianship, and charitable giving.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

5700 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Graves May PLLC is a full-service law firm that provides tax and legal services to clients in Wilmington. Its areas of practice include probate and estate administration, estate planning, advanced estate planning, asset protection, and business and corporate law. It also offers legal services in implementing and defending tax reduction, defending criminal tax cases, and federal and state taxation. Co-founder Rick E. Graves has been a board-certified specialist in estate planning and probate law since 2003.

  • Estate Planning

209 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (16)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Terry B. Richardson Attorneys at Law serves clients in Wilmington and the nearby areas. The firm handles estate administration cases and assists with analyzing a client's estate, drafting wills, changing wills, appointing guardians for minors, and transferring assets. It represents clients in probate disputes arising from lack of capacity, undue influence, and breach of fiduciary duty. The firm assists clients with choosing an appropriate executor to ensure their will is administered according to their wishes.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Terry Richardson - PrincipalActive43 yrs

107 East Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (18)
Facebook
5.0 (12)
Avvo
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Zachary S. Rivenbark is a law firm located in Wilmington. The firm, headed by Rivenbark, provides services that can help clients come up with a comprehensive estate plan. This entails assistance when coming up with a will that legally states medical preferences, naming an administrator of an estate, or naming an appointee that can help make decisions when a person becomes incapacitated. The Law Office of Zachary S. Rivenbark also offers legal services in other areas such as personal injury, family law, and criminal defense.

  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning
  • Inheritance Taxes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Zachary Rivenbark - PrincipalActive9 yrs

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 Wilmington, North Carolina?

    910-452-6120 is the non-emergency police dispatch hotline in Wilmington.

  • What happens if a person in Wilmington passes away with a valid will?

    If a person in Wilmington passes away with a valid will, the interested parties may retain a local probate lawyer as a guide and advisor. To make sure the will wasn't created under duress or any other influence, a probate lawyer may evaluate it. This is especially important if the deceased person was elderly and afflicted with dementia.

  • When should you contact a Wilmington probate attorney?

    When estate preparation and probate are exceedingly intricate, particularly when a blended family is involved, you should seek the counsel of a Wilmington probate lawyer. If you learn that a deceased loved one left behind a sizable debt or believe the will ought to be challenged, you should also seek legal assistance.

  • What are the most frequent justifications for probate proceedings in Wilmington?

    Validating a will is one of the most frequent reasons to go through the probate procedure in Wilmington. Other justifications for probate include conflicts about the unfair distribution of a decedent's inheritance, errors in trust creation, and disputes regarding the choice of a guardian for a dependent with a disability.

  • What should be covered in your Wilmington estate plan?

    No matter the extent of your estate or the dynamics of your family in Wilmington, there are a few things that your estate plan must contain. These include an advanced medical care directive, a durable power of attorney for someone to create decisions on your behalf, and a personal representative who will see to it that your estate plan will be followed.

  • How is Wilmington's elective share for spouses determined?

    In Wilmington, the amount of the elective share for spouses is determined based on the length of the marriage. A spouse is eligible to get 15% if they have been together for less than five years, 25% if they've been together for five to 10 years, 33% if they have been together for ten to fifteen years, and 50% if they've been together for more than fifteen years.