A probate lawyer specializes in the area of law related to the legal process that takes place when a person passes away. The probate lawyer will file the required paperwork and appear in court on behalf of the executor of the person’s estate. The probate lawyer will also usually handle probate specific details such as proving that a deceased person's will is valid, having the estate appraised, and paying outstanding debts, and helping in the details of inherited property.

You normally do not need a probate lawyer if your estate is valued at lass than $100,000. In this case, there are some simple forms that allow your survivors to easily transfer your property without the need for probate