If you’ve been asking yourself “what type of lawyer is best for wills,” we hear you. Creating a will—even if you’re a high-net-worth individual—can feel daunting when you’re not sure whom to hire. We want to share how different types of lawyers approach will-drafting and estate planning. That way, you’ll feel more confident choosing the one that aligns best with your situation.
Below, we’ve curated six key types of lawyers you might encounter when preparing your will. From “Jack-of-All-Trades” generalists to board-certified specialists, each has pros and cons you’ll want to consider.
Jack-of-All-Trades Lawyer
A Jack-of-All-Trades lawyer handles a variety of legal matters. They might juggle real estate closings, divorces, and occasional estate work. While that wide scope can be convenient for some families, it can also mean less depth in estate planning. These attorneys might rely on generic solutions instead of customized strategies tailored to complex assets or tax situations (Phillips Ballenger).
- Pros: Versatile, often more affordable, suitable for straightforward wills
- Cons: May lack cutting-edge knowledge on estate laws, tax avoidance, or advanced trust structures
Trust Mill Firm
Trust Mill firms focus on high-volume document preparation, often advertising very low prices for creating wills or living trusts (Phillips Ballenger). If you have a simple estate, you can walk away with a quick package in hand. But volume-based approaches frequently overlook nuanced details, such as handling beneficiaries properly or ensuring asset titles are updated.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, rapid turnaround
- Cons: Limited custom guidance, less one-on-one support for changing or complex assets
Estate Planning Attorney
Estate planning attorneys dedicate their practice to wills, trusts, and long-term asset protection, often staying current with evolving laws and best practices (OC Elder Law). They can walk you through details like tax-saving tactics or how to align your will with other components, such as charitable donations or lifetime gifts.
- Pros: Specialized expertise, personalized approach, deeper knowledge of tax codes
- Cons: Higher fees, though worthwhile if you’re managing multi-generational wealth
- Tip: Our estate planning guidelines can help you explore strategies to protect your assets.
Probate Attorney
Probate attorneys guide an estate’s executor or administrator after someone passes away (Stachler Harmon). They ensure the will is validated, debts are paid, and assets are distributed efficiently. If you’re drafting a will, working with a probate-focused attorney beforehand can help you anticipate potential probate pitfalls and smooth out future legalities.
- Pros: Experience with local court procedures, speeds up settlement processes
- Cons: Primarily focused on post-death estate administration, less dedicated to complex tax strategies
- Tip: If you’re curious whether probate can be avoided, read is estate planning the same as a will.
Probate Litigation Attorney
When disputes over a will become contentious, a probate litigation attorney steps in (S.J. Nichols, PLLC). This type of lawyer handles conflicts like will contests or disagreements among heirs. If you suspect your family situation might lead to legal disputes, planning your will with someone who has litigation insight can reduce future turmoil.
- Pros: Skilled in negotiations and court maneuvers, can guard against unwarranted claims
- Cons: Adversarial approach, services might be costlier if litigation becomes complex
Board-Certified Estate Lawyer
Some lawyers go the extra mile to earn board certifications in wills, trusts, and estates, demonstrating extensive knowledge and experience, such as membership in prestigious organizations like the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel (Yates Campbell LLP). These attorneys often hold advanced degrees (LL.M.) in estate planning or tax law too.
- Pros: Highly specialized, up-to-date on legal nuances for high-net-worth estates
- Cons: Higher fees but potential cost-savings over the long run due to precise tax and asset strategies
Our Closing Thoughts
Finding the perfect fit depends on your estate’s size, complexity, and family needs. You might be wondering: “What type of lawyer is best for wills, how often should we update our estate plan, do we need a probate attorney for intangible assets, can we handle some tasks ourselves, and is online will drafting safe?” We generally believe you’ll get the best results by choosing an attorney who focuses primarily on estate planning. That specialization can help you safeguard your assets for the next generation, minimize taxes, and ensure a smooth transition for your loved ones.
If you have significant wealth or complicated trust arrangements, we encourage you to consider specialized attorneys for wills who handle complex estates regularly. By zeroing in on a lawyer dedicated to estate planning, you’re more likely to receive personalized strategies and thorough legal documents that stand the test of time.
