For instance, you could wonder who an estate lawyer is and why you'd need one. An estate lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in cases involving the Law of succession. All succession issues are contested by attorneys who focus on estate law, and they do so primarily on three grounds. In the first place, you must believe that the decedent was improperly enriched in order to file a claim. Second, you must prove that you, the claimant, have been deprived in some way, and third, you must prove that there is no good reason for the jurisdiction to allow the defendant to enrich themselves.

For the most part, clients who come to law firms with the aforementioned problems are embroiled in estate disputes. The government's interpretation of the law on gift taxes, for instance, could be in dispute. Nontraditional families, such as gay families, or issues that touch on value based judgments, such as organ donations, can also be complicated by the need to transfer assets. A law firm that focuses on such cases may be able to help you if you ever find yourself in such a sticky situation.

Probating Wills is another area of expertise offered by estate law firms. After the death of a testator, the will is submitted to the probate court for verification. Several factors are examined, including whether or not the document is valid, whether or not the contents are being challenged, and whether or not the state has a right to collect taxes from the decedent's estate. Probation of wills is a common area of practice for many law firms, and you can find one that works with you by using a legal directory.

You may still be wondering why you need a lawyer for seemingly simple matters despite the preceding information. First and foremost, you should realize that wills and estates are not simple matters. Beneficiaries of a will often find themselves at odds with one another. An estate lawyer handles the probate as a neutral party with the express purposes of following the wishes of the person who wrote the will. This also ensures that no one able to take advantage between any of the heritors. A specialist in estate planning and wills will be familiar with the relevant sections of the tax code. They also know the ins and outs of the legal system and can help you avoid losing your voice or having your rights trampled upon in any of the aforementioned proceedings by maximizing the benefits to which you are entitled.

There are a number of Law Societies with jurisdiction over attorneys who handle estate and will matters; ensure that the attorney you hire is a current, active member of one of these organizations. It's simple to verify, and most businesses will be pleased to boast about their achievements. You could lose money if you don't double check. In addition, you can look up a regional online legal directory that features a complete listing of local attorneys along with information about their areas of practice.