Online Probate Legal Advice

If you die without a Will, your assets will have to go through the Probate process before being distributed to your family. That could mean years of delays and substantial taxes and fees. Or, if your Will wasn’t drafted properly or is out of date, that could lead to similar Probate nightmares. LegalShield Plans cover you, your spouse, and your eligible dependents, on select plans, and come with a Will drafted by your provider lawyer.

Shop Plans
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 stars, 8,000+ reviews.
Smiling child is lifted overhead by a parent against a clear blue sky outdoors.
4.5 million people covered by LegalShield
Lawyers avg 22 years of experience
Plans start at around $1/day
Established in 1972
Save on everyday items with MEMBERPerks
4.5 million people covered by LegalShield
Lawyers avg 22 years of experience
Plans start at around $1/day
Established in 1972
Save on everyday items with MEMBERPerks
More on probate
2 yrs
Average length of Probate process for estates without a Will.
3-7%
Average percentage of estate value paid in fees for Probate court if a Will is not in place.
$12K
The average amount spent on legal and accounting fees to settle an estate.
Close-up of a hand using a pen to review and sign a rental agreement document.

Make Probate faster with a Will

Having a Will does not avoid Probate. But, a well-drafted Will can make it go faster. If you die without a Will, most, if not all, of your assets will have to go through the Probate process before it can be distributed to your family.

Even if you have a Will, if it’s not been drafted properly and paired with other Estate Planning essentials like a Trust, you may cause your family to spend a significant amount of time and money they otherwise could have avoided.

Using clear, unambiguous language and following the law to the letter is critical. Because laws vary from state to state, it’s also important the lawyer who prepares your Will is familiar with the laws and practices of your state. Having a lawyer create your Will ensures it’s done correctly and that your family gets the money-saving benefits of proper Estate Planning.

Use Trusts to avoid Probate

Transferring assets to a Trust allows them to pass without the hassle of Probate.

Trusts are a powerful tool to avoid Probate and available for estates of any size. A Trust can be designed with many goals in mind, including to help you:

  • Manage estate tax
  • Designate heirs
  • Care for children with special needs
  • Care for minor children
  • Give to charity

A lawyer can create the right Trust for your specific situation so there are no costly surprises for your family after you pass.

Smiling colleagues reviewing information on a tablet together in a bright office.
Father and young child laugh during a playful shaving routine in a bathroom, with shaving cream on their faces.

Reduce family conflict

A Will communicates your wishes for your estate—your financial and physical assets. More crucially, questions of guardianship of children and even pets will be left to the courts if you die without a Will.

If you die without a Will or any Estate Plan, your family may be left to fight it out. Adding a difficult and costly Probate process to that situation can only make matters worse.

An experienced lawyer can create an Estate Plan that smooths out the Probate process and dramatically reduces the chances of family conflict.

Dive deeper into Estate Planning

Wills icon.

Last Will & Testament

Learn more
Living will scroll icon.

Living Will

Learn more
Probate icon.

Probate

Learn more
Smiling parents watch their young daughter dance on the couch in a relaxed living room.

How it works

Use the app or your computer to fill out a short form and tell us what kind of help you need.

Speak with an experienced lawyer who knows your state laws, usually within a business day.

Get trusted legal advice, resolve your issue, and move forward with confidence.

What people are saying

Trustpilot five-star rating
LegalShield is an excellent service to provide peace of mind. When you need legal assistance, they are prompt, professional and knowledgeable and helpful.
Nancy
,
FL Member
September 1, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
Most valuable subscription I own. Having almost instant access to Legal advice & help has been lifesaving to me on numerous occasions! My legal advisor is always extremely honest, realistic, & helpful while also being kind, considerate, & empathetic.
Emily
,
ON Member
August 27, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
I have been a long time member of LegalShield. I have received the best advice and guidance. The response to requests is quick. It is invaluable to have on going access to the services of LegalShield.
Carol
,
TX Member
August 26, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
LegalShield is a lifeline for our business, giving us the piece of mind and assurance we aren't exposed to any unknown liabilities. They respond in a timely manner and adhere to the time frames advertised.
Small Business Member
,
IL
August 17, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
I was planning a wedding and also purchasing real estate and the ability to obtain legal input on vendor and real estate documents and ask questions was essential for my peace of mind.
Rawle
,
ON Member
August 10, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
Fantastic service. I cannot recommend them enough!
Small Business Member
,
TN
August 10, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
Good response to a moving company that attempted to aggressively bill in excess of what was represented by their agents. End result was a solution that resolved the matter which would otherwise have dragged on. Here's to the little guy.
Bruce
,
OR Member
August 9, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
Finally no more worries for certain situations and no more sleepless nights wondering if we are going to overcome situations. Its like having a real team in your corner. Its definitely worth the money if you find yourself in trying times.
Anthony
,
KY Member
August 5, 2026

Dive deeper into estate planning law

young-woman-new-apartment-rental
Legal Picks
7 min read
Legal Authority Ends at 18. Parenting Doesn't.

Your daughter just went off to college and became ill. She goes to the doctor, and they want to see certain records from her childhood, such as shot records. She calls you and asks you to call the family’s long-time pediatrician to acquire the records. No problem – right? You call, and the office tells you that since your child is 18, you are no longer allowed access to her records. Your child is an adult and as a parent, you have lost your authority.

7 min read
Person avatar icon.
Author Name
,
Author Title
September 9, 2026
A multi-generational family sitting around a dinner table, enjoying a meal together
Personal Property
5 min read
Per Stirpes vs. Per Capita: Choosing how your estate gets distributed

The difference between "per stirpes" and "per capita" can be confusing. They sound alike and both have to do with who inherits your assets if a named beneficiary dies. We'll explain the difference.

5 min read
Person avatar icon.
Author Name
,
Author Title
August 5, 2026
Photo of a person signing a legal document at a desk while someone sits beside them
Personal Property
6 min read
How to Sign as a Power of Attorney Agent to Represent a Loved One

Signing as a POA Agent is more than just jotting down your signature. Banks, title companies, healthcare providers, and similar entities might reject documents if the signature doesn’t clearly show that you’re signing for the other person.

6 min read
Person avatar icon.
Author Name
,
Author Title
August 4, 2026
An adult and a senior relative look at a document on a tablet while snacking on bread.
Personal Property
5 min read
How to Avoid Probate With Thoughtful Estate Planning

Probate can take time, add costs, and create extra work for loved ones during an already difficult time. That’s why people often want to know how to avoid it.

5 min read
Person avatar icon.
Author Name
,
Author Title
July 31, 2026
A woman working on a laptop in a bright kitchen
Personal Property
5 min read
Personal Representative vs. Executor: Who Does What?

An executor is always a type of personal representative, but a personal representative isn't always an executor. Learn about the differences and what each does.

5 min read
Person avatar icon.
Author Name
,
Author Title
July 27, 2026
A multi-generational family sitting on a park bench on a sunny day, taking a photo together.
Personal Property
5 min read
How Funding a Trust Works, and Why It Matters

Setting up a Trust creates the container for the assets, and funding it is how the assets actually get into the Trust.

5 min read
Person avatar icon.
Author Name
,
Author Title
July 23, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Estate planning lawyers help create legal documents such as will, power of attorney, and living trust so your wishes are clear and legally protected. They ensure that everything is done right so your family doesn’t have to figure it out later.

If you don’t have an estate plan, the government decides who gets your belongings and who raises your kids, not you. A plan lets you control what happens and takes the burden off your family during an already difficult time.

No, a Will is just one part of an estate plan. A complete estate plan usually also includes a power of attorney, a living will, and sometimes, a trust.

While you’re not required to use a lawyer, we strongly advise using one to make sure that your documents are prepared correctly. If they’re not, the court may reject them. A lawyer makes sure that your plan holds up when your family needs it most.

Most people need a will, a durable power of attorney, and a living will. A trust may also make sense, depending on your situation.

There’s now time like the present to plan, because life is unpredictable. You don’t need to be old or wealthy to have a plan. If you have kids, own anything, or care who makes medical decisions for you, plan today.

A lawyer can help people clearly outline how their assets should be distributed after they pass away. Lawyers ensure all documents are legally sound and tailored to meet your personal and family needs. Also, they can help set up trusts, name executors, and update plans as life circumstances change, offering peace of mind and legal protection.

For over 50 years, LegalShield has made it affordable and easy for its members to connect with its network of vetted, dedicated law firms across the United States and parts of Canada. Lawyers average 22 years of experience. Please note that LegalShield provides access to legal services offered by a network of provider law firms to its members.

It’s the process of deciding what happens to your money, home, and assets after you pass away, and who makes decisions for you if you’re too sick to speak for yourself.

Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to get legal advice on any Wills and estates issues to ensure that your rights, and those of your loved ones, are protected.

Pretty much everyone. If you have kids, own anything, have money in a bank account, or care about what happens to your things after you’re gone, an estate plan is a good idea.

Instead of paying a lawyer by the hour, you pay a small membership fee for access to a  provider law firm in your state for the legal services membership you select. Prices and coverage vary depending on the membership services you select.

Hiring lawyers the usual way can cost hundreds per hour. But with LegalShield you pay a recurring fee and get access to experienced lawyers who can help with any number of estate planning issues.

Your law firm advises on probate under every plan. Premium members qualify for simplified probate when the provider firm prepared the Will, available 180 days after membership starts and where state law allows.

Membership applications are reviewed within 72 hours. Once approved, you can contact your lawyer and use all the perks of your membership.

Plans start at $39.95 a month with no hourly fees for covered documents. A trust on the Premium plan has a $250 fee per person.

LegalShield Membership applications are reviewed within 72 hours. Once your membership is approved, contact your law firm to start your Will right away. No waiting period applies for the preparation of a Will.

*See your plan contract for details. Additional fees, limitations, and waiting periods may apply.