My dad passed away without a will. How do I find a good probate attorney to help sort out his estate?

I’m sorry for your loss. When someone dies without a will (called dying intestate), the estate is usually handled through a probate process where state law determines who inherits and a court oversees the administration. A probate attorney can help identify assets, deal with creditors, file court paperwork, and resolve disagreements among heirs.

Here are practical ways to find a good one:

1. Look for the right type of lawyer

Search specifically for:

• Probate attorney
• Estate administration attorney
• Trusts and estates attorney
• Intestate succession experience (important because there was no will)

Avoid hiring someone who only does estate planning unless they also regularly handle probate cases.

2. Use trusted referral sources

• Your state or local bar association’s lawyer referral service is a good starting point because it can connect you with attorneys who practice in the relevant area.
• If you are in the Chicago area, the Chicago Bar Association has a referral service that specifically includes estate planning, trusts, probate, and will contests.
• The Illinois State Bar Association also provides lawyer-finding resources for Illinois attorneys.

3. Ask these questions before hiring

During a consultation, ask:

• How many probate cases like mine have you handled?
• How often do you handle estates without a will?
• Will you personally handle my case, or will it go to another attorney/paralegal?
• What are the likely steps and timeline?
• Do you charge hourly, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate?
• What complications do you see (debts, real estate, family disputes, missing heirs)?

4. Check for warning signs

Be cautious if an attorney:

• Guarantees a quick outcome
• Cannot clearly explain the probate process
• Is vague about fees
• Rarely handles probate but says they “can do it”

5. Gather information before the first meeting

Bring whatever you have:

• Death certificate (or information on how to obtain one)
• Your dad’s address at death
• Names and contact information for spouse, children, or other relatives
• Any bank, retirement, insurance, property, or vehicle information
• Recent mail, tax documents, or bills
• Any paperwork that suggests assets or debts

A few details would help me point you in the right direction:

1. What state and county did your dad live in when he passed away?
2. Roughly how large is the estate (for example: just a bank account/car, or a house and multiple assets)?
3. Are all family members in agreement, or is there likely to be a dispute?

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dealing with the loss of a parent is hard enough, and navigating an "intestate" estate (the legal term for dying without a will) adds an extra layer of stress. Because your dad didn't leave a will, state laws will dictate how his assets are distributed, and working with a specialized probate or estate administration attorney is definitely the right move.

Here is a step-by-step guide to finding and choosing the right attorney for your situation:

- Search specifically for attorneys who focus heavily on **probate administration** and **estate litigation or planning** rather than general practitioners.
- Check your state's bar association website to see if they offer board certification in *estate planning and probate law*.
- Look into professional directories like the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), which vet experienced attorneys in these exact fields.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESeQHrOzAV4H51F78bTaJPaaGuOUsO6odyloyd1WPWoJTVSV-0vofNi20EUuZ5vSUKfD9fuSc2YQjSLIP6a-wAE7WTk0LaPwLR5jzH53HUYf54BuawWth7ptNFHb1OiDI41AJ8JuS0Ui25xUlDT0e6sw3b1Uq66kXAW6Q) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESeQHrOzAV4H51F78bTaJPaaGuOUsO6odyloyd1WPWoJTVSV-0vofNi20EUuZ5vSUKfD9fuSc2YQjSLIP6a-wAE7WTk0LaPwLR5jzH53HUYf54BuawWth7ptNFHb1OiDI41AJ8JuS0Ui25xUlDT0e6sw3b1Uq66kXAW6Q)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESWwHrOzAVQtMxcQs3ZF0i8Z_6U3iUsDMn_ONFbLO4pl7-GFsSYFDiWcxKb1_UI3CkUw9ZDSTT1DvQr33GYh8ljsuEgGvElgpRri5N4oAPhfftefSIytFF3MIifrw)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESUwHrOzAVI96xxkilOPRkMlWIf6CYQtryxBiLsnrPqJVjIqyyRyeQpp6xJQhK7Gu3pI4gJziRuCUL_pBbaDJT4SrT_119k2XxeG2vmpmsROOSOQD6)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESbgHrOzAVeJ6bDWltLijMy1cPxRt2JhBLZbJB7pwFOUI0MhEqbiRyYGRGJbFCgGoLxk2w--o5xvXN9ah0zonwqDNVkwv9x1mPSYvOrPmMFvMFUjrv5eHr3_umPmzFxSMR_sCmFLnK5in5YWew8JbC)[[5]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESdQHrOzAVxAHRJ45xEXT0AkjOXaN9givxvQoAi9wiIqiqlagSJlPQt1EcETXXTeHOSWziOz5Vv8QH58buv2JKLNEJ4qqutCe9Zy-6BYfi1H6DpsSYTdtoW7n40jrJQNo_M6wZfjKGbEQhlit3_9obiUJdy5uhnQ)

- Ask friends, family members, or coworkers who have recently gone through a parent's estate settling if they loved their attorney.
- Reach out to CPAs, financial advisors, or real estate lawyers you already trust. They frequently work alongside good probate attorneys and can give you a warm referral.
- Contact your local bar association lawyer referral service for vetted local names.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESWwHrOzAVQtMxcQs3ZF0i8Z_6U3iUsDMn_ONFbLO4pl7-GFsSYFDiWcxKb1_UI3CkUw9ZDSTT1DvQr33GYh8ljsuEgGvElgpRri5N4oAPhfftefSIytFF3MIifrw) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESWwHrOzAVQtMxcQs3ZF0i8Z_6U3iUsDMn_ONFbLO4pl7-GFsSYFDiWcxKb1_UI3CkUw9ZDSTT1DvQr33GYh8ljsuEgGvElgpRri5N4oAPhfftefSIytFF3MIifrw)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESeQHrOzAV4H51F78bTaJPaaGuOUsO6odyloyd1WPWoJTVSV-0vofNi20EUuZ5vSUKfD9fuSc2YQjSLIP6a-wAE7WTk0LaPwLR5jzH53HUYf54BuawWth7ptNFHb1OiDI41AJ8JuS0Ui25xUlDT0e6sw3b1Uq66kXAW6Q)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESeAHrOzAVDeDfbSAClxN9CIblsnn3V3qi8Jqoj-qWXRF1nyvcQ-CrdWylxI56Zqu2H4dFOpcLwfIm7UP8NuZrY_qf5ylYDLPxWewpz3KlGNYWjSNNm0BsNlE5wd5BifJGTA3ZN3P-5EzUhSm0DfcWQlSzHeGSfMOAfg)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESaQHrOzAVAa7-jO_8e2FmwqZQ2HWidll63-reV0xCC1QzhE4EhFFdaxPcRhinjrbRfhbaD6QiTy7uAqbDOq_UaLZjfU5fPe6PtaFgTxTPm3UyL1fBvlAo-jAOZSaCw4DaOXlrcuu2bcJ19w)[[5]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESbgHrOzAVhdu-NUMKP0FOnNTtd43esuB5KSARx7nXpsYn1Ch42DbsQVsPkASc7p9b137gUazPs3O4C4_5PB_TK_vW82G3480ZOrLcFYBofaRN-rxVQoEju4uLfE4KmhSBiZZx4WN-RF3iOp9WRhUD)

- *How much of your practice is dedicated to probate administration?* 
- *Have you handled intestate estates (without a will) in this specific county/court before?* (Local court familiarity is a huge asset).
- *Who will actually be doing the day-to-day work?* (Often, junior associates or paralegals handle a lot of it—which is fine, as long as supervision and billing rates are clear).
- *What is your fee structure?* (Probate attorneys usually charge hourly, or sometimes a statutory fee based on the estate's total value depending on state laws).[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESeQHrOzAV4H51F78bTaJPaaGuOUsO6odyloyd1WPWoJTVSV-0vofNi20EUuZ5vSUKfD9fuSc2YQjSLIP6a-wAE7WTk0LaPwLR5jzH53HUYf54BuawWth7ptNFHb1OiDI41AJ8JuS0Ui25xUlDT0e6sw3b1Uq66kXAW6Q) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESeQHrOzAV4H51F78bTaJPaaGuOUsO6odyloyd1WPWoJTVSV-0vofNi20EUuZ5vSUKfD9fuSc2YQjSLIP6a-wAE7WTk0LaPwLR5jzH53HUYf54BuawWth7ptNFHb1OiDI41AJ8JuS0Ui25xUlDT0e6sw3b1Uq66kXAW6Q)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESWwHrOzAVQtMxcQs3ZF0i8Z_6U3iUsDMn_ONFbLO4pl7-GFsSYFDiWcxKb1_UI3CkUw9ZDSTT1DvQr33GYh8ljsuEgGvElgpRri5N4oAPhfftefSIytFF3MIifrw)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESeAHrOzAVDeDfbSAClxN9CIblsnn3V3qi8Jqoj-qWXRF1nyvcQ-CrdWylxI56Zqu2H4dFOpcLwfIm7UP8NuZrY_qf5ylYDLPxWewpz3KlGNYWjSNNm0BsNlE5wd5BifJGTA3ZN3P-5EzUhSm0DfcWQlSzHeGSfMOAfg)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAEScAHrOzAVsaKii9OwCGoYLrNurp6t6U9QCpK5vOfNAL7vL7ie9ptPdP3RCZrRy7MZkT8OXf1-jAE1cN5tdv-GY_zmCwj2WfMSS5hCNIn4Qrg0JE0Q4s150DbxpZcQiui5H5S4PLljRB4Q1zHfOkz5LCA)[[5]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAEShgEB6zswFeamU0ldM2PtN36mPMNPTr82IwaaFgU6KqYRbkpg1bZpuca37QmQaPvjN_28RO_JCWXymu5adjOvhL5s9v9hX8RWU5w8qMilbkNy6IpbSyrNW6mjQr4xlfFDYnUY1ewuv5H9LhPJJYv-88c-A4udY7duik0og6gbgLkwYDMqVnogOA)

If you'd like, let me know:

• What state your dad lived in
• Roughly how complex the estate is (e.g., does it include a house, a business, or multiple bank accounts?)

I can point you toward specific local resources or give you a checklist of documents to pull together before your first lawyer meeting.

• O'Connell Law LLC - 3 Eliot St, Natick, MA 01760, United States
• Marsden Law P.C. - 847 Washington St, Holliston, MA 01746, United States
• Total Counsel Law Group - 5 Commonwealth Rd #2b, Natick, MA 01760, United States
• Mcclure Law Office - 1900 W Park Dr #280, Westborough, MA 01581, United States
• Heritage Law, PC - 1253 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA 01701, United States
• Spinnaker Probate Group - 212 Worcester St, North Grafton, MA 01536, United States
• Cali Law - 60 Pleasant St #4, Ashland, MA 01721, United States
• Borchers Trust Law - 266 Main St Bldg 3 Suite 25, Medfield, MA 02052, United States
• Ingle Law, P.C. - 9 Main St, Southborough, MA 01772, United States
• Estate Planning Boston - One Hollis St Ste 220, Wellesley, MA 02482, United States
• Samuel Sayward & Baler LLC - 858 Washington St #202, Dedham, MA 02026, United States
• Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, PC - 211 Cochituate Rd, Framingham, MA 01701, United States
• Margolis Bloom & D'Agostino - 20 William St #320, Wellesley, MA 02481, United States
• Collinson Law Office - 34 Hayden Rowe St #172, Hopkinton, MA 01748, United States
• Family Legal Partners, P.C. - 2 Master Dr #4, Franklin, MA 02038, United States
• Generations Law Group - 111 Boston Post Rd Ste 101, Sudbury, MA 01776, United States

I’m sorry about your dad. If he died without a will, the estate is generally handled as an intestate estate, meaning Massachusetts law determines who inherits and who can serve as the personal representative. The process can still be straightforward, but an attorney can be especially valuable if there’s real estate, significant assets, debts, multiple heirs, or any family disagreement.

Assuming your dad lived in Massachusetts, here’s how I’d approach finding someone:

What kind of lawyer to look for

Search specifically for an attorney who regularly handles:

• Probate and estate administration
• Intestate estates (no will)
• Appointment of a personal representative
• Estate tax and final tax-return issues
• Real-estate transfers after death
• Creditor/debt issues
• Family or beneficiary disputes, if applicable

I would favor someone who does a lot of post-death estate administration, rather than someone whose practice is primarily writing wills and trusts.

A few MetroWest options to investigate

Since you're in the Framingham/MetroWest area, I found several local firms whose practices specifically include probate or estate administration:

• O'Connell Law LLC — Natick; specifically handles probate and trust administration.
• Marsden Law P.C. — Holliston; focuses on estate planning, probate and estate administration.
• Total Counsel Law Group — Natick; handles probate administration, including inventories, accounting and tax matters.
• Mcclure Law Office — Westborough; focuses on estate planning and probate/estate administration.
• Heritage Law, PC — Framingham; describes its practice as exclusively estate planning and probate administration.
• Spinnaker Probate Group — North Grafton; specifically focused on probate, estate planning and elder law.

These aren't endorsements—I'd interview 2–3 attorneys before choosing one.

Questions I'd ask each attorney

On the initial call, ask:

1. How many intestate Massachusetts estates do you handle?
2. Will you handle the entire probate process, or just prepare the filings?
3. Who will actually be my attorney—the person I'm speaking with or an associate/paralegal?
4. How do you charge? Hourly, flat fee, or a combination?
5. What expenses are separate from your legal fee?
6. What do you expect the total legal cost to be for an estate like this?
7. Will you handle estate-tax and final-income-tax coordination?
8. If the estate includes a house, do you handle the real-estate side too?
9. What happens if one of the heirs disagrees with the proposed distribution?
10. What should I do right now—and what should I not do—before probate is opened?

That last question is important. Don't distribute belongings, sell property, close accounts, or pay family members from estate funds just because everyone agrees informally. Let the attorney tell you what can safely be done.

You can also get a bar-association referral

The Massachusetts court system specifically directs people seeking probate lawyers to lawyer-referral services. The Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can be reached at (617) 654-0400 or (866) MASS-LRS (627-7577). The Middlesex County Bar Association also has a lawyer-referral service at (781) 939-2797.

You can also verify an attorney's Massachusetts license and check for public discipline through the state's Board of Bar Overseers.

If you tell me roughly what your dad left behind (for example, house, bank/investment accounts, car, retirement accounts, debts, approximate estate value) and whether you and any siblings agree on how things should be handled, I can tell you what type of probate attorney is most appropriate and what you should expect the process to look like in Massachusetts.

I am sorry for your loss. Dealing with the loss of a parent is difficult enough, and navigating an "intestate" estate (passing away without a will) adds an extra layer of stress. Because probate laws vary heavily by state, finding a local attorney who specializes specifically in probate and administration of intestate estates is key.

Steps to find and select a qualified probate attorney include:

• Ask for Professional Referrals: If you used an accountant, a financial planner, or a real estate agent recently, ask them for a recommendation . Attorneys who handle other family matters or corporate law often can refer you to a trusted local probate litigator or administrator.
• Check Specialized Directories: Look into professional groups like the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), where peer-vetted, experienced estate and probate attorneys are listed. You can also check your state or local bar association's lawyer referral service.
• Search Local Legal Aid (if applicable): If the estate is very small or finances are tight, resources like LawHelp.org can help locate low-cost or moderate-income legal assistance.
• Interview Candidates: Many probate attorneys offer a brief initial consultation (sometimes free or for a modest fee). Use this time to ask critical questions:
  • How much of your practice is dedicated to probate and intestate administration?
  • Will I be working directly with you or an associate/paralegal?
  • What is your fee structure (hourly vs. flat fee vs. percentage of the estate)?

If you'd like, let me know:

• The state and county where your dad lived
• Roughly what types of assets are involved (e.g., a house, bank accounts, business)

I can give you more specific ideas on what to look for or what documents to gather first.

I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Navigating an estate when someone passes away intestate (without a will) can feel overwhelming, but finding the right local professional makes the process manageable.

Where to Look for a Probate Attorney

• State Bar Association: Check your state's official bar association website. They typically feature a searchable directory where you can verify that an attorney is licensed, active, and in good standing. Many state bars also have specialized referral services for probate and estate administration.
• Professional Organizations: Look into reputable national and local groups that vet practitioners based on peer recognition and expertise. Excellent directories include the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC).
• Trusted Personal Referrals: Ask friends, family members, or colleagues in the local area who have recently gone through a similar situation.
• Professional Recommendations: Reach out to your dad’s CPA, accountant, or a local financial advisor. Because these professionals regularly work alongside probate lawyers to settle accounts, they usually know firsthand which attorneys are efficient, trustworthy, and detail-oriented.

What to Look For and Questions to Ask

• Local County Expertise: Probate law is state-specific—and often handled at the county court level. Make sure the attorney regularly practices in the specific county where your dad lived and owned property.
• Focused Practice: Look for an attorney or firm where probate and estate administration is a core focus, rather than a minor sideline to unrelated fields like criminal defense or personal injury.
• Fee Structure: Ask upfront how they bill. Probate lawyers may charge an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a statutory fee based on a percentage of the estate's value. Clear, transparent communication about costs is essential.

Getting Personal Recommendations

“I'd recommend speaking with any attorneys you have worked with in the past and ask for recommendations. The best attorneys often do not advertise because they have a constant stream of referrals and satisfied clients.”

“Contact a bank in the vicinity ... that has a well regarded trust administration department. Contact that department and ask them for recommendations of several local estate attorneys. The trust department is charged with administering the documents...”

If you share the state and county where your dad lived, I can help point you toward local bar resources or specific professional directories for that area.

I’m sorry about your dad. When someone dies without a will, the estate is generally handled under the state’s intestacy laws, and the court appoints an administrator/personal representative. If this is in Alabama, the probate court handles the appointment and administration.

Since you appear to be in the Birmingham area, I’d look specifically for an attorney whose practice is probate and estate administration, not just someone who prepares wills.

A good way to find one

The safest starting point is the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service. It can connect you with attorneys who practice in the relevant area, and the State Bar also has a lawyer directory where you can check an attorney’s location and practice area.

For a local shortlist, some Birmingham-area firms that currently advertise probate/estate administration include:

• Eastwood Estate & Probate Law — downtown Birmingham; specifically focused on estate/probate matters.
• Southern Estate Lawyers — handles probate and administration, including estates where someone died without a will.
• Hamer Law Group, LLC — downtown Birmingham; handles probate administration as well as contested estate matters.
• Holliman & Holliman, PLLC — Birmingham; probate, estate administration and trust administration.
• Waters Sullivan LLC — downtown Birmingham; probate administration and estate/trust litigation.

These aren't endorsements—I would interview 2–3 attorneys before choosing one.

Questions I'd ask each attorney

1. How many intestate estates like my dad's do you handle each year?
2. Will you personally handle the case, or will it primarily be handled by a paralegal?
3. What do you expect the estate to cost in legal fees and court/administrative expenses?
4. Do you charge hourly or a flat fee for a straightforward estate?
5. What happens if one of the heirs disagrees with the distribution?
6. Are there any issues involving real estate, debts, taxes, or creditors that could complicate this estate?
7. Who is legally entitled to serve as administrator, and what do we need to do first?

A particularly important question is whether the estate is simple or potentially contested. If there are multiple children/heirs, a house, significant debt, a business, unusual assets, or family disagreements, I'd favor an attorney who also handles estate litigation, rather than someone who primarily does routine estate planning.

Before the first meeting

Don't worry about having everything organized. Bring whatever you can find: your dad's death certificate, any documents that might resemble a will, bank/investment statements, deeds, vehicle titles, insurance information, recent tax returns, debts/bills, and a list of his children and other close relatives.

And don't distribute or sell estate property yet, even if everyone in the family agrees about who should get it. Let the attorney explain the proper procedure first.

If you tell me what Alabama county your dad lived in, roughly what assets he had (house, bank accounts, vehicles, etc.), and whether there are siblings/other heirs, I can narrow this down to 3–5 Birmingham-area probate attorneys that look like the best fit and compare them for you.

Finding an attorney to handle an estate without a will (known as dying intestate ) requires a specialist who is experienced in state intestate succession laws.

Steps to Find a Qualified Probate Attorney

• State Bar Association: Visit your state's official bar association website. Most state bars have a "Lawyer Referral Service" or a directory where you can filter specifically by probate and estate administration law.
• Local Recommendations: Ask friends, coworkers, or family members in the same geographical area if they have worked with a reliable estate administration lawyer.
• Check Special Certifications: Look for attorneys who are certified specialists in estate planning and probate law if your state offers such a designation.
• Read Peer Reviews: Check profiles on professional legal directories like Martindale-Hubbell or Avvo to read reviews from past clients and peer ratings.
• Interview Candidates: Schedule initial consultations (ask if they charge a fee for this) and ask key questions:
  • How much of your practice is dedicated to probate?
  • Have you handled intestate estates (without a will) in this specific county court before?
  • What is your fee structure? (Hourly vs. flat fee vs. percentage of the estate)

What to Expect Without a Will

When someone passes away intestate, the local probate court appoints an administrator (usually a close relative) to manage the estate. The court distributes assets according to strict state formulas rather than personal wishes, making a local attorney's familiarity with regional probate procedures invaluable.

If you'd like, let me know:

• The state and county where your dad lived
• The rough size/type of assets involved (home, bank accounts, etc.)

I can give you more specific details on state intestate laws or help you prep for your first attorney consultation.

I’m sorry for your loss. When someone dies without a will (called dying intestate), the estate is usually handled under the state’s intestacy laws, and a court may need to appoint a personal representative to manage assets, debts, and distribution. www.starrlawfirm.net A good probate attorney can help you avoid mistakes, especially if there are real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, creditor issues, or family disagreements.

If you’re in the Phoenix area, here’s a practical way to find the right attorney:

1. Look specifically for probate/estate administration experience

You want someone who regularly handles:

• Intestate estates (no will)
• Appointment of a personal representative
• Creditor claims and debts
• Real estate transfers
• Tax issues (if relevant)
• Family disputes between heirs

Examples of Phoenix-area firms that advertise probate and intestate estate work include Starr Law Firm, PLC, Burnham Law, and Benedict Legal. www.starrlawfirm.net These are examples to research—not endorsements or a statement that one is the best fit for your situation.

2. Get 2–3 consultations before hiring

Ask each attorney:

• “How many intestate probate cases like this do you handle?”
• “Who will actually handle my case—the attorney or staff?”
• “What problems do you see with my father’s estate based on what I’ve told you?”
• “Do you charge hourly, flat fee, or a percentage?”
• “What is the estimated timeline?”

3. Prepare information before the first meeting

Bring what you have:

• Death certificate (if available)
• Your dad’s last address
• Names and contact information for spouse, children, and other possible heirs
• Bank and investment statements
• Deeds/titles for real estate or vehicles
• Life insurance and retirement account information
• Any paperwork that might suggest a trust or beneficiary designations

4. Use reputable referral sources

Good places to check:

• The State Bar of Arizona lawyer referral service
• The Maricopa County Bar Association probate resources
• Recommendations from accountants, financial advisors, or attorneys who don’t practice probate

If cost is a concern, there are also programs that may offer limited probate legal help or consultations for eligible people.

If you tell me what state your dad lived in when he died, whether there is a surviving spouse, and roughly whether the estate includes a house, significant accounts, or just personal property, I can help you figure out what kind of probate attorney you need and what questions matter most.

I’m sorry about your dad. When someone dies without a will in Texas, the process is called intestate probate, and the right attorney can make a big difference—especially if there are real estate, debts, multiple heirs, or family disagreements.

Since you appear to be in the Hereford area, I found several local options worth interviewing:

• Payne, Powell, Truitt & Chandler - Attorneys at Law — Hereford office at 242 E. 3rd St.; its listed practice areas include probate and estate planning.
• R C Hoelscher LAW Office — Hereford; listed services include wills, trusts, probate and estate administration.
• Sciumbato Audie — Hereford; probate is listed as one of the firm's areas of concentration.
• Odle Elizabeth D — Hereford; the State Bar listing identifies wills/trusts/probate as a practice area.
• If you're willing to travel to Amarillo, Thomas E. Hood is specifically focused on estate planning and probate and is listed as Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law.

I wouldn't choose solely based on reviews. I'd call 2–3 attorneys and ask for an initial consultation, then compare their answers.

What to ask the attorney

Tell them: “My father died without a will, and I need help determining the heirs and administering his estate.”

Then ask:

1. Do you regularly handle intestate probate in Texas?
2. Does this need a full probate administration, or might a simpler procedure work?
3. What will your total fees likely be, and do you charge hourly or a flat fee?
4. Who will actually handle the case—an attorney or primarily a paralegal?
5. What problems do you see based on our family situation and assets?
6. What should I avoid doing with Dad's property or bank accounts right now?

That second question is important. Texas has alternatives to a full probate proceeding in some circumstances. For example, a small-estate affidavit may be available for an intestate estate when, among other requirements, at least 30 days have passed and the non-exempt/non-homestead assets are $75,000 or less.

If real estate is involved, an affidavit of heirship or a formal heirship proceeding may also be relevant.

Before your first appointment

Gather whatever you can find—don't worry about having everything:

• Death certificate
• Any paperwork that might possibly be a will
• Deeds to houses/land
• Bank and investment statements
• Life-insurance information
• Retirement-account information
• Vehicle titles
• Mortgage and other debts
• Recent tax returns
• Names/contact information for children, spouse, and other potential heirs
• Any information about property Dad owned jointly with someone else

Also, don't assume every asset has to go through probate. Certain life-insurance, retirement, payable-on-death accounts, and jointly owned property can pass outside probate depending on how they're titled and who the beneficiary is.

For an independent way to find and vet Texas lawyers, the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral & Information Service is a good starting point. TexasLawHelp also explains how to work with private attorneys and fees.

If you tell me (1) what county your dad lived in, (2) whether he owned a house/land, (3) whether he had a surviving spouse, and (4) roughly whether the estate is under or over $75,000, I can narrow down which type of probate proceeding you're likely facing and which of these attorneys looks like the best fit.

Losing a parent is deeply difficult, and navigating an estate without a will (known as dying intestate ) adds extra complexity. Finding a reliable probate attorney who specializes in intestate estates is key to making this process manageable.

Where to Look for Recommendations

• Bar Associations: Check the American Bar Association directory or your state/local bar association referral service to find certified probate and estate planning specialists in your area.
• Professional Referrals: Ask a CPA, financial planner, or a trusted real estate agent if they frequently collaborate with reputable probate attorneys.
• Trusted Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have recently handled a relative's estate if they would recommend their attorney.

Questions to Ask During Consultations

1. Experience: How many estates have you handled where the deceased had no will (intestate succession)?
2. Fees: What is your fee structure? Do you charge an hourly rate , a flat fee , or a percentage of the estate?
3. Timeline: Based on local court schedules and the size of the estate, what is a realistic estimated timeline for completion?
4. Communication: Will you be the primary point of contact, or will a paralegal or associate handle most of the day-to-day work?

If you'd like, let me know:

• The state your dad lived in
• Whether there is any real estate involved

I can give you more specific details on how intestate succession generally works in your area.