Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Re: What to do & ask when looking for an an out of state Attorney

Generally, but not necessarily, the attorney who prepared the Will is the prime candidate to be engaged to handle the probate and administration of the estate.

You can go on line and get lists of qualified lawyers who handle probate matters. Findlaw or LawGuru are good sites.

Get some guidance from clergy, local leaders, etc.

Interview the candidates and make sure you settle on the extent of the services to be performed and the fee (hourly or fixed) to be charged. The cheapest is not necessarily the best.

Good luck.

Re: What to do & ask when looking for an an out of state Attorney

Adding to what Attorney Nadel suggested, check with other people you may know in the area where the decedent lived, and ask who had experience with a lawyer they could recommend. It's essentially the same as looking for a doctor.

Another website to check would be www.martindale.com.

Re: What to do & ask when looking for an an out of state Attorney

You should be aware that the will must be probated in the county where your father-in-law lived. It is not necessary that the attorney be located in the same county.

If I can be of service, please feel free to contact me.

Daniel Clement