Wills & Estates Lawyer

Overview

Seeking an experienced estate litigation lawyer to manage probate, inheritance, contested wills, and estate dispute matters. The role involves handling estate-related legal issues from initial investigation through negotiation, court applications, settlement discussions, and litigation where necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Review wills, codicils, trusts, and estate documents
• Assess validity of wills and execution requirements
• Handle contested probate matters
• Advise on inheritance and intestacy issues
• Manage disputes involving spouses, common-law partners, beneficiaries, executors, and dependants
• Obtain and review medical records relevant to testamentary capacity
• Conduct witness interviews and evidence review
• Prepare court filings, affidavits, and legal applications
• Represent clients in negotiations, mediations, and court proceedings
• Coordinate with financial institutions regarding estate assets
• Advise on asset protection and estate preservation measures
• Analyze ownership of real estate, joint assets, beneficiary designations, and financial accounts
• Develop litigation strategy and settlement recommendations
• Provide ongoing legal advice throughout probate and estate administration

Preferred Experience

• Probate and estate litigation
• Contested wills and capacity disputes
• Common-law spouse and dependant relief claims
• Family property and equitable claims
• Negotiation and mediation
• Court appearances and litigation management
• High-value estates and complex family disputes

Qualifications

• Licensed lawyer in the applicable jurisdiction
• Strong experience in estate and probate law
• Experience handling contested estate matters
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage sensitive family disputes professionally
• Strong organizational and case-management abilities

Preferred Traits

• Strategic thinker
• Calm under pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Practical and settlement-oriented mindset
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to handle emotionally charged situations professionally

Compensation Structures

Possible arrangements may include:

• Hourly billing
• Fixed-fee probate work
• Retainer arrangement
• Ongoing counsel relationship
• Litigation contingency or blended fee structure where permitted

Typical Work Involved

• Probate applications
• Estate administration disputes
• Will challenges
• Capacity and undue influence claims
• Beneficiary disputes
• Common-law spouse claims
• Asset tracing and financial review
• Court motions and hearings
• Settlement negotiations