How do I Find an Attorney?

In My Humble Opinion
1

Note: I am not asking for legal advice, I’m asking for advice about finding an attorney.

Short version: My mother-in-law died, the estate is in a bit of a mess, and criminal (and I mean that as “convicted in the past of embezzlement and fraud”, not as a insulting metaphorical adjective) are getting involved with clear intent to pick the survivors clean.

We need an attorney. Not necessarily to get a share of whatever is left (it would be nice… but… well, I expect it’s the lawyers that will come out ahead in all this) but just to protect ourselves from the fallout from this impending mess.

Question 1: How does one shop for an attorney?

Question 2: What things good/bad does one look for/look out for in an attorney?

Question 3: We’re in Indiana. The estate in in Tennessee. The relatives are in Virginia (mostly). Do we get a lawyer here, there, or there?

2

Not much help but this will usefully bump your post at least - I’ve heard good things about FindLaw as a lawyer/info resource.

3

http://www.martindale.com/ Search Tennessee, where the estate is.

4

Here’s info from the Tennessee Bar Association on how to find a lawyer in TN.

5

Do you know any local attorneys? Sometimes they can refer you to someone in another state.

Good luck Broomstick.

6

Call the Bar Association for the County/City which applies. They will usually have a referral service of some kind or at least steer you in the right direction.

7

You might ask a judge in the jurisdiction where you intend to file for three attorneys with good reputations. I’m not sure if there is a specific or special court that handles estates but that might be a place to start if it doesn’t violate some ethical rule.

8

Clark Howard would tell you to make sure to find one who specializes in wills, estates, and trusts. I’m not much help beyond that though.

9

From what you’ve said. You are going to want an attorney in Tennessee where the estate is. You’ll want an attorney who deals with probate law which is the administration of Estates. I would get someone in the county where the Estate will be opened so you aren’t paying for travel time.

Martindale or Findlaw would be a good place to start.ZipperJJ’s link has the numbers to call in the three regions of Tennessee. Check on Martindale Hubbel to see if the attorney is AV rated. This means that they have been practicing for a long time and several of their peers recommend them. Check with the state bar to see if they have been sanctioned for anything.

10

I just wanted to drop in and thank everyone who replied. My husband is still not certain how far to pursue these matters but the information you’ve given helps.