Do You Need a Probate Attorney?
Not every Virginia estate requires the same level of help. In about 20 minutes, Probatem helps you understand what your estate may require, whether probate is necessary, and what your options are available to you with our online questionnaire.
Sometimes you need an attorney. Sometimes you don’t. Probatem helps you find the right path forward.
Turn Confusion Into Clarity in About 20 Minutes
Answer simple questions about the estate, including:
PropertyOwnershipBeneficiariesValuesAnswer a few simple questions, and Probatem’s software creates a personalized path forward based on your situation.
Start FreeSo, Do You Need an Attorney?
We’ll help you figure that out.
Our goal isn’t to help you avoid an attorney when you need one. It’s to help you understand what your estate actually requires before deciding what level of help you need.
Your Personalized Path Forward
After completing the guided online questionnaire, you'll receive:
A personalized path forward
Whether probate may be necessary
The documents applicable to your situation
Clear instructions and next steps
A customized estate agenda
A review with a probate professional
Start Free. Decide After You Know Your Options.
Begin today with no payment required.
If Probatem can help and you choose to move forward, there is a one-time $250 fee, which may be payable from the estate funds.
$250
One-Time Payment at the End
No subscription. No obligation to purchase just because you started.
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Built From Decades of Real Probate Experience
Virginia-Focused
Built specifically around Virginia probate and estate settlement.
20+ Years of Probate Experience
Created from decades of hands-on experience navigating probate and estate administration.
Real Human Support
Technology makes the process easier, but you're not left to figure everything out alone.
Personalized to Your Estate
Your answers determine the documents, guidance, and next steps relevant to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an attorney to settle an estate or go through probate in Virginia?
Virginia’s probate process does not always require an attorney, and many families can handle straightforward estate matters without legal representation. However, an attorney can be important when an estate involves legal questions, disputes, complex assets, or other circumstances that require legal advice.
How do I know if probate is required?
Whether probate is necessary often comes down to three key things:
- What assets the person owned
- The value of those assets
- How the assets were titled or owned
What if the estate is small?
Virginia provides simplified options for certain estates when the deceased person's personal probate estate totals $75,000 or less. Real estate is not included in that statutory definition. When the requirements are met, qualification of an executor or administrator may not be necessary.
What if there is real estate?
Real estate is treated differently from other assets in Virginia. How it is handled depends on whether there is a Will and, if so, what the Will says about the property.
Can Probatem replace an attorney?
No, and that’s not our goal. Attorneys provide valuable legal advice and representation when it’s needed. Probatem helps families understand the level of help their situation may require and provides procedural guidance for more straightforward estate matters.
What happens if I actually need legal advice?
If legal advice is needed, we work with attorneys who can provide the appropriate guidance. If your matter requires legal representation, we can refer you to an attorney for assistance.
How much does Probatem cost?
Probatem’s guided software is a one-time payment of $250. There is no cost to get started, and you only pay if Probatem can help and you choose to move forward. If you need additional assistance, we also offer support and full-service options based on the level of help you need.
Before You Hire Help, Find Out What You Actually Need.
Not Sure Which Way to Start?
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Answer simple questions and get clarity about your situations in about 20 minutes.
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Prefer one-on-one Help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Talk to SomeoneTurn confusion into clarity in about 20 minutes.