50 Critical Moments When a Probate Attorney Is Your Last Line of Defense

Probate isn’t just paperwork—it’s a legal battleground where families either protect their legacy or lose it entirely.
At The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC, Attorney Matthew J. Dyer, ESQ.,
Stands ready to guide Southern Maryland families through the complexprobate and estate law maze.
Whether your loved one left a clear will—or none—the risks are real: costly delays, family disputes, hidden debts, and more.
If you think probate won’t affect you, think again.
Below are 50 real-life scenarios where hiring a skilled probate attorney isn’t optional—it’s critical.
50 Scenarios That Require a Probate Attorney
Disputes arise over inheritance shares
The will is contested in court
Executor accused of mishandling assets
Real estate must be sold legally
The estate includes out-of-state property
Probate is delayed by missing documents
Guardianship needed for minor children
Business ownership is part of estate
Stepchildren dispute biological heirs
Will and trust documents conflict
Someone claims undue influence or coercion
Multiple wills are discovered
Estate includes foreign-held assets
Executor is overwhelmed or unqualified
Family suspects fraud or misconduct
Medicaid seeks estate reimbursement
Debt collectors target the estate
Life insurance payout is contested
Medical bills exceed estate value
Retirement accounts require legal handling
Unclear property titles must be resolved
Survivors live in different states
Assets held in joint tenancy
Digital assets (crypto, online accounts) involved
Assets must be appraised or valued
Inheritance taxes must be filed
Deadlines for probate court are missed
Creditors file claims against estate
Beneficiaries cannot be located
Executor needs court approval for actions
Trust administration requires legal support
The estate involves high net worth
Probate litigation is already underway
Sibling rivalry causes legal delays
Spouse’s rights need protection
Will wasn’t properly witnessed or signed
Surviving spouse disputes prenup terms
Nursing home bills create liability
Probate court hearing is imminent
Charitable bequests are being challenged
Beneficiaries disagree over distribution
Bank accounts remain frozen
Real estate needs title clearing
Executor is at risk for liability
Legal advice needed on next steps
Surviving partner lacks legal recognition
Conflict between biological and adopted heirs
No will was ever created
Assets were hidden or misappropriated
Family needs guidance—not guesswork
If even one of these situations feels uncomfortably familiar, don’t wait.
Probate doesn’t fix itself, and mistakes only get more expensive.
At The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC, Attorney Matthew J. Dyer brings clarity, compassion, and legal firepower to protect what matters most—your family’s future.
Our Probate & Estates Lawyer, Matthew J. Dyer, ESQ., provides legal services to:
Schedule your consultation today, and let us guide you through probate with confidence and integrity.