A probate lawyer, also commonly known as an estate planning lawyer, is experienced in not only creating comprehensive estate plans for clients, but also for effectuating those estates once the clients have passed away. As the requirements and eligibility for probating an estate differ widely from state to state, and can be legally complex, you are well advised to consult a probate lawyer following the death of a loved one, in large part to determine whether probate is necessary, and to what degree the estate must be supervised. A probate lawyer will be responsible for filing the estate with the probate court, and handling the estate as it goes through the probate process on behalf of the heirs of the estate.