A probate lawyer can assist in a variety of matters related to a person who is incapacitated or deceased. This could involve helping to probate a Will in court; determining the legal heirs of someone without a Will (or with a Will that fails to distribute all probate property); preparing a Small Estate Affidavit or Affidavit of Heirship; negotiating and drafting an agreement between heirs or beneficiaries; drafting deeds; dealing with third parties (banks, creditors, witnesses, co-owners, family, etc.); negotiating, reducing, or even eliminating a decedent’s debt; obtaining legal guardianship; removing and/or appointing a successor executor, administrator, or guardian; helping to collect property; evicting tenants or squatters; drafting leases; preparing estate planning documents; and a myriad of other services.