How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in Wake County, North Carolina?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving Wake County.
We found 14 estate law firms serving Wake County. Wake County is part of the Research Triangle region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in Wake County Clerk of Superior Court.
North Carolina uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Wake County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in North Carolina are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2%N.C.G.S. § 28A-23-4 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 6, 2026 to 4%N.C.G.S. § 28A-23-4 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 6, 2026 of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Wake County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Clerk of Superior Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Research Triangle Firms
Carolina Family Estate Planning
FirmEst. 2009
51 Kilmayne Dr, Suite 200
Cary, NC 27511
Phone:
(919) 443-3035carolinafep.com →
Estate PlanningElder LawAsset ProtectionProbateTrust AdministrationMedicaid Planning
Hopler, Wilms & Hanna PLLC
Firm
2314 S. Miami Blvd, Suite 151
Durham, NC 27703
Phone:
(919) 244-2019hoplerwilms.com →
Estate PlanningProbateGuardianshipTrust Administration
Kennon Craver, PLLC
FirmEst. 2003
4011 University Drive, Suite 300
Durham, NC 27707
Phone:
(919) 490-0500kennoncraver.com →
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax Planning
McPherson, Rocamora, Nicholson & Hinkle, PLLC
Firm
3211 Shannon Road, Suite 400
Durham, NC 27707
Phone:
(919) 493-0584macroclaw.com →
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder LawSpecial Needs PlanningFiduciary LitigationCharitable PlanningTax Planning
Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P.
Firm
150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 2800
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone:
(919) 821-1220smithlaw.com →
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningCharitable PlanningBusiness Succession
Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP
FirmEst. 1972
4601 Six Forks Road, Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone:
(919) 250-2000smithdebnamlaw.com →
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Law
Trusts and Estates Law Group
Firm
4141 Parklake Avenue, Suite 310
Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone:
(919) 782-3500ncestateplanning.com →
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationElder LawGuardianshipMedicaid PlanningSpecial Needs Planning
Walker Lambe, PLLC
Firm
240 Leigh Farm Road, Suite 100
Durham, NC 27707
Phone:
(919) 493-8411walkerlambe.com →
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningElder Law
Young Moore and Henderson, P.A.
Firm
3101 Glenwood Ave, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone:
(919) 782-6860youngmoorelaw.com →
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate LitigationBusiness Succession
Firms from Neighboring Regions
These firms are based in other regions but serve Wake County.
Statewide Practices
These firms serve clients throughout North Carolina.
Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP
Firm
230 North Elm Street, Suite 2000
Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone:
(336) 373-8850brookspierce.com →
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningCharitable PlanningBusiness Succession
McGuireWoods LLP
Firm
201 North Tryon Street, Suite 3000
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone:
(704) 343-2000mcguirewoods.com →
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningCharitable PlanningFiduciary Litigation
Poyner Spruill LLP
Firm
301 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1900
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone:
(919) 783-6400poynerspruill.com →
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningCharitable PlanningBusiness Succession
Ward and Smith, P.A.
Firm
751 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone:
(919) 277-9100wardandsmith.com →
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningElder LawBusiness Succession
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The North Carolina self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
North Carolina uses reasonable fees for probate. Typical Wake County rates run $200–$500/hour, with simple estates taking 20–40 hours. Flat-fee arrangements are available from some firms.
Files the petition, publishes required notices, helps with the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. The attorney represents the personal representative, not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if disputes arise.
Referrals from an estate planning attorney you already work with are the best source. Bar association directories are second. Avoid attorneys who won't quote a fee structure up front or who won't explain whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures.
Yes — by avoiding probate altogether. A revocable living trust removes the estate from court jurisdiction, which removes the need for a probate attorney at settlement time. Create a revocable trust online for about what one hour of probate-attorney time costs.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability. Information last verified: May 2026.
Clerk of Superior Court
Wake County
316 Fayetteville St. Mall
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone:
919-792-4000Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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