70/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 220 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Estate Planning And Probate Lawyers in Chelsea, AL: 2026 rankings
78 estate planning and probate lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in Chelsea: Southern Estate Lawyers, LFR Score 70/100; 5.0★ from 220 Google reviews; open 24/7.
- 2
Open 24 hours (per Google): McInerney Law Firm, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 78.
- 6
Most-reviewed: Norris Injury Lawyers, 937 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 78 ranked; ranked #6.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
78 Chelsea estate planning and probate lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 8 are open 24/7, 15 open Saturdays and 9 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 78 rated law firms.
Top 10 estate planning and probate lawyers in Chelsea at a glance
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Notable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Estate Lawyers | 70 | 5.0★ (220) | Birmingham, 9 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Top score |
| 2 | McInerney Law Firm | 64 | 5.0★ (22) | Homewood, 13 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours |
| 3 | Provident Law / Estate Planning LLC | 62 | 5.0★ (43) | Birmingham, 7 mi away | — | — |
| 4 | James B. Griffin, LLC | 62 | 4.9★ (14) | Birmingham, 13 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 5 | Legacy Legal Services PC | 62 | 5.0★ (26) | Birmingham, 5 mi away | — | — |
| 6 | Norris Injury Lawyers | 61 | 4.9★ (937) | Birmingham, 14 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Most reviews |
| 7 | Law Office of Edward I. Zwilling | 61 | 4.8★ (31) | Birmingham, 5 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Cornelius and Talley, PC | 61 | 4.9★ (34) | Hoover, 8 mi away | — | — |
| 9 | The Alabama Elder Care Law Firm, LLC | 61 | 4.8★ (84) | Birmingham, 13 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | Law Offices of Johnathan Williams | 61 | 5.0★ (386) | Birmingham, 13 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
All 78 estate planning and probate lawyers in Chelsea, in rank order
Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
Scores below: based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.
Based in Homewood, 13 mi away
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 7 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 43 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 13 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 5 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 26 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 14 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 937 Google reviews, the most in Chelsea.
Based in Birmingham, 5 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Hoover, 8 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 34 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 13 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 84 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 13 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 386 Google reviews.
Based in Birmingham, 16 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 61 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 9 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 30 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 16 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 60 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Gardendale, 24 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Mountain Brook, 13 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 15 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 175 Google reviews.
Based in Birmingham, 5 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
#18 Randall May
Based in Birmingham, 6 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 5 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Hoover, 12 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Alabaster, 12 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based in Bessemer, 19 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Probate attorney”.
Based in Chelsea
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 98 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Divorce lawyer”.
#24 Cotney Elder Law
Based in Gardendale, 24 mi away
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based in Birmingham, 3 mi away
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 94 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.
Estate planning and probate lawyers ranked #26 to #50
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 78 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Chelsea
20 more estate planning and probate lawyers within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Beddow, Erben, Bowen & Wales, P.A. Frederick A. Erben & Jennifer Wales | 3.0★ (2) | 16 mi |
| Boardman, Carr, Petelos, Watkins, Ogle & Howard, P.C. | 4.6★ (21) | In Chelsea |
| Burdette L Brooks | 5.0★ (2) | 19 mi |
| Business and Franchise Law Group, LLC | 5.0★ (2) | 12 mi |
| Cornelius and Talley, PC | 5.0★ (1) | 5 mi |
| EisnerAmper | 5.0★ (1) | 9 mi |
| Greene Law Firm, P.C. - Birmingham Alabama | 5.0★ (1) | 9 mi |
| Harwell Law Firm | 4.5★ (16) | In Chelsea |
| LawyerUp, LLC | 4.2★ (35) | In Chelsea |
| Nicole Romano Saia Attorney At Law | In Chelsea | |
| Reynolds Legal Solutions, LLC | 5.0★ (2) | 16 mi |
| Swindall Law Firm | 5.0★ (1) | 9 mi |
| Terry Law, PLLC | 5.0★ (2) | 9 mi |
| The Law Office of Justin Jenkins | 5.0★ (1) | 5 mi |
| The Law Office Of William S. Halsey III | 4.5★ (2) | 7 mi |
| The Probate Professor | 5.0★ (2) | 18 mi |
| The Real Law Firm | 3.5★ (2) | 6 mi |
| The Schoen Firm, LLC | 3.0★ (2) | 14 mi |
| Vertical Estate Planning, LLC - Trussville | 5.0★ (2) | 19 mi |
| Walding, LLC | 5.0★ (2) | 16 mi |
How we ranked Chelsea estate planning and probate lawyers
We scored 78 Chelsea estate planning and probate lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Chelsea data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Bar status | 10% | An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded) | Not yet collected |
| Review volume | 10% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 10% | Share of reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 5% | Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7 | Measured |
| Practice focus | 15% | How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 5% | An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Law Firms Ranked reviews | 10% | Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there are | Measured |
How to choose an estate planning lawyer
- Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
- Ask how many estate planning and probate matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
- Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
- Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
- Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
- Ask what the flat fee includes: funding a trust, updates after life changes, and signing with witnesses.
- Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.
Questions to ask an estate planning lawyer
- How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
- How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
- Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
- Do I need a trust, or is a will enough for me?
- What does probate usually cost here, and how long does it take?
- Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?
Terms explained
- Contingency fee
- A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
- Retainer
- Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
- Flat fee
- One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
- Limited-scope representation
- Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
- Statute of limitations
- The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
- Good standing
- A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
- Law society
- The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
- Board certification
- Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
- Attorney–client privilege
- The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
- Conflict check
- The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
- Pro bono
- Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
- Legal aid
- Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.
Estate planning and probate lawyers in Chelsea: frequently asked questions
Which estate planning lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Chelsea?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked estate planning lawyer in Chelsea, AL is Southern Estate Lawyers with an LFR Score of 70/100. It has 5.0★ from 220 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. McInerney Law Firm (#2) and Provident Law / Estate Planning LLC (#3) follow. We ranked 78 estate planning and probate lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many estate planning and probate lawyers are there in Chelsea?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 78 estate planning and probate lawyers serving Chelsea, AL. 1 of them is based in Chelsea; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
Which estate planning and probate lawyers in Chelsea are open 24/7?
8 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers in Chelsea post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Southern Estate Lawyers (#1), McInerney Law Firm (#2) and Norris Injury Lawyers (#6). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which estate planning and probate lawyers in Chelsea work on weekends?
15 of 78 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers post Saturday hours and 9 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Southern Estate Lawyers (#1), McInerney Law Firm (#2) and James B. Griffin, LLC (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do Chelsea estate planning and probate lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 78 rated estate planning and probate lawyers in Chelsea is 4.9★, with a median of 18 reviews. Norris Injury Lawyers has the most, 937 reviews, and ranks #6. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does LawFirmsRanked rank estate planning and probate lawyers?
Each estate planning lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do estate planning and probate lawyers outside Chelsea count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Chelsea city center, our service radius for estate planning and probate lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.
Can estate planning and probate lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?
No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.
How do estate planning and probate lawyers in Chelsea, AL charge?
Many estate planning lawyers charge a flat fee for wills, trusts and powers of attorney. Probate is billed hourly or, in some states, by a fee set by statute (California Probate Code §10810, for example). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $391 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
State law decides who inherits (intestate succession), usually the spouse and children in set shares, and a court appoints someone to manage the estate. A will or trust lets you decide instead. This is general information, not legal advice.
How is this list of estate planning and probate lawyers in Chelsea, AL ranked?
By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.
Does a lawyer need an office in Chelsea?
No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.
Update log for Chelsea
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 78 estate planning and probate lawyers serving Chelsea.
More estate planning and probate lawyers and Chelsea pages
Estate planning and probate lawyers near Chelsea
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Other practice areas in Chelsea
- Personal injury lawyers in Chelsea204 ranked
- Social Security disability lawyers in Chelsea27 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Chelsea82 ranked
- Divorce and family lawyers in Chelsea110 ranked
- Bankruptcy lawyers in Chelsea42 ranked
- Immigration lawyers in Chelsea19 ranked
- Employment lawyers in Chelsea37 ranked
- Business lawyers in Chelsea15 ranked
- Real estate lawyers in Chelsea33 ranked
- Tax lawyers in Chelsea12 ranked
- Intellectual property lawyers in Chelsea6 ranked
- Insurance lawyers in Chelsea33 ranked
- Mediators in Chelsea12 ranked
- General practice lawyers in Chelsea321 ranked
- All lawyers in Chelsea