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Estate Planning And Probate Lawyers in Mount Vernon, OH: 2026 rankings

20 estate planning and probate lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Mount Vernon: Hicks Law, LLC, LFR Score 57/100; 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews.

  2. 2

    Most-reviewed: Handelman Law Office, 148 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 20 ranked; ranked #2.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

20 Mount Vernon estate planning and probate lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 1 open Saturdays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.5★ across 20 rated law firms.

Top 10 estate planning and probate lawyers in Mount Vernon 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.

Top 10 estate planning and probate lawyers in Mount Vernon at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Hicks Law, LLC574.6★ (10)Grove City, 10 mi away—Top score
2Handelman Law Office564.8★ (148)Heath, 19 mi away—Most reviews
3Kidwell & Cunningham, Ltd.544.4★ (39)Mount Vernon——
4Giles Law Group534.0★ (51)Mount Vernon——
5Zellar & Zellar Attorneys at Law, Inc.525.0★ (83)Newark, 23 mi away——
6Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston, Ltd.514.5★ (15)Mount Vernon——
7Swank Law Office L.P.A.515.0★ (3)Newark, 24 mi away——
8Zelkowitz, Barry & Cullers, Ltd.513.9★ (19)Mount Vernon——
9The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc.514.6★ (64)Marion, 21 mi awayEvenings—
10McCoy & McCoy, Attorneys at Law, LLC484.3★ (60)Newark, 24 mi away——

All 20 estate planning and probate lawyers in Mount Vernon, 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.

  1. Ranked #1 in Mount Vernon

    #1 Hicks Law, LLC

    Based in Grove City, 10 mi away

    57/100LFR Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 10 AM–4 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    View profile for Hicks Law, LLC(614) 318-4116

  3. #3 Kidwell & Cunningham, Ltd.

    Based in Mount Vernon

    54/100LFR Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 39 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 39 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    112 N Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
    View profile for Kidwell & Cunningham, Ltd.(740) 397-7474

  4. #4 Giles Law Group

    Based in Mount Vernon

    53/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.0★ from 51 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 51 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–4 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    109 E High St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
    View profile for Giles Law Group(740) 397-5321

  7. #7 Swank Law Office L.P.A.

    Based in Newark, 24 mi away

    51/100LFR Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    21 E Church St, Newark, OH 43055
    View profile for Swank Law Office L.P.A.(740) 345-1040

  12. #12 The Law Office of Matthew A. Schwartz

    Based in Pickerington, 23 mi away

    47/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Real estate attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–4 PM · Thu–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    View profile for The Law Office of Matthew A. Schwartz(614) 829-5796

  13. #13 Bayer Jerger & Underwood

    Based in Mansfield, 24 mi away

    47/100LFR Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 30 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 30 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    362 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, OH 44907
    View profile for Bayer Jerger & Underwood(419) 756-7711

  16. #16 Reese Pyle Meyer PLL

    Based in Newark, 24 mi away

    46/100LFR Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.8★ from 29 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.8★ from 29 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    36 N 2nd St, Newark, OH 43055
    View profile for Reese Pyle Meyer PLL(740) 345-3431

  17. #17 Vernau Law LLC

    Based in Heath, 23 mi away

    45/100LFR Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 19 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family law attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.9★ from 19 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    230 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023
    View profile for Vernau Law LLC(740) 587-2637

  18. Based in Lewis Center, 24 mi away

    45/100LFR Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Divorce lawyer”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    21 1/2, Middle St #1, Galena, OH 43021
    View profile for Welch Legal Services LLC(614) 528-1080

Also serving Mount Vernon

18 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.

Unranked estate planning and probate lawyers serving Mount Vernon
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Attorney Alysse L. Giles, LLC3.6★ (14)In Mount Vernon
Charles McClenaghan21 mi
D Derk Demaree Law Office: Demaree D Derk3.3★ (18)In Mount Vernon
FITTRO LAW, LLCIn Mount Vernon
Harlow H. Walker, Attorney At LawIn Mount Vernon
Jack Moser Law3.7★ (19)In Mount Vernon
Joan M. Burda, Attorney at Law13 mi
Kenneth E. Lane, Attorney at LawIn Mount Vernon
Knox County Public Defender3.9★ (37)In Mount Vernon
M. L. Ranney Law, LLC4.3★ (11)In Mount Vernon
Mary Ellen Fulk3.3★ (7)In Mount Vernon
Moore Law Firm5.0★ (22)In Mount Vernon
Morgan Giles4.6★ (10)In Mount Vernon
Pullins Law Firm LLC3.0★ (2)In Mount Vernon
Sheppard Law Offices, Co., L.P.A.4.0★ (23)In Mount Vernon
Spaulding & Kitzler, LLC4.3★ (21)In Mount Vernon
The Baker Law Group5.0★ (2)In Mount Vernon
Zelkowitz, Barry, & Cullers Ltd. - Noel B. Alden3.2★ (5)In Mount Vernon

How we ranked Mount Vernon estate planning and probate lawyers

We scored 20 Mount Vernon 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Mount Vernon data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%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 volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose an estate planning lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many estate planning and probate matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask what the flat fee includes: funding a trust, updates after life changes, and signing with witnesses.
  7. 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 Mount Vernon: frequently asked questions

Which estate planning lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Mount Vernon?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked estate planning lawyer in Mount Vernon, OH is Hicks Law, LLC with an LFR Score of 57/100. It has 4.6★ from 10 Google reviews. Handelman Law Office (#2) and Kidwell & Cunningham, Ltd. (#3) follow. We ranked 20 estate planning and probate lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many estate planning and probate lawyers are there in Mount Vernon?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 20 estate planning and probate lawyers serving Mount Vernon, OH. 4 of them are based in Mount Vernon; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 18 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which estate planning and probate lawyers in Mount Vernon work on weekends?

1 of 20 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers post Saturday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is The Law Office of Matthew A. Schwartz (#12). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Mount Vernon estate planning and probate lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 20 rated estate planning and probate lawyers in Mount Vernon is 4.5★, with a median of 19 reviews. Handelman Law Office has the most, 148 reviews, and ranks #2. 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 Mount Vernon count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon, OH 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 Mount Vernon, OH 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 Mount Vernon?

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 Mount Vernon

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 20 estate planning and probate lawyers serving Mount Vernon.

More estate planning and probate lawyers and Mount Vernon pages