66/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 19 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Estate Planning And Probate Lawyers in New Bedford, MA: 2026 rankings
84 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 New Bedford: Lantz Law, Inc., LFR Score 66/100; 4.9★ from 19 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 3
Open 24 hours (per Google): d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c., posts 24/7 hours; ranked #3 of 84.
- 3
Most-reviewed: d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c., 367 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 84 ranked; ranked #3.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
84 New Bedford estate planning and probate lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 9 are open 24/7, 16 open Saturdays and 13 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 84 rated law firms.
Top 10 estate planning and probate lawyers in New Bedford 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 | Lantz Law, Inc. | 66 | 4.9★ (19) | New Bedford | Sat · Sun | Top score |
| 2 | Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes P.C. | 65 | 4.8★ (68) | New Bedford | — | — |
| 3 | d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. | 65 | 4.9★ (367) | New Bedford | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours, Most reviews |
| 4 | Law Office of Jason Cullen | 63 | 5.0★ (45) | Portsmouth, 17 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | Shore Estate Law | 62 | 5.0★ (72) | Acushnet, 14 mi away | — | — |
| 6 | Chaves Estate Planning LLC | 61 | 5.0★ (114) | Raynham, 22 mi away | — | — |
| 7 | Law Offices of Jane E. Sullivan | 61 | 4.8★ (11) | Fall River, 12 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Raposo Rochelle Attorney | 61 | 4.1★ (16) | Fall River, 13 mi away | — | — |
| 9 | d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. | 60 | 4.8★ (244) | Fall River, 12 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 10 | Walecka Law, P.C. | 60 | 5.0★ (40) | Acushnet, 18 mi away | Evenings | — |
All 84 estate planning and probate lawyers in New Bedford, 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.
Based in New Bedford
65/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 68 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in New Bedford
65/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 367 Google reviews, the most in New Bedford.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Portsmouth, 17 mi away
63/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 45 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Acushnet, 14 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 72 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Raynham, 22 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 114 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fall River, 12 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Fall River, 13 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Fall River, 12 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 244 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Acushnet, 18 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 40 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fall River, 13 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fall River, 7 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in New Bedford
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 54 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fall River, 13 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Head of Westport, 9 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Acushnet, 14 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 95 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fall River, 11 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Acushnet, 4 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 36 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Portsmouth, 18 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 88 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Taunton, 21 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 139 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in New Bedford
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 112 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Newport, 22 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 35 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Middletown, 20 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 85 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Swansea, 16 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Fall River, 13 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.6★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
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 84 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving New Bedford
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney Ashley McCormack Law | 5.0★ (71) | In New Bedford |
| Attorney John B. Seed | 5.0★ (25) | In New Bedford |
| Dussault & Zatir, PC | 4.1★ (39) | In New Bedford |
| Fogarty Law | 5.0★ (107) | In New Bedford |
| FURTADO LAW | 4.9★ (53) | In New Bedford |
| Hunt & Viveiros LLC | 4.9★ (50) | In New Bedford |
| Karabin Law | 4.9★ (94) | In New Bedford |
| Kevin P Landry Law Offices | 5.0★ (340) | In New Bedford |
| Law Office of Beyanid Montoya-Sheehan | 4.9★ (54) | In New Bedford |
| LAW OFFICE OF JENNIFER VELARDE | 4.8★ (39) | In New Bedford |
| Law Office of John L. Calcagni, III | 5.0★ (16) | In New Bedford |
| Law Offices of Dussault & Gomes, P.C. | 4.9★ (35) | In New Bedford |
| Logan A. Weinkauf, P.C. | 5.0★ (81) | In New Bedford |
| Markey & Walsh - Attorneys at Law | 3.9★ (20) | In New Bedford |
| Medeiros Michael | 4.1★ (19) | In New Bedford |
| New Bedford Personal Injury Attorney at Law, Brandon J. Broderick | 5.0★ (97) | In New Bedford |
| Rob Levine Law - Personal Injury & Disability Lawyers | 4.9★ (609) | In New Bedford |
| Sargent Law, P.C. | 4.9★ (102) | In New Bedford |
| Shane A Carlson Law Office Pc | 3.3★ (18) | In New Bedford |
| The Law Office of Russell D. Luiz | 5.0★ (24) | In New Bedford |
How we ranked New Bedford estate planning and probate lawyers
We scored 84 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford: frequently asked questions
Which estate planning lawyer has the highest LFR Score in New Bedford?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked estate planning lawyer in New Bedford, MA is Lantz Law, Inc. with an LFR Score of 66/100. It has 4.9★ from 19 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes P.C. (#2) and d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. (#3) follow. We ranked 84 estate planning and probate lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many estate planning and probate lawyers are there in New Bedford?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 84 estate planning and probate lawyers serving New Bedford, MA. 10 of them are based in New Bedford; 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 New Bedford are open 24/7?
9 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers in New Bedford post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. (#3), d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. (#9) and d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. (#16). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which estate planning and probate lawyers in New Bedford work on weekends?
16 of 84 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers post Saturday hours and 13 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Lantz Law, Inc. (#1), d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. (#3) and d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. (#9). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do New Bedford estate planning and probate lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 84 rated estate planning and probate lawyers in New Bedford is 4.8★, with a median of 16 reviews. d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. has the most, 367 reviews, and ranks #3. 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 New Bedford count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the New Bedford 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 New Bedford, MA 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 New Bedford, MA 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 New Bedford?
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 New Bedford
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 84 estate planning and probate lawyers serving New Bedford.
More estate planning and probate lawyers and New Bedford pages
Estate planning and probate lawyers near New Bedford
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- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Fall River, MA186 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Somerset, MA201 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Swansea, MA198 ranked
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- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Taunton, MA258 ranked
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Other practice areas in New Bedford
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- Social Security disability lawyers in New Bedford71 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in New Bedford144 ranked
- Divorce and family lawyers in New Bedford76 ranked
- Bankruptcy lawyers in New Bedford88 ranked
- Immigration lawyers in New Bedford54 ranked
- Employment lawyers in New Bedford64 ranked
- Business lawyers in New Bedford6 ranked
- Real estate lawyers in New Bedford49 ranked
- Tax lawyers in New Bedford22 ranked
- Intellectual property lawyers in New Bedford7 ranked
- Insurance lawyers in New Bedford53 ranked
- Mediators in New Bedford48 ranked
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