67/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 26 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 in South Bend, IN: 2026 rankings
36 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 South Bend: Joseph Legacy Planning, LFR Score 67/100; 4.7★ from 26 Google reviews; open 24/7.
- 11
Most-reviewed: Rodriguez Law Firm, Inc., 323 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 36 ranked; ranked #11.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
36 South Bend estate planning and probate lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 1 is open 24/7, 2 open Saturdays and 1 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.3★ across 36 rated law firms.
Top 10 estate planning and probate lawyers in South Bend 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 | Joseph Legacy Planning | 67 | 4.7★ (26) | South Bend | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Top score |
| 2 | Katy Wrona | 62 | 4.9★ (29) | Granger, 10 mi away | — | — |
| 3 | Landgraf Jr Robert L | 61 | 4.9★ (19) | Niles, 10 mi away | — | — |
| 4 | Timothy E. Kalamaros Law Office, PC. | 60 | 3.8★ (10) | Mishawaka, 3 mi away | — | — |
| 5 | Rice & Rice | 58 | 3.9★ (21) | Granger, 5 mi away | — | — |
| 6 | VanderVeen Elder and Special Needs Law | 58 | 5.0★ (9) | Mishawaka, 3 mi away | — | — |
| 7 | Carmen Post Law & Mediation | 56 | 4.7★ (34) | Plymouth, 23 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Godfrey Law Offices | 56 | 4.0★ (4) | Mishawaka, 3 mi away | — | — |
| 9 | Lukenbill & Lukenbill, LLP | 55 | 4.7★ (18) | Plymouth, 24 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | Longstreet Law LLC | 54 | 4.7★ (52) | South Bend | — | — |
All 36 estate planning and probate lawyers in South Bend, 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.
#2 Katy Wrona
Based in Granger, 10 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 29 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 Niles, 10 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 19 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 Mishawaka, 3 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.8★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
#5 Rice & Rice
Based in Granger, 5 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Mishawaka, 3 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 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 Plymouth, 23 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 34 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Mishawaka, 3 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Plymouth, 24 mi away
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in South Bend
54/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 52 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in La Porte, 25 mi away
53/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 323 Google reviews, the most in South Bend.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in South Bend
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.1★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#13 Mehl Law LLC
Based in Goshen, 22 mi away
51/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.7★ from 173 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in South Bend
51/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Granger, 1 mi away
50/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Elkhart, 14 mi away
50/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.2★ from 88 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in South Bend
49/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.5★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Legal services”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in South Bend
49/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.1★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in South Bend
49/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Immigration attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Elkhart, 14 mi away
48/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 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.
Based in Goshen, 23 mi away
48/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 33 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Elkhart, 14 mi away
47/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 20 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Granger, 10 mi away
47/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#24 Worthley Law LLC
Based in La Porte, 25 mi away
47/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 49 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Niles, 10 mi away
47/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
All 36 estate planning and probate lawyers
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #36, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Howes & Howes LLP | 47 | 4.3★ (58) | 25 mi |
| 27 | Leatherman & Miller Law Office | 47 | 4.5★ (32) | 23 mi |
| 28 | Paul D Eash PC Attorney At Law | 46 | 3.8★ (16) | 14 mi |
| 29 | Marvin Lopata Attorney at Law | 45 | 1.0★ (6) | 4 mi |
| 30 | Peter Smith Law Office | 45 | 3.2★ (5) | 10 mi |
| 31 | Burggraf Law Office, P.C. | 44 | 2.8★ (13) | 14 mi |
| 32 | Easterday & Associates LLC | 44 | 3.8★ (21) | 24 mi |
| 33 | Beaverson Law Group, PC | 44 | 5.0★ (3) | 15 mi |
| 34 | Morrison & Morrison | 43 | 4.0★ (4) | 23 mi |
| 35 | William E Hedge | 41 | 5.0★ (3) | 25 mi |
| 36 | Drayton, Biege, Sirugo & Elliott, LLP | 41 | 4.3★ (3) | 25 mi |
Also serving South Bend
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson Agostino & Keller, P.C. | 4.4★ (62) | In South Bend |
| Britton Law LLC | 4.0★ (49) | In South Bend |
| Brooks Legal LLC | 4.5★ (61) | In South Bend |
| Cloutier Law Offices, P.C. | 4.5★ (33) | In South Bend |
| Hahn|Walz, P.C. | 3.9★ (38) | In South Bend |
| Hensley Legal Group, PC | 4.9★ (118) | In South Bend |
| Hildebrand Law Office | 3.8★ (37) | In South Bend |
| Isaacs & Isaacs Law Firm | 4.9★ (171) | In South Bend |
| Jones Law Office LLC | 4.3★ (49) | In South Bend |
| Law Office of Chet Zawalich | 3.3★ (37) | In South Bend |
| Mario J Zappia | 4.0★ (42) | In South Bend |
| Nemeth Feeney Masters & Campiti, P.C. | 3.5★ (51) | In South Bend |
| O'Brien & Telloyan PC: Telloyan Mark P | 5.0★ (66) | In South Bend |
| Peter Francis Geraci Law L.L.C. | 4.8★ (343) | In South Bend |
| Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak | 4.5★ (121) | In South Bend |
| Robert E. Canfield | 4.5★ (42) | In South Bend |
| Stanley, Tuszynski & Newman | 4.7★ (81) | In South Bend |
| Stipp Law, LLC | 4.2★ (74) | In South Bend |
| Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys | 4.8★ (125) | In South Bend |
| The Morgan Law Firm | 3.8★ (74) | In South Bend |
How we ranked South Bend estate planning and probate lawyers
We scored 36 South Bend 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 South Bend 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 South Bend: frequently asked questions
Which estate planning lawyer has the highest LFR Score in South Bend?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked estate planning lawyer in South Bend, IN is Joseph Legacy Planning with an LFR Score of 67/100. It has 4.7★ from 26 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Katy Wrona (#2) and Landgraf Jr Robert L (#3) follow. We ranked 36 estate planning and probate lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many estate planning and probate lawyers are there in South Bend?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 36 estate planning and probate lawyers serving South Bend, IN. 7 of them are based in South Bend; 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 South Bend are open 24/7?
1 ranked estate planning lawyer in South Bend posts 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked is Joseph Legacy Planning (#1). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which estate planning and probate lawyers in South Bend work on weekends?
2 of 36 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers post Saturday hours and 1 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Joseph Legacy Planning (#1) and Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer & Buckingham, LLP (#21). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do South Bend estate planning and probate lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 36 rated estate planning and probate lawyers in South Bend is 4.3★, with a median of 19 reviews. Rodriguez Law Firm, Inc. has the most, 323 reviews, and ranks #11. 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 South Bend count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the South Bend 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 South Bend, IN 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 South Bend, IN 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 South Bend?
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 South Bend
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 36 estate planning and probate lawyers serving South Bend.
More estate planning and probate lawyers and South Bend pages
Estate planning and probate lawyers near South Bend
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Mishawaka, IN31 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Granger, IN27 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Elkhart, IN27 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Goshen, IN29 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Plymouth, IN20 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in La Porte, IN40 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in LaPorte, IN37 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Michigan City, IN38 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Warsaw, IN10 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Chesterton, IN86 ranked
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- Immigration lawyers in South Bend12 ranked
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- All lawyers in South Bend