Looking For a Probate Lawyer?

Call Probatem Before You Hire a Probate Lawyer.

Before you spend thousands on a probate attorney, find out if you actually need one. Probatem helps Virginia families settle estates faster -often without a lawyer.

Many families we work with discover they may not need a probate attorney. Call to schedule a free consultation.

The helpful staff at Probatem can guide families through the entire estate settlement process without a Probate Lawyer.

Probatem makes settling an estate simpler and more affordable. Whether the estate qualifies for a simpler small-estate process or requires formal probate, we help you understand your options and guide you through what comes next.

How Probatem Makes Probate Easy & Affordable!

Our proven, three-step process guides you from your first call to a settled estate.

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1. Schedule Free Consultation

Call our 24/7 support line to schedule a free consultation and ask any questions you may have.

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2. Consultation

Talk with our probate experts about your loved one's estate. We will outline a personal plan and its cost.

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3. Implement the Plan

You settle the estate with confidence, at a fraction of the cost and time of a traditional lawyer.

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Need a Probate Lawyer?

If we determine that you need a probate lawyer, we can happily recommend lawyers that we trust.

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Working with Probatem

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Flat, Transparent Pricing

No hourly billing surprises. You know the cost upfront, often a fraction of what a probate attorney would charge.

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Plain-Language Guidance

We explain every form and step in simple terms, so you always know what's happening with the estate and why.

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Faster Resolution

Small estates that don't require probate can be settled in weeks to months.

Do You Actually Need a Probate Lawyer in Virginia?

Not every estate requires formal probate. In Virginia, whether you need it depends on how the assets were owned and how much the estate is worth.

When Probate Is Typically Required:

If the deceased owned real estate or other assets solely in their name, with no beneficiary designation or joint owner, a court-supervised probate process is usually necessary to transfer that property legally.

When a Simpler Alternative May Apply:

If the estate is small, assets were jointly owned, or accounts already named a beneficiary, Virginia's small-estate procedures may let you skip a lengthy probate case entirely — this is where Probatem can help you confirm your path.

Not sure which applies to you? A free consultation with Probatem can clarify your options in minutes. If it turns out you do need a probate attorney, we can easily refer you.

Call to Schedule a Free Consultation

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Attorney or Probatem: Which Does Your Estate Need?

Compare the two paths side by side before you decide how to settle an estate.

Traditional Probate Lawyer

Cost: Typically $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on complexity.

Process: Formal legal representation for every estate, regardless of size

Probatem

Cost: A fraction of typical attorney costs, flat and transparent

Process: Guided document preparation and step-by-step support tailored to Virginia probate rules

About Us

Probatem was founded by Jennifer Evans, a native of Virginia, to offer modern solutions to the estate administration process.

As an estate professional with over 20 years of probate / estate settlement experience and helping thousands of families, Jennifer understands the pain points, what it takes to settle a Virginia estate, and also recognizes the need for a better way. Probatem is here to help you through every step.

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Jennifer Evans

Founder & CEO

As an estate professional with over 20 years of probate / estate settlement experience and helping thousands of families, Jennifer understands the pain points, what it takes to settle a Virginia estate, and also recognizes the need for a better way. Probatem is here to help you through every step.


Our founder, Jennifer Evans, has devoted her entire career to probate, spending much of that time working in law firms and operating her own probate company. She is well acquainted with the after-death legal process and all the pitfalls, struggles, and pain points that come with it. With her expertise, heart for families, and vision to provide a better way, Probatem was born. Probatem provides personalized guidance after death with sensitivity toward the needs of families.

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Jonathan Bernard

Co-Founder & CTO

Jonathan Bernard is the Co-Founder and CTO of Probatem, with over 20 years of software development experience across various industries. His expertise includes cybersecurity, embedded systems, consumer applications, and full-stack web development. Jonathan has collaborated with government agencies, startups, and enterprises, shaping his practical software design approach.


Joining Probatem full time in 2025, he brought his technical knowledge and passion for meaningful tech solutions to the probate industry. He played a key role in developing Probatem’s software platform, which simplifies the probate process for families and professionals while leading the company’s technology vision and development.

Why Families Choose Probatem

Probatem is a Virginia-focused estate settlement service built for families who want a simpler, more affordable path than hiring a probate lawyer.

Instead of billing by the hour for legal representation, Probatem offers guided documents, plain-language explanations of Virginia probate rules, and direct support at every step — so you understand what's happening with the estate and why, at a fraction of typical lawyer costs.

See What Probatem Clients Have to Say

We have a proven track record and reputation you can trust.

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Jennifer helped me get things done after my husband passed away without a will. If you need her help she'll answer all of your questions and tell you what's best to do. She looks out for your best interest. Thank you Jennifer Evans.


- Kathleen Irving

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I wish everyone handling a Virginia estate knew about Probatem, a very professional company of highly skilled and experienced probate professionals. They can help with simple to complicated estates at an extremely affordable cost...


- Nancy Metz

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Jennifer Evans she helped me and explain how this Estate works. My first time ever became Administrator for my cousin Estate. Thank you for your time. Keep doing what you do to help others. Peace


- Paula Green

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Jennifer was prompt and super knowledgeable about the process. I felt pretty good about doing the paperwork, but I have a better understanding of what to do, now. Plus, she discovered I didn't need to do as much as I originally thought. Thank you. Worth every penny for peace of mind.


- Howie Rodman

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Great service - knowledgeable, efficient, kind, and very well versed in Virginia probate rules. This is the resource you’re looking for if it’s your first experience with handling probate and you need help with navigating the process, understanding the rules, and getting the forms right.


- Jill Simandl

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I highly recommend Probatem to ANY Estate Administrator or Executor!

They are extremely knowledgeable, customer service oriented, and they really do take you by the hand and guide you through everything...


- Connie Davis

  • Does Probatem replace a probate lawyer?

    Probatem is a non-attorney estate settlement service. For many estates, our guided process is all you need; for complex legal disputes, we'll let you know if an attorney is truly necessary.
  • What estates qualify for Probatem's services?

    Estates that may qualify for Virginia's small-estate procedures, or families who want guided support through the standard probate process, are a good fit. A free consultation will confirm your specific situation.
  • How much does Probatem cost compared to a lawyer?

    Probatem costs a fraction of typical probate attorney fees, with transparent pricing discussed during your free consultation.
  • How long does the process take?

    Many qualifying estates are resolved in weeks rather than the months a traditional probate case can take.
  • How do I get started?

    Schedule a free consultation and we'll review your situation and outline the next steps.

Common Questions About Probatem

Does Probatem replace a probate lawyer?

Probatem is a non-attorney estate settlement service. For many estates, our guided process is all you need; for complex legal disputes, we'll let you know if an attorney is truly necessary.

What estates qualify for Probatem's services?

Estates that may qualify for Virginia's small-estate procedures, or families who want guided support through the standard probate process, are a good fit. A free consultation will confirm your specific situation.

How much does Probatem cost compared to a lawyer?

Probatem costs a fraction of typical probate attorney fees, with transparent pricing discussed during your free consultation.

How long does the process take?

It depends on whether probate is required. Probate can take many months. Small estates that don't require it can be settled in weeks to months.

How do I get started?

Schedule a free consultation and we'll review your situation and outline the next steps.

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Call Today to Discover if Probatem is Right For You.

Schedule a free consultation with Probatem today and get clear answers about your estate — no obligation, no pressure.

Contact Probatem

500 East Main St., Suite 1600, #75, Norfolk, VA 23510