Jo-Ann Marie Adams

An estate planning attorney will walk you through the assets in your estate and explain to you how the law will treat the assets upon your death. You can then work with the attorney to position your assets to maximize the value of your estate by minimizing your after-death taxes and court costs. Documents typically prepared include: a trust agreement, a will, an advance health care directive (commonly known as "living will") and a durable power of attorney.

Probate is the legal process used to carry out a person's will after their death; a probate attorney advises you on how to perform the steps in the process. In general, once you have identified and collected the dead person's belongings, you pay the person's debts and taxes. Once all debts have been paid, you distribute their money and property according to the language of the will. If there is no will, the laws of the state will determine how the remainder of the estate will be distributed.

If you want to start, transfer, or exit a business, including limited liability companies, corporations, partnerships and sole proprietorships. Depending on your business and activities, you may need one or more type of business attorney.

Contract lawyers write contracts and agreements; they know the correct contract formats and legal terms to protect and enhance your rights in case things don't go as planned. If you want to draw up a legal agreement, you should consult a contract lawyer.