Legal advice can only come from a lawyer. You can t safely buy or sell real estate without a lawyer to guide you from contract to closing. A lawyer can help you plan for your own health care and late-in-life needs through the use of legal vehicles specifically designed to address the situations you may face during this period. Probate is a court proceeding often necessary after a loved one has died. An attorney is necessary to assist you because this process often involves the resolution of claims against the deceased s assets & transfers of real property and personal property.