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Probate Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Melone Law

Estate Planning Paralegal - Reston

Reston, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

... assisting with probate and trust administration, communicating with clients, and maintaining ... Conduct basic legal research as needed. * Assist with drafting correspondence and other legal ...

Addison Group

Legal Assitant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

... probate matters. The ideal candidate has strong administrative skills, a solid understanding of ... This role involves preparing legal documents, conducting research, managing schedules, and ...

Addison Group

Legal Assitant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

... probate matters. The ideal candidate has strong administrative skills, a solid understanding of ... This role involves preparing legal documents, conducting research, managing schedules, and ...

Addison Group

Legal Assitant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

... probate matters. The ideal candidate has strong administrative skills, a solid understanding of ... This role involves preparing legal documents, conducting research, managing schedules, and ...

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All JobsProbate Researcher JobsProbate Researcher Jobs in Virginia

Probate Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$112.1K

$163.1K

How much do probate researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for probate researcher in Virginia is $112,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $152,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a probate researcher?

A probate researcher is a professional who locates and verifies information about deceased individuals' estates, such as assets, heirs, and legal documents, to assist in estate administration or legal proceedings. They often use public records, databases, and research skills to gather accurate data efficiently.

What are 5 potential jobs for genealogy?

Genealogy skills can lead to careers such as genealogist, probate researcher, historical researcher, family history consultant, or archivist. These roles involve researching family histories, legal estate matters, or preserving historical records, often requiring strong research skills and knowledge of genealogical tools and databases.

What is a Probate Researcher job?

A Probate Researcher traces heirs and beneficiaries of estates when someone passes away without a known will or next of kin. They investigate family trees, review legal documents, and use genealogical research to identify rightful heirs. Probate Researchers often work with solicitors, councils, or probate firms to ensure estates are distributed correctly. Their role requires analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of inheritance laws.

What is a courthouse researcher?

A courthouse researcher is a professional who gathers public records and legal documents from courthouses, often related to property, probate, or legal cases. They use research skills and access to court databases to obtain accurate information for clients or legal purposes.

How to get a job in probate?

To become a probate researcher, you typically need a background in law, estate administration, or related fields, along with strong research and analytical skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in legal or estate firms can be helpful, and familiarity with probate court procedures and legal databases is advantageous. Certification or training in estate law may improve job prospects in this specialized field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Probate Researcher position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Probate Researcher, you need strong research skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of genealogy and legal documentation, often supported by relevant experience or a background in legal studies or history. Familiarity with online public records databases, genealogy software, and document management systems is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, persistence, and analytical thinking are key soft skills that help build thorough and accurate case files. These skills and tools are essential for efficiently locating heirs and assets, ensuring the integrity and success of probate investigations.

What are some typical challenges a Probate Researcher faces in their daily work?

Probate Researchers often encounter incomplete or inaccurate records, uncooperative sources, and cases that require tracing complex family histories across different countries and languages. You may need to be persistent and creative in locating hard-to-find heirs or verifying information through various legal and historical documents. Collaboration with attorneys, courts, and sometimes international agencies is common, as is balancing multiple concurrent cases with differing levels of difficulty. These challenges make problem-solving skills and adaptability crucial for success and can offer a rewarding sense of accomplishment when a case is resolved.

What are the most commonly searched types of Probate Researcher jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Probate Researcher jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Probate Researcher jobs in Virginia? For Probate Researcher jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Probate Researcher jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Probate Researcher jobs in Virginia are:
Probate Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Probate Researcher job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,132 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Estate Planning Paralegal - Virginia Beach

Estate Planning Paralegal - Virginia Beach

Melone Hatley

Virginia Beach, VA

$22 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Melone Hatley, P.C. is a fast-growing family and estate planning law firm with offices across Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas. Named one of the 500 fastest-growing law firms in the United States and recognized by Super Lawyers, we've built our reputation on delivering compassionate, high-quality legal services and creating a workplace where talent thrives.

Our mission is simple: to be the premier law firm for individuals looking to protect what matters most — their families, their finances, and their future. We achieve this by fostering a culture rooted in transparency, integrity, and open communication. Every team member plays a vital role in delivering personalized, results-driven support to our clients, and we're proud to be known as one of the top employers in the region.

Join us and become part of a team that is redefining family and estate law with purpose, passion, and people at the center of everything we do.

Position Overview

Melone Hatley is seeking a full-time Paralegal to join our Estate Planning team. This role provides administrative and legal support to the firm's Estate Planning Attorneys, including preparing estate planning documents, assisting with probate and trust administration, communicating with clients, and maintaining organized case files. The ideal candidate has experience in estate planning or a related practice area, is detail-oriented and client-focused, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment while handling sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and assemble estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and related documents.
  • Assist with probate and trust administration matters, including gathering information, preparing court filings, and coordinating required documentation.
  • Obtain and organize legal, financial, and client documents.
  • Perform administrative and client service functions, including scheduling meetings and maintaining regular communication with clients.
  • Conduct basic legal research as needed.
  • Assist with drafting correspondence and other legal documentation.
  • Prepare, review, and file legal documents with courts and government agencies, as applicable.
  • Maintain and organize electronic and physical client files and databases.
  • Coordinate with attorneys, clients, financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals when appropriate.
  • Assist with other essential duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Prior paralegal or legal assistant experience is required.
  • Prior estate planning, probate, trust administration, or related legal experience is preferred.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent organizational, time management, and client service skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
  • Willingness to learn and develop expertise in estate planning and probate matters.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field, required.
  • Bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certification, preferred.

Pay & Benefits:

  • $22/hr - $32/hr
  • 100% Employer Paid Medical Benefits for Employees and Dependents
  • Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • 401 (k) Matching
  • Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay

Work Environment:

  • Full-time position (8-hour shift)
  • On-site attendance required

Join Our Team!

If you are a motivated individual with a genuine enthusiasm for the legal field, we encourage you to apply. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, along with opportunities for professional development within our firm.

Melone Hatley, P.C. is an equal opportunity employer.