Carlan J Kraft, Probate Attorney in Bismarck, North Dakota
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Probate and Real Estate · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Associate
Bismarck, ND
Practicing probate in Bismarck since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Carlan J Kraft?
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Quick answer
Carlan J Kraft is an associate based in Bismarck, ND. The practice focuses on Probate and Real Estate. Carlan has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Bismarck, ND
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Probate · Real Estate
- Handles Probate and Real Estate matters from Bismarck, ND.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Carlan J Kraft: Carlan J Kraft is an associate based in Bismarck, ND. The practice focuses on Probate and Real Estate. Carlan has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Carlan takes on
Carlan concentrates on probate and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Carlan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Probate cases in Bismarck, North Dakota
Carlan takes probate matters in Bismarck, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carlan agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Bismarck, North Dakota
Carlan takes real estate matters in Bismarck, North Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carlan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Carlan J Kraft — probate lawyer in Bismarck
Carlan J Kraft is an associate based in Bismarck, ND. The practice focuses on Probate and Real Estate. Carlan has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Carlan J Kraft is a lawyer practicing probate, real estate. Carlan received a B.S. degree from United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. in 1967, and has been licensed for 52 years. Carlan practices in Bismarck, ND.
How Carlan handles probate matters
Carlan J Kraft is a lawyer practicing probate, real estate. Carlan received a B.S. degree from United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. in 1967, and has been licensed for 52 years. Carlan practices in Bismarck, ND.
Who Carlan represents
Carlan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for probate and real estate matters in Bismarck and the surrounding North Dakota area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of North Dakota
J.D. · 1974
United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.
B.S. · 1967
Jurisdictions
Carlan's state bar admissions
North Dakota
1974 · ACTIVE
Montana (inactive)
1974 · ACTIVE
Carlan studied at J.D. in University of North Dakota and B.S. in United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y..
Law school and academic background
Carlan completed J.D. in University of North Dakota and B.S. in United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Carlan runs in North Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Carlan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Carlan's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar Association of North Dakota State Bar of Montana American Bar Association North Dakota Trial Lawyers Association The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership
Locations
Carlan J Kraft's office in Bismarck
Carlan's primary office is at 1304 Riverwood Dr, Bismarck, ND, 58504-6244. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Carlan J Kraft — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Carlan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing probate attorneys in Bismarck.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Carlan J Kraft claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Carlan J Kraft — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new probate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Carlan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Carlan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Carlan's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Carlan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a probate attorney in Bismarck, North Dakota
A short list to run through before you commit: How many probate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Carlan
Carlan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in probate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every probate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Carlan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Carlan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many probate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Carlan J Kraft
How much does it cost to hire Carlan for a probate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Carlan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Carlan offer a free consultation?
Carlan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Carlan's office. Some probate attorneys offer free consults — check Carlan's current terms during booking.
How long do probate cases in North Dakota typically take?
Simple probate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Carlan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Carlan take my case if I'm outside Bismarck?
Carlan is licensed in North Dakota. Matters governed by North Dakota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Carlan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Carlan?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Carlan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Carlan accepting new probate clients right now?
Carlan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Probate attorneys serving Bismarck, Fargo and Grand Forks in North Dakota
Carlan handles probate matters throughout North Dakota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified probate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated probate attorneys in North Dakota
If Carlan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these probate attorneys in Bismarck handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





