Estate planning

When a loved one passes away, they may leave behind assets that their family must divide. In Louisiana, the legal process of transferring property (or an estate) to the rightful heirs is succession. The process ensures the resolution of debts, the clearance of...

When a will names you executor, you may feel responsible for holding the family together before you understand the job. Relatives may expect answers, creditors may ask questions and business or rental issues may keep moving while everyone is grieving. The pressure in...

You have worked hard to build your business in Louisiana. Making sure it survives you and provides a safety net for your family might be some of your biggest concerns. If you have already put a will in place, that instinct to plan ahead is the right one. However,...

Losing someone in Louisiana can leave you feeling uncertain about what to do next, especially when it comes to handling probate or succession. You might wonder how to manage responsibilities, settle debts and distribute assets fairly. Every estate has its own...

Louisiana’s estate system operates under civil law, which differs from the common law used in most states. Under this system, property ownership can divide between use and title after a person’s death. If your estate plan depends only on a will, you may overlook this...

Time goes by quickly when you turn into an adult. Aside from your job, you also must balance your time between your chores, your personal activities and rest. Every day is a constant cycle of making plans and trying your best to stick to it, but what about your...

The most effective estate plans contain a number of different documents. People draft wills, fund trusts and put together living documents. Powers of attorney can be important inclusions in comprehensive estate plans. They protect adults in scenarios where they become...

In many estate plans, the testamentary instrument is the most important document. For many people, the document they rely on to structure their legacy is a will. Wills allow people to choose beneficiaries, name specific people to serve as their personal...

Powers of attorney are arguably some of the most important estate planning documents people create. They are also some of the most misunderstood legal instruments. Many people have an aversion to powers of attorney because they have heard misinformation about these...

Louisiana is a unique state in many ways. It has enacted laws that few, if any, other states have embraced. For example, many of its laws governing estate planning and succession are truly unique. Consider “forced heirship.” Louisiana is the only state in the country...