Ascension Parish Successions Lawyer

Ascension Parish Successions Attorney

The aftermath of a loved one’s death can be emotional, devastating, and unpredictable, especially if the person did not have a plan in place for succession. As you are dealing with a significant loss, it may also fall to you to untangle the legal complications left in the wake of your loved one’s passing. Dealing with Louisiana succession laws can be a frustrating process on your own, which is why you should consider hiring an Ascension Parish successions lawyer for help.

The legal team at Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC can provide you with a clear plan for how to handle your succession case. The help of an Ascension Parish successions attorney cannot be overstated.

The succession process, which is generally known as probate in other states, can be taxing. However, it is necessary to resolve your loved one’s estate plan if they created one. Your lawyer can help walk you through the state’s succession laws as they apply to your situation.

The Succession Process in Ascension Parish

Succession in Ascension Parish is generally handled by the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court, who can be found at the courthouse in nearby Gonzales on Worthey Street. This is the office that maintains property records and processes legal transfers.

According to Gallup, only around 46% of Americans reported having a will. If no will is in place, the estate will be divided in accordance with Louisiana’s intestate succession laws. This follows a specific line of succession that may not be what your loved one wanted.

That’s why it’s so important to have an estate plan. The succession process can be complex. Here are the most important steps of succession:

• The succession process begins when you file a petition for succession in the parish district court. With the median household income for a family of four in Louisiana being about $98,000 in 2025 and the median property value in Louisiana being about $208,000 in 2023, it’s likely that your loved one had an estate plan in place. This ensured their valuable property, assets, and bank accounts were passed to the right people.
• Once the petition has been filed, the judge presiding over the case will appoint an executor if that person is named in the will. If there is no will, an administrator is appointed instead. Their job is to oversee the succession process and manage the estate. Your lawyer can help guide you through this process if needed.
• The representative of the estate collects all assets related to the estate and puts together a comprehensive list of every asset and debt. Be sure to get an IRS Tax ID number for the estate in order to open any bank accounts. It’s vital that any creditors be paid first so outstanding debts can be settled prior to the distribution of remaining assets.
• Once all debts have been completely settled, the remaining assets will be distributed to the designated beneficiaries named in the will. If the estate is intestate, the assets will be passed to the heirs who are in line to receive them. Once the estate is distributed, the court will close the case and estate.

Succession is an extensive process, and it can be draining for family members still recovering from the loss of a loved one. This is why trusts can be valuable to consider for your estate. They can help you skip this process entirely or significantly reduce the amount of assets that must go through succession.

FAQs

What Are the Succession Rules in Louisiana?

The succession rules in Louisiana are dependent on whether or not the estate is testate or intestate. If there is a valid will (testate), asset distribution will be handled in accordance with the deceased’s wishes. If there is no valid will (intestate), then the estate will be distributed to the legal heirs first. That usually means the deceased’s children. There are certain key rules to follow for children who are under 24 years of age or disabled.

What Is the Order of Heirship in Louisiana?

The order of heirship in Louisiana is very specific. It is generally only followed if the deceased has no will or designated beneficiaries. First in line are the deceased’s children. If there are no descendants, it passes to the deceased’s parents and siblings. From there, it continues to the surviving spouse, then the grandparents, and finally the nearest collaterals, like aunts, uncles, and cousins. If there is no one to inherit, the estate goes to the state of Louisiana.

Is There a Time Limit for Succession in Louisiana?

No, there is no time limit for succession in Louisiana. There is no strict legal deadline to begin the succession process, but it’s recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after death to avoid any potential complications. If you wait too long to initiate succession, bank accounts can become inaccessible, titles can be harder to transfer, and it can be difficult to sell property to cover debts.

How Can a Succession Lawyer Help in Louisiana?

A succession lawyer can help in many vital ways. Most of all, having an experienced professional by your side can give you peace of mind that your case is being handled correctly. Your lawyer can help you navigate the state’s unique civil law system, prevent you from making mistakes, and monitor the succession process throughout the case.

Why Hire a Successions Lawyer?

It’s important to surround yourself with professionals when you are dealing with something as important as succession. That’s why you should hire a successions lawyer to take charge of the case and make sure everything goes smoothly.

Carl S. Goode has a considerable amount of experience assisting clients with their estate planning needs, including overseeing succession cases.  At Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC, we can oversee your loved one’s succession, advocate for you when necessary, and ensure that no creditors or estranged family members try to take advantage of the situation. Contact us to speak to a team member about how we can help.