Central Successions Lawyer

Central Successions Attorney

Estate planning laws are different in Louisiana than in most other states. Rather than deriving from English Common Law, Louisiana’s civil law system is rooted in French and Spanish law. You can turn to a Central successions lawyer to help you through the logistical side of losing a loved one.

It’s imperative that you understand the nuances of Louisiana’s succession laws if you’re handling an estate. Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. With over four decades of experience under our belt, Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC has a thorough understanding of Louisiana succession laws.

Our team has experience navigating succession cases through the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish. We understand how much is at stake when it comes to your money and other property. With countless avenues to explore, it’s helpful to have a professional on your side that you can trust.

Succession Laws in Louisiana

Succession in Louisiana is a bit different than in many other states. The process refers to the transfer of ownership of property from the decedent to those intended to inherit it.

It’s commonly known as probate in other states. The term “succession” can be used to describe just the process of validating a will or the entire process of handling an estate after someone’s death.

Your estate is going to go through succession with or without a will. Having estate planning documents in place simply makes it easier to navigate.

Despite their usefulness, not many people have taken the time to draft a valid will. In fact, recent studies show that less than half of all Americans have one. For this reason, there are two types of succession laws recognized in Louisiana:

• Testate succession. If someone passes with a valid will in place, the executor of their estate goes through the proper steps to distribute the assets and take care of any remaining debts. Creditors have a chance to recover any outstanding debts. After that, the court is likely to follow the wishes outlined in a will after validating it.
• Intestate succession. When a decedent dies without a will, what happens to the estate is up to the courts. There’s an order of priority for who receives assets in an estate, starting with their children and grandchildren. The deceased’s spouse’s portion of the marital property goes to direct descendants, but the surviving spouse has a right to use the property.

Louisiana also recognizes a forced heirship law, which automatically allocates a percentage of an estate for any children under the age of 24. No estate planning documents can override this law, including trusts.

Hire a Successions Lawyer You Can Trust for Your Case in Central

Navigating a succession case can be complicated regardless of the nature of the estate. Instead of trying to learn all of Louisiana’s succession laws for yourself, you can turn to a Central successions lawyer to help you understand your options when dealing with an estate.

For over 40 years, Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC has been helping individuals and families through complex succession cases. Our firm possesses advanced knowledge rooted in Louisiana civil law.

Attorney Carl S. Goode is a board-certified estate planning and estate administration specialist. He has in-depth knowledge about estates and the succession process in Louisiana. Over the years, we’ve also earned a high rating with Super Lawyers® and an AV-Preeminent® peer rating on the Martindale® Directory.*

FAQs

Who Are Assets Distributed to Under Intestate Succession in Louisiana?

Who assets are distributed to under intestate succession in Louisiana depends on who survives the deceased party. Louisiana law follows an order of priority for who receives the remaining assets in an estate:

1. Descendants (children and grandchildren)
2. Parents, siblings, and their descendants
3. Surviving spouse
4. Grandparents
5. Other distant relatives

The surviving spouse has a right to their share of marital property. While the decedent’s children technically are entitled to the rest of this marital property, the surviving spouse still has usufruct.

Do All Assets Have to Go Through Succession in Central?

All assets do not have to go through succession in Central. There are a handful of ways to avoid succession. It’s wise to hire a succession lawyer to evaluate your case and help you understand your rights and legal options for settling an estate. Common ways to avoid probate in Louisiana include:

• Adding payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations
• Filing a small succession affidavit
• Opening a trust
• Utilizing beneficiary designations

How Long Does Succession Take in Central?

How long succession takes in Central can vary depending on the details of your financial profile and your case itself. Highly complex estates are typically going to take longer. This can include:

• Business disputes
• Contested estates
• Real estate disputes

The type of assets you have and your goals and objectives for the future can all affect the timeline for succession in Louisiana. Speak with an attorney for a clearer picture of your case.

What Is a Small Succession Affidavit Under Louisiana Law?

A small succession affidavit under Louisiana law is reserved for estates that are worth less than $125,000. You can file a small succession affidavit regardless of whether or not the deceased party had a will when they passed.

This method is typically faster and simpler than the standard process. This can speed up the process significantly, allowing you to access funds from an estate as soon as possible.

Discuss Your Options With a Central Succession Lawyer You Can Trust

Navigating succession in Louisiana can be stressful, especially when you’re already dealing with the loss of a loved one. When you choose Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC as your legal representation in a succession case, you’re choosing a firm you can trust.

We possess advanced knowledge rooted in Louisiana civil law. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our team is here to help.

Contact the office to set up an appointment with an attorney you can trust today. We’re conveniently located nearby in East Baton Rouge Parish on US-61.

*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.