Central Trusts Lawyer

Central Trusts Attorney

Estate planning is an important step for anyone to take regardless of your financial profile and what stage of life you’re in. Every case is unique, which is why it’s recommended that you work with a Central trusts lawyer.

Your attorney can evaluate your situation and help you understand the right options for securing your wealth. A trust is a valuable estate planning tool that can help you protect certain assets and retain control over what happens to them after you pass on.

Since we first opened our doors 40+ years ago, Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC has been representing individuals and families through complex trust cases. Whether you’re opening a new trust or dealing with a dispute, you can turn to one of our Central estate planning lawyers for comprehensive support and legal counsel. We’re familiar with Louisiana trust laws and how to navigate these types of cases through the 19th Judicial District Court.

Trust Cases in Central, LA

Trusts are legally binding agreements that allow a trustor to transfer assets to be managed by a trustee upon their death. By outlining what you want to happen with these assets in the future, you can rest assured your hard-earned wealth is going to the right hands when the time comes.

Despite their usefulness, the majority of people in America don’t have one. In a recent study, only 13 percent of respondents said they have a trust.

One of the biggest advantages of opening a trust is that you can skip the succession process and distribute assets directly to the intended beneficiaries and heirs. Succession, also known as probate, is the process of validating an estate after someone dies.

Usually, this involves organizing the estate, settling outstanding debts, and distributing assets to the right parties. With a valid will in place, courts typically follow the decedent’s wishes outlined in the document.

Without a will, the estate goes through intestate succession instead. Regardless, the probate process can be challenging and time-consuming. Additionally, it can be expensive.

The cost of probate in Louisiana can vary, but it’s known for being a costly process. In some cases, costs can reach up to 10 percent of the value of the estate.

Hire a Trusts Lawyer in Central to Discuss Your Estate Planning Options

Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC brings over 40 years of estate planning experience to the table. Our team is led by Attorney Carl S. Goode, who is a board-certified estate planning and estate administration specialist.

Over the years, we’ve built a stellar reputation. Our local law firm is:

• Peer-rated as AV-Preeminent® with Martindale®
• Rated by Super Lawyers®*

We take pride in our extensive knowledge of Louisiana trust laws, and we’re ready to put it to work for you. No matter the details of your case, you can rest assured we’re here to help.

FAQs

What Types of Trusts Are Recognized Under Louisiana Law?

There are many types of trusts recognized under Louisiana law. It’s important to do your research in order to choose the right type of trust for your goals and objectives.

Some of the most common types of trusts that you may open in Louisiana include:

• Irrevocable trusts
• Revocable trusts
• Special needs trusts
• Spendthrift trusts
• Testamentary trusts

Different types of trusts serve different purposes, and some may work better than others. A Central trusts lawyer can help you understand your options.

Do Assets in a Trust Have to Go Through Probate in Central?

No, assets in a trust typically do not have to go through probate in Central. However, this can depend on the type of trust.

Assets avoid succession as long as they are transferred into the name of the trust while you are still alive. Otherwise, the assets in the trust may still have to go through probate. If the estate is valued at less than $125,000, you may be able to file a small succession affidavit instead.

Can Trusts Be Contested in a Central Trust Case?

Yes, trusts can be contested in a Central trust case. Interested parties like beneficiaries and legal heirs can file a petition to challenge the validity of a trust as long as they have a valid reason under Louisiana law. You can’t simply dispute a trust because you don’t like the terms.

Common grounds for filing a petition against a trust in Louisiana include:

• Breach of fiduciary duty
• Failure to meet legal requirements
• Fraud or forgery
• Lack of capacity
• Undue influence

Does a Trust Override Louisiana’s Forced Heirship Laws?

No, a trust does not override Louisiana’s forced heirship laws. Under Louisiana’s forced heirship law, a portion of an estate is automatically reserved for any children of the decedent who are 23 years old or younger.

Even if you place assets in a trust to be distributed to your chosen beneficiaries or heirs, you must allocate a percentage for those direct descendants. The exact percentage depends on the number of children involved in the trust.

Talk to a Central Trusts Attorney About Your Estate Planning Goals

Estate planning can be as simple or as specific as you want. The more comprehensive your estate plan, the more control you’re going to retain over your estate.

Opening a trust is a great way to secure your assets and have peace of mind knowing they’re going to the right place after you pass. If you need help with estate planning, it’s wise to hire a trusts attorney to assist you.

Our legal team brings over four decades of legal experience to the table that we’re ready to leverage to help with your trust case. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, we’re the local firm to call.

Come and see us at our office here in East Baton Rouge Parish to discuss your case in more detail with an attorney you can trust. We’re conveniently located on US-61 and near I-10 and I-12. Contact the office to schedule an appointment with a member of our team today.

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