Walker Estate Planning Lawyer

Walker Estate Planning Attorney

Planning for the inevitable future isn’t something that’s easy to talk about. However, it’s one of the most meaningful things you can do for the people you love. A Walker estate planning lawyer from Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC can help.

Our goal is to help you create a solid plan that’ll give you peace of mind because it’s not about the documents; it’s about the people those documents are meant to protect.

What Is Estate Planning and Why Does It Matter?

Estate planning isn’t just about preparing for the end of life; it’s about taking control while you’re still living. Shockingly, only 24% of Americans have an estate plan. An estate plan gives you a voice in what happens to your assets, your medical care, and your loved ones. Having a plan in place can help avoid confusion, conflict, and unnecessary court involvement.

An effective estate plan can include:

• Wills and trusts
• Powers of attorney
• Healthcare directives
• Beneficiary designations
• Business succession plans
• Guardianship nominations

The truth is, everyone has an estate, even if you think you don’t have many assets. Without a clear plan, Louisiana’s intestate laws can step in to figure out who gets what. That process isn’t always aligned with your wishes, and it can be costly and time-consuming for your loved ones. At Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC, we can help you protect everything you’ve worked hard to build.

How Estate Planning Works in Louisiana

Louisiana’s estate laws are unique and include specific laws around inheritance, forced heirship, and property transfers that can surprise even lifelong residents.

One major distinction is forced heirship, which generally requires a portion of your estate to go to children under the age of 24 or a child of any age who is permanently disabled. This means you can’t disinherit them without legal cause, and this is just another reason why estate planning here is never a one-size-fits-all process.

In addition, Louisiana is a community property state, which can affect how assets are divided. This means if you pass away without a will, your separate and community property is then divided according to Louisiana’s intestate succession rules, which might not be what you had in mind.

At Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC, our role is to help you navigate these specific legal frameworks to make sure your estate plan works the way you intended it to.

Trusts, Wills, and What They Actually Do

With 46% of Americans having a will and only 13% of Americans having a trust, it’s clear there’s confusion surrounding why you might need one or either.

A last will and testament is a document that outlines what your wishes are for your property, your minor children, and any final arrangement preferences you have. If you pass away without one, your estate could face delays and increased costs through succession court.

A trust, on the other hand, can help your estate avoid succession court altogether. It also lets you manage your assets while you’re still alive and puts a plan in place in case you become incapacitated.

Rooted in Walker, Focused on You

When you work with a Walker estate planning lawyer from Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC, you’re not just getting someone who knows Louisiana law. You’re getting someone who understands how that law plays out in local courts, like the 21st Judicial District Court in Livingston Parish.

We’ve walked those courthouse halls, spoken with local clerks, and helped generations of Walker families create plans that reflect their lives. What sets us apart is how we approach each client: with clarity, patience, and respect.

We also bring something else to the table; we have tax knowledge. As our name suggests, we integrate tax planning into your estate strategy from the start. That means we can help you reduce burdens on your heirs, plan for charitable giving in a tax-efficient way, and avoid costly mistakes that generic online documents often overlook.

It’s not just about paperwork. It’s about building a plan that holds up in the real world right here in Walker.

FAQs

What Happens if I Move to Louisiana After Creating an Estate Plan in My Old State?

If you move to Louisiana from another state, your estate plan could still be valid. However, it might not align perfectly with Louisiana’s state laws, especially when it comes to community property and succession (called probate in other states) procedures. It’s a good idea to have your documents reviewed by an attorney from Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC to make sure everything still functions as intended.

What if I Want to Leave Assets to Someone With Special Needs?

If you want to leave assets to someone with special needs, you need to make sure that doing so doesn’t unintentionally disqualify them from their government benefits. To avoid disqualification, many people set up a special needs trust. This allows you to provide financial support without affecting eligibility for programs like Medicaid or SSI.

Do I Have to Tell My Family What’s in My Estate Plan?

No, you don’t have to tell your family what’s in your estate plan, as there’s no legal requirement to do so. However, transparency with your family members can often prevent confusion or conflict later, especially if the contents could come as a surprise. At a minimum, someone you trust should know where to find your documents and how to contact your attorney if something happens.

How Do I Handle Digital Assets Like Social Media and Cryptocurrency in My Estate Plan?

Digital assets like social media and cryptocurrency are becoming increasingly important. You can designate someone to manage your online accounts, email, cloud storage, and digital currency by including language in your will or trust and by maintaining a secure, up-to-date inventory with login credentials stored separately in a secure location.

Start the Conversation with Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC

If you’ve been putting off creating your estate plan, you’re not alone. However, putting it off doesn’t stop time from marching forward. Whether you’re facing a recent diagnosis, entering retirement, or just trying to get your affairs in order, now is the right time to act.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Let us help you create a plan that gives you peace of mind and provides protection for the people who matter most to you.