Navigating a loved one’s estate can feel overwhelming. As an experienced succession lawyer in Metairie, I guide families across New Orleans and Louisiana through the probate process with compassion and clarity after the death of a loved one.
If your loved on has just passed away and you need help understanding and navigating the succession process, we can help. Our staff is compassionate and knowledgeable in walking clients through the succession process.
Succession and Probate Lawyer
For Metairie and New Orleans Families
What is a Succession in Louisiana?
When a loved one passes away in Louisiana, their assets must be transferred to their heirs under Louisiana law. Succession, also known as Probate, is the legal process through which the heirs of the decedent are identified and the property of the decedent is distributed either according to their will, or the laws of intestacy in Louisiana.
Types of Successions
Testate Successions
Once a loved one passes, it is important to locate their last will and testament, if they had one. Once located, the will can be probated, giving it legal effect and vesting the executor with the authority to see to it that the decedent’s property is distributed according to the terms of the will. After the will has been probated, the legatees can be placed into possession of their inheritance and the decedent’s estate can be closed.
Intestate Successions
If your loved one passed without leaving a last will and testament, their estate must be distributed according to Louisiana law. Since there is not a will to probate, the legal heirs of the decedent must be identified, so that they may be placed in possession of the decedent’s belongings and the estate can be closed.
Small Successions
If the estate of the decedent is valued at less than $125,000.00 the succession may be handled by a less formal process than a larger estate. This process can take less time and involves less cost to the decedent’s loved ones.