SUCCESSION Law

When it comes to making plans for the future, we recognize that everyone has different needs and objectives. Our lawyers will take the time to learn about your objectives and customize the documents you’ll need to achieve them, including:

• A will enables you to decide your preferences on how your properties will be distributed after you pass away. If you have minor children, you can also appoint a guardian for them in your will, which the court will recognize in the event of your untimely death.

• When you become incapacitated, a living will allows you to express your desires on whether or not you want life-sustaining steps to be taken. Without a living will, no one can request to avoid life-sustaining care.

• If you have a minor heir, we will place your assets in a trust that will be managed by a trustee until the child is old enough to manage their own finances. Your loved ones will be able to escape the lengthy succession or probate process by establishing a living trust.

• Powers of attorney that are both general and long-lasting allow you to appoint people to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf. You may define the authority’s scope as well as when it goes into practice. A medical power of attorney, unlike a living will, doesn’t provide permission to terminate life-sustaining measures if you become incapacitated. It enables someone else to work on your behalf in situations such as gaining access to medical records, obtaining permission for medical attention, and processing insurance claims.

Our mission is to help you consider your estate planning options so that you can feel at ease and secure in your decisions. The right estate plan will spare your loved ones the trouble of splitting your home, other properties, and debts by avoiding probate.

In Louisiana, an heir must open a succession for the court to place the heir in possession of the decedent’s property. Our lawyers guide executors and managers through the transition process, ensuring that they are aware of their responsibilities and rights. We assist them in performing their responsibilities properly, including:

• • Paying off outstanding debt
  • Transferring title
  • Distributing assets to beneficiaries and heirs
  • Preparing and filing any accounting required by the court

It is important to take care of these things as soon as possible after the loss of a loved one. Families who wait also face more serious issues later on, such as ownership disputes while attempting to sell real estate that was once purchased by the deceased party. We understand how daunting it can be, and we will do all we can to alleviate the uncertainty and frustration that comes with the succession process.