Lafayette Successions Attorney
When a person dies, their estate must enter the succession process to validate the will, settle the estate’s debts, and properly distribute the individual’s assets to the relevant heirs or beneficiaries. A qualified and skilled Lafayette successions lawyer can guide you through this complex legal process, whether you are the estate representative, an heir, or another interested party.
When to Hire a Successions Lawyer in Lafayette?
Despite the importance of a will, a large number of Americans. In a 2025 survey, more than 50 percent of respondents reported not having a will. When asked, most people simply said they put it off for a later date.
It is essential to create an estate plan tailored to your needs, up to date, and legally valid. An estate planning professional can help you create a will in addition to guiding you through the process of a loved one’s will going through succession.
Successions are an important aspect of estate law. Probate, also called succession in the state of Louisiana, is the common law term for the transfer of assets and property belonging to a recently deceased individual. You should hire a successions lawyer if:
- There is no will. If a loved one died without a valid will in place, a succession attorney can guide you through the strict procedures associated with intestate succession and heirs.
- There are disagreements among beneficiaries of the estate. Whether you or another involved party disagrees with how the distribution of assets is handled, a lawyer can represent you in any dispute proceedings.
- It is a high-asset estate. If a person’s estate is small enough, it may qualify for a Small Succession Affidavit, making the process more streamlined than if the estate were large or contained complex assets such as a business. An attorney can simplify the process of managing a high-asset succession.
- The estate contains real estate properties. For immovable property, such as real estate, to be transferred, detailed procedures must be followed. A succession lawyer helps make this process easier to understand and navigate.
- The estate has debts and tax obligations. Part of the succession process includes settling the estate’s debts, which can be complicated without an attorney’s assistance, before assets can be distributed.
Closing out an estate can be difficult to do on your own, especially without prior experience. That’s why an attorney with a direct, straightforward approach can help with your case.
Work with an Experienced Successions Professional
If you’re looking for an experienced and straightforward Lafayette successions attorney, look no further than the woman-owned firm at The Thompson Law Office, LLC. Our attorneys provide meticulous legal guidance and aggressive representation on your behalf in all succession proceedings. We regularly handle estate law issues, including wills, powers of attorney, successions, and more.
A succession case in Lafayette is most likely to be heard in the 15th Judicial District Court for Lafayette Parish. The Lafayette Parish Courthouse is located at 800 South Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. Depending on where the deceased individual lived and other details of the succession case, the legal venue can vary, so be sure to confirm the location with your lawyer.
FAQs
What Is the Succession Process in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, succession is another word for probate, which is a legal procedure entailing processing a person’s estate following their death. The succession process begins by validating the deceased individual’s will and other estate planning documents, if any.
Proceedings then include identifying the estate’s assets, settling debts, and transferring assets and property to the appropriate heirs. Several issues can arise during succession, so it’s beneficial to work with a qualified attorney with experience in estate law procedures and litigation.
Is There a Time Limit for Succession in Louisiana?
In the state of Louisiana, there is no time limit on opening a succession case, but it’s generally advised to file within six months to a year following the decedent’s death. It’s possible to open a succession later, but it’s advisable to do so right away to avoid delays or complications in transferring assets. This avoids potential issues such as frozen bank accounts, complicating titles, and the inability to sell real estate.
What Documents Are Needed to Open a Succession?
To open a succession in Louisiana, several documents may be necessary, but two of the most critical are the deceased’s will and their death certificate. If the deceased individual lacked a valid will, succession is still mandatory.
For the succession process, it is also important to acquire an itemized list of all assets and debts within the decedent’s estate. Your succession lawyer can tell you what paperwork to collect, depending on whether you are an estate representative or a beneficiary.
What Is the Next of Kin Order for Succession in LA?
In Louisiana, which of the deceased’s next of kin has priority to receive assets during succession where there was no will follows a strict order. Generally, separate property within the estate first goes to any surviving children, known as descendants.
If the deceased individual left no surviving children, the order of priority then goes to the parents, followed by siblings. Community property, which was acquired by and shared between spouses, typically goes to the surviving spouse, if there is one.
Does a Surviving Spouse Inherit Everything in Louisiana?
A surviving spouse does not typically inherit everything during a Louisiana succession. If the deceased lacked a valid will at the time of death, their estate is subject to the state’s intestate succession laws.
This means a surviving spouse would be prioritized to receive community property, while any surviving children would be prioritized to receive separate property. If there is a will, an attorney can help determine which beneficiaries are most likely to receive which assets.
Consult a Successions Attorney in Lafayette
When dealing with important matters such as the succession process, it’s beneficial to work with a legal professional who possesses the necessary qualifications, experience, and keen attention to detail. Reach out to The Thompson Law Office, LLC, today to schedule a meeting with a capable and educated successions lawyer.
