5 Common Questions about Succession in Louisiana

—Input from an Experienced Succession Attorney in Louisiana

Do you have a favorite niece that you want to leave a valuable family ornament to? What about your home? Will it automatically go to your second husband, or will your children get it? These are questions that are part of estate planning. When you plan for the future of your estate, you are giving your family a tremendous gift—the ability to properly disperse your belongings after you die, according to your wishes. There are many laws and statutes that govern what happens to your estate and how it gets disbursed. A succession attorney understands that there is much more to the Louisiana probate and estate laws than ordinary citizens would know. They can ensure your final wishes are followed, leaving your family room to grieve appropriately.

Top Questions You May Have About Successions in Louisiana

The term ‘succession’ can be confusing. Often the word probate is used in place of succession. It doesn’t matter which term you use if you don’t understand what is essential about establishing a proper succession before you pass away. Here are five common questions to help you know what succession is and how it applies to your estate planning needs:

  1. What is a succession? People leave behind assets, debts, and other expenses when they die. Succession refers to the process of distributing said assets and paying any debts and expenses.
  2. What is a successor? Those who inherit personal belongings, homes, and cars are successors. They can be spouses, children, parents, or whomever you choose to inherit what you leave behind.
  3. If I die with a will, do my heirs have to go through a succession? Yes. The succession process is necessary whether there is a will or not. In Louisiana, a will is helpful to ensure those you choose to receive your belongings get them, overriding the intestacy laws.
  4. How long does it take to complete the succession process? It depends on the complexity of the estate. There are several steps, such as gathering documents, that are required. Sometimes it takes longer than others to pull the information together. It is possible for a simple succession process to take a few months, while more complicated ones can take years.
  5. Do I need a succession attorney to complete the process? It is recommended that you enlist the services of a legal professional who understands the intricacies of Louisiana’s complex succession laws. They can ensure you have the proper documentation in place for when the time comes, and your family needs them.

Choose an Experienced Louisiana Succession Attorney for Your Estate Planning

Pick a succession attorney who understands Louisiana’s estate planning laws and can assist you with setting up what you need. Consult with David L. White and his team. David has decades of experience helping families plan estates, create wills, and establish trusts. He can help you ensure your loved ones get what you want them to have when you die. Schedule a free phone consultation today to learn more.

Contact an experienced succession attorney in Louisiana who can handle all your estate planning needs. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.