Last updated: May 10, 2026
TL;DR
If you live outside Louisiana but inherit Louisiana real estate or mineral rights, you need an ancillary succession in Louisiana — even if the primary probate is open in another state. The process can be handled entirely remotely; you sign one notarized document at any notary near you. Typical timeline: 14–21 business days.
If you live in Texas, Florida, Georgia, or anywhere outside Louisiana and inherited property in the state, you need a Louisiana succession — and you can handle the entire process remotely without ever setting foot in a courtroom.
The Problem: Louisiana Property, Out-of-State Heir
Every year, thousands of people who live outside Louisiana inherit property in the state — real estate, mineral interests, bank accounts, and more. Many of them are surprised to learn that Louisiana’s unique civil law system requires a formal succession proceeding in Louisiana, regardless of where they live or where the deceased was domiciled.
This is called an ancillary succession — a succession proceeding in Louisiana that is secondary to the primary probate or succession proceeding in the deceased’s home state.
When Is a Louisiana Ancillary Succession Required?
A Louisiana ancillary succession is required whenever a non-Louisiana domiciliary dies owning immovable property (real estate or mineral interests) in Louisiana. The succession must be filed in the Louisiana parish where the property is located.
Movable property (bank accounts, vehicles, personal property) located in Louisiana may be transferred using the primary probate order from the deceased’s home state, depending on the institution. However, immovable property always requires a Louisiana succession. (Background: How to Open a Succession in Louisiana.)
What Documents Do You Need?
For an ancillary succession, you will typically need:
| Document | Where to Obtain |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of the death certificate | State vital records office where death occurred |
| Certified copy of the will (if any) | Probate court in the home state |
| Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration | Probate court in the home state |
| Property deed or tax assessment | Louisiana parish assessor’s office |
| Names and addresses of all heirs | Your records |
For a complete list see our Louisiana Succession Documents Checklist.
Can You Handle It Remotely?
Yes — entirely. At Pelican Succession Law, we handle ancillary successions for out-of-state heirs across the country. The process is:
- Intake — you describe the situation and we provide a flat-fee quote
- Document upload — you upload documents to your secure client portal
- We draft the pleadings
- You sign one notarized document — the Verification, at any notary near you
- We file and track and deliver the Judgment of Possession by email and certified mail
You never need to travel to Louisiana.
Common Scenarios
Texas Heir, Louisiana Mineral Interests
The most common scenario we handle. A Texas resident’s parent dies owning fractional mineral interests in Louisiana parishes — often inherited generations ago and worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. A Louisiana ancillary succession is required to transfer the mineral interests to the heirs.
Florida Heir, Louisiana Vacation Property
A Florida resident inherits a camp or vacation home on a Louisiana lake or in the Louisiana countryside. The property cannot be sold or refinanced until a Louisiana succession is completed. (See: Real Estate Closing Stalled Because of a Louisiana Succession?)
Multi-State Estate
The deceased owned property in Louisiana and several other states. The primary probate is filed in the state of domicile, and ancillary proceedings are filed in each state where real property is located — including Louisiana.
How Long Does It Take?
For out-of-state heirs with complete documentation, our average timeline is 14–21 business days from the date we receive all documents. The timeline is slightly longer than a standard succession because we typically need to coordinate with the home state’s probate court to obtain certified copies of the will and letters testamentary.
Don’t Wait — Mineral Interests Accumulate
If the deceased owned Louisiana mineral interests, the royalty payments due to the estate are being held in suspense by the oil and gas company until the succession is completed. Every month you wait is a month of royalty income that is not reaching the heirs.
Out-of-state and ready to start?
Tell us about the Louisiana property you inherited — we’ll send a flat-fee quote within 24 hours and handle everything remotely from there.
Related from Pelican: Ancillary Louisiana Succession, Louisiana Mineral Rights Succession, Stalled Real Estate Closing, Stalled Closing & Succession, Documents Checklist.
Related Reading
- Real Estate Closing Stalled Because of a Louisiana Succession?
- Louisiana Succession Documents Checklist
- How to Open a Succession in Louisiana
- Ancillary Louisiana Succession (service page)
Disclaimer. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. For advice on your specific situation, consult a Louisiana attorney. Pelican Succession Law’s attorneys are licensed only in Louisiana. Attorney Advertising.
Leave a Reply