A Louisiana succession is the legal process of transferring a deceased person’s property, debts, and rights to their heirs or legatees. It is the Louisiana equivalent of probate, but governed by our state’s unique civil law tradition. A succession is generally required to retitle real estate and to access most financial accounts after a death.

Most uncontested successions close in roughly 14 business days from the time we have the necessary documents. Complex estates, contested matters, or out-of-state real property can extend the timeline considerably. We give a realistic estimate during your free consultation.

A testate succession is one where the decedent left a valid will, and the will controls who inherits. An intestate succession applies when there is no will, and Louisiana’s Civil Code default rules determine the distribution among heirs. Both are handled in court, but the documents, proof requirements, and timelines differ.

No. The vast majority of our successions are handled entirely remotely. Heirs sign documents in front of a notary in their home state and return them by mail or secure upload. We appear in court and file electronically on your behalf.

Louisiana protects certain children — generally those 23 or younger at the parent’s death, or of any age if permanently incapable of caring for themselves due to mental or physical infirmity — from being disinherited. These “forced heirs” are entitled to a guaranteed portion of the estate (the “legitime”) even if the will provides otherwise.

A usufruct is the right to use property and receive its fruits — such as income or occupancy — for a defined period. The naked owner holds the underlying ownership interest, subject to the usufruct. In Louisiana, a surviving spouse often receives a usufruct over the deceased spouse’s share of community property while the children hold the naked ownership.

Yes. If the decedent lived outside Louisiana but owned property here — most often immovable property like land or a home — we open an ancillary succession to retitle the Louisiana asset. We coordinate with your home-state attorney or executor as needed.

At minimum: a certified death certificate, the original will (if one exists), a basic inventory of the decedent’s Louisiana assets, and the names and addresses of the heirs. After your free consultation we send a tailored checklist so you know exactly what to gather.

Most uncontested successions follow a predictable set of steps, and document automation lets us deliver them efficiently. Flat fees mean you know the price before signing, you don’t get surprised by hourly charges, and our incentives align with finishing your matter quickly and correctly.

If heirs dispute the will, the inventory, or the distribution, the matter shifts from a flat-fee succession into litigation. We will assess the dispute, give you an honest read on options, and provide an upfront quote for the next phase. We never bill silently for contested work.