Prairieville Probate Lawyer

Probate Attorney in Prairieville, LA

The probate process, known as succession in Louisiana, can be daunting, especially in the wake of losing a loved one. The mandatory process can be time-consuming, even for relatively straightforward estates. It’s beneficial to work with a Prairieville probate lawyer to ensure you understand your options and have a clear strategy for how to move forward with an estate.

Our team at Shelby Law Firm is committed to helping local Louisianans through the succession process. This lets you take care of your loved one’s estate with one less thing to worry about in the wake of their passing. With nearly 30 years of experience under our belt, we’re comfortable handling complex estate matters, and we’re ready to hear more about your story.

Probate Cases in Louisiana

Many states recognize probate as the process of inventorying a deceased person’s estate. Louisiana’s version of probate is known as succession. This court-supervised process involves settling all matters involved with the decedent’s estate, including:

• Distributing assets to eligible heirs and beneficiaries
• Identifying an executor or administrator
• Paying outstanding debts and taxes
• Validating the will

When people think about probate cases, they’re often focused on receiving assets from the estate. However, the process also involves settling any debts and paying taxes. In recent studies, 55 percent of people in the United States believe they’re going to pass on debt when they die.

Navigating Succession in Prairieville, LA

The time it takes to make it through succession depends mostly on the details of the estate. That being said, the probate process is known for taking a while to resolve. Prairieville alone is home to over 35,000 people, and the Ascension Parish District Court serves more than just the one town.

There are steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays and make it through your probate case with ease. For starters, having a clear estate plan in place can make a big difference. Recent studies show that despite estate planning being such an important step in protecting one’s assets, only 32 percent of Americans have a will.

A will can be beneficial regardless of the state of your financial profile. You retain control while making important decisions regarding specific assets in your estate.

Estates without a will can take longer to process. This is because the court must complete all the normal steps listed above, as well as determine who has rights to the estate based on Louisiana’s intestacy laws.

About Our Prairieville Probate Lawyers

It can be challenging to navigate a probate case while figuring out funeral arrangements at places like Prairieville Cemetery or Hope Haven Cemetery. That’s why it’s recommended to hire a probate lawyer who understands the succession process and is dedicated to getting you through your case.

Shelby Law Firm has been helping Louisiana families through complex succession cases since 2002. That gives us over two decades of experience navigating Louisiana probate laws and helping people with their estate needs.

When you choose us as your Prairieville probate attorneys, you can rest assured you’re receiving honest and ethical legal representation. Our team offers experienced attorneys, dedicated legal assistants, and a certified paralegal who are focused on your success.

FAQs

Do I Have to Hire a Probate Lawyer for a Probate Case in Prairieville?

You’re not legally required to hire a probate lawyer if you’re undergoing succession in Prairieville, but it’s recommended that you do. A Prairieville probate attorney can help you understand the proper steps to take to avoid unnecessary delays.

They can also explain options for protecting assets in an estate. This can help you skip the probate process entirely or streamline it considerably. Whatever level of care you need, you can count on a Prairieville probate lawyer to deliver.

How Much Does It Cost to Work With a Prairieville Probate Lawyer?

The cost of working with a Prairieville probate attorney varies depending on the complexity of the estate and the services you require from your legal team. When you hire a probate lawyer, you can expect to pay a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer, depending on their specific fee structure.

Although lawyers come with a cost, in many situations, they can help you avoid probate entirely. They save you time, money, and stress that come with probate.

How Do I Avoid Probate in Prairieville?

How to avoid probate in Prairieville looks different for each estate. Having a will is not enough to avoid the probate process. In fact, a key part of succession is validating the will before distributing assets to any heirs or beneficiaries.

You can protect certain assets by placing them in a trust. You can also name beneficiaries on certain accounts, like checking and savings accounts, life insurance policies, and retirement accounts that automatically transfer upon the estate owner’s death.

How Long Do I Have to Initiate the Probate Process After a Person Dies in Prairieville?

There is no strict time limit on initiating the probate process after a person dies in Prairieville, but any delays can cause complications. It could cause delays and potential legal disputes over ownership rights.

The quicker you start the probate process, the sooner the assets from the estate can be distributed to the rightful owners, and the less time there is for challenges to arise. A Prairieville probate attorney can help you avoid as many unnecessary delays as possible.

Hire a Probate Lawyer to Help With Your Estate Planning Needs in Prairieville

Probate cases can be complicated both emotionally and logistically. Moreover, it can be difficult to create an estate plan, since succession can look so different from case to case. Our team at Shelby Law Firm is trained in probate and succession law. We bring decades of experience handling cases through the Ascension Parish District Court.

We’re confident we can help you through your case and help you secure your rights over an estate. Reach out to our office to set up an initial appointment with a member of our team to discuss your case in more detail.

Meet Our Prairieville Probate Lawyers