Prairieville Successions Lawyer

Successions Attorney in Prairieville, LA

Louisiana’s civil laws differ from those of most other states. They derive from French and Spanish law, while most of the rest of the country follows some derivative of English Common Law. Succession laws in particular can be a bit complicated to understand, complete with unique laws and terminology not seen anywhere else. A Prairieville successions lawyer can help you understand key aspects of Louisiana law to take care of an estate.

Residents living in the Baton Rouge area don’t have to look any further than Shelby Law Firm to settle a succession case. Our team has served local Louisianans for three decades and counting. We’re comfortable navigating complex cases in the 23rd Judicial District Court.

Louisiana Succession Laws

Succession is the legal process of assessing an estate and distributing its assets. This process is similar to what many other states call probate. Succession involves validating the decedent’s Last Will and Testament if present, paying off any remaining debts, distributing remaining assets, and updating property titles and public records.

There are two types of succession laws recognized in Louisiana:

• Testate succession. If the decedent had a will, their appointed executor ensures the assets get to their intended new owners. The court is highly likely to follow the wishes outlined in a will once it is validated that it meets Louisiana’s legal requirements.
• Intestate succession. Surprisingly, studies show that less than half of all adults in the United States have a will. If this is the case, the estate goes through intestate succession. Any shared property immediately gets transferred to the spouse or other party listed with the right of survivorship. Other property is distributed per state intestacy laws.

Estate planning doesn’t just affect what happens to your assets. It also determines what happens to any remaining debt you leave behind. Creditors get a chance to settle debts through the estate before assets are distributed, which means your beneficiaries stand to receive less.

Recent data indicates that over 50 percent of Americans believe they’re going to pass on debt to loved ones when they pass. With an estate plan in place, you can control how your estate is handled once you’re gone.

Probate in Louisiana can cost up to 10 percent of the estate’s value in some cases. A Prairieville succession lawyer can help you navigate the process and keep costs at a minimum, so you can settle your loved one’s estate and begin to move on from this challenging time. They can also work with you on ways to protect your assets and have them bypass probate completely.

About Our Local Prairieville Successions Lawyers

Prairieville is a growing suburb of Baton Rouge known for its family-friendly atmosphere and local charm. Shelby Law Firm is proud to be a local law firm that serves the community of just over 35,000 people.

Succession can be a confusing process to navigate, especially since Louisiana’s laws are so unique. It’s beneficial to work with a local Prairieville succession attorney to ensure you’re doing everything correctly to protect assets as completely as possible.

Shelby Law Firm has handled estates throughout Ascension Parish for over three decades. Our skilled attorneys have experience representing clients for a wide range of legal matters, including succession cases. We’re confident we can help you understand your legal options and secure the assets you want from an estate.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between Probate and Succession in Louisiana?

The difference between probate and succession in Louisiana is slight, but it is there. Succession is Louisiana’s legal process of settling an estate after someone dies. Most other states call this process probate.

Under Louisiana law, probate specifically refers to the process of validating a will. Succession can happen with or without a will in Louisiana.

Do All Assets in an Estate Have to Go Through Succession in Prairieville?

All assets in an estate do not have to go through succession in Prairieville. There are avenues you can explore to avoid it. For example, assets placed in a trust typically do not have to go through succession.

Any property with a “right of survivorship” can also be passed directly to the new owner. If an estate is valued at less than $125,000, you may be able to transfer assets through a small succession affidavit.

Is There a Time Limit for Succession in Louisiana?

There is no time limit for succession in Louisiana. That said, there are benefits to having an estate go through succession as quickly as possible. For starters, the faster you go through succession, the quicker assets can be distributed to heirs and beneficiaries.

Furthermore, you may run into more issues with accessing accounts, dealing with creditors, and finding and updating property records the longer you wait. Generally, it’s recommended to enter an estate into succession as quickly as possible.

Do I Have to Hire a Succession Lawyer to Settle an Estate in Prairieville?

You do not have to hire a succession lawyer to settle an estate in Prairieville. Even though you’re not required to work with an attorney, it’s highly recommended that you do. Succession can be time-consuming and expensive.

A Prairieville succession attorney can help you understand all your options and ease you through the process. Moreover, you can turn to a lawyer to help protect your assets and avoid succession in the first place.

Hire a Successions Lawyer to Help With Your Estate Needs in Prairieville

Navigating the death of a loved one is difficult both emotionally and logistically. It’s recommended that you reach out to a local Prairieville succession attorney to help you through the succession process.

At Shelby Law Firm, we handle the nuances of your succession case, so you can focus the majority of your energy on your lost loved one and your family. We’re conveniently located in Baton Rouge, right off the junction between I-12 and Airline Highway.

Visit us to learn more about how we can help. Reach out to set up your initial appointment with a member of our team today.

Meet Our Prairieville Succession Lawyers