Prairieville Wills Lawyer

Wills Attorney in Prairieville, LA

A will is a critical estate planning document that enables you to outline your preferences regarding the distribution of your assets, who will look after your dependents, and who will oversee your estate’s administration, among other important issues. It’s recommended that you work with a qualified and knowledgeable Prairieville wills lawyer so you can ensure your document is legally sound and unlikely to cause confusion.

A wills lawyer can also assist you if you need help updating a will, creating a will for a family member, or resolving various probate-related issues.

What to Know About Shelby Law Firm

At Shelby Law Firm, our professional legal team represents a diverse range of clients on a local, regional, and national level. We are prepared to handle simple and complex litigation matters in the Baton Rouge area. Our estate law attorneys provide comprehensive services so we can address your concerns and goals no matter the circumstances. We regularly handle cases involving wills, trusts, successions, probate, power of attorney, estate administration, and more.

When You Should Hire a Wills Lawyer

One survey reported that 33 percent of Americans had a will in 2022, which has steadily declined since 24 percent reported having a will in 2025. The most popular reason given for not having a will or any estate planning document is procrastination.

While it’s not always pleasant to plan for your eventual passing or the passing of a loved one, there are numerous reasons why creating a will benefits your family and allows you to achieve certain goals. These are some common instances when you should hire a wills lawyer in Prairieville:

• You have burial preferences. A will can allow you to express your wants and instructions for funeral services and burial or cremation preferences.
• You want to establish guardianship. If you have any minor children, adults with disabilities, or pets under your care, you can name one or more guardians for them in your will.
• You have a personal representative in mind. In a will, you can name the executor of your estate if you have someone you’d prefer. An executor ensures the instructions within your will are followed and oversees the administration of your estate after your death.
• You want to control the distribution of your assets. One of the primary purposes of a will is to inventory your assets and name the beneficiaries of each asset. Assets can include your real estate, bank accounts, personal property, and more.

How a Wills Attorney Can Help in Your Case

Louisiana will laws can be complex and difficult to navigate on your own, especially for those who aren’t familiar with the laws and processes involved. That’s why it’s a good idea to work alongside a qualified Prairieville wills attorney who can guide you through the process. Whether you need assistance during probate or are seeking to develop your own will, an estate planning lawyer can meet your needs.

Estate planning matters, including will cases, are most likely to be processed by the district court for Ascension Parish. Ascension Parish Courthouse is located at 300 Houmas St., Donaldsonville, LA 70346. When initially filing your will, you would most likely submit it to the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court Office. The closest one to Prairieville is the Gonzales Office, located at 828 S. Irma Blvd., Gonzales, LA 70737.

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

Wills and trusts are both important estate planning documents, but they have many differences. A will is typically the first estate planning document a person creates because it allows them to provide instructions regarding asset distribution, guardianship, and appointing a personal representative. A trust is a tool that allows the creator to place certain assets into it, which bypasses the probate process. Generally, all wills are required to go through probate.

Is There Probate If There’s No Will in Louisiana?

Yes, in the state of Louisiana, probate is still required even in cases where an individual didn’t create a valid will before their death. This is known as dying intestate. Under the state’s intestate succession laws, property is distributed to the deceased’s relatives in a specific order as opposed to the person’s preferences. This approach to asset distribution doesn’t take into account how close the beneficiaries were to the deceased but rather focuses only on legal relations.

What Is the Purpose of a Will in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the purpose of establishing a will is to allow you to control how you would like your estate to be handled following your death. This includes appointing who you would like to be your estate’s personal representative, or executor, how you would like your assets to be distributed, and any funerary or burial preferences you may have. Wills also let you name any guardians for minor children or other dependents.

Am I Required to Create a Will in Louisiana?

No, there is no law in the state of Louisiana that requires you to make a will, although it is highly advisable that you develop a will for a number of reasons. Not only does creating a will give you control over how your property and assets are distributed, but doing so can make probate and estate administration an easier process for your loved ones.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Louisiana?

In the state of Louisiana, you are not required to work with a lawyer in order to create a will. However, it’s generally considered a good idea to consult an estate law professional when developing your will to ensure the document is legally valid and enforceable. This can protect your family from the possibility that your will is rendered unusable due to a minor error in language or other technicality.

Hire a Wills Lawyer for Your Case in Prairieville

When you’re in need of comprehensive estate planning services, look no further than the professional team at Shelby Law Firm. Reach out to us today to schedule an initial consultation with a skilled, experienced wills lawyer.

Meet Our Prairieville Wills Lawyers