Shreveport Estate Planning Lawyer

Shreveport Estate Planning Attorney

Thinking about the future can be overwhelming. Many wish to push off these thoughts until they are forced to think about them. However, this isn’t always the most strategic decision. Securing an estate plan ahead of time gives you the chance to ease your burdens and ensure your wishes are carried out when the time comes. To help make this happen, a Shreveport estate planning lawyer can guide you through each step to give you more hope and confidence for your future.

Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer Today

At Ezell Law Firm, LLC, we are the full package. When you hire us, you gain the support of a team with more than 40 years of proven legal experience in this space. We handle each case with the utmost care to protect you and your family’s future. From drafting wills and trusts to addressing complicated financial and business concerns, we are here to ensure every decision is made with care and that you completely understand the larger picture.

Why Estate Planning Should Matter to You

Despite what many believe, estate planning is more than just creating a single will. It’s about making the most thoughtful decisions possible to protect your loved ones and the legacy that you have built. Without having a clear plan in place, all of the assets you’ve generated over the years could be distributed under Louisiana’s state rules. This might not be aligned with how you would like things to unfold.

With a Shreveport estate planning lawyer, they can help you:

• Ensure your loved ones receive the assets you want them to have
• Minimize the amount of tax burdens you leave behind for others to manage
• Plan for different healthcare decisions, like end-of-life care
• Provide guidance on guardianship for any children or dependents in your life

Understanding Estate Planning Laws

Louisiana’s unique legal system makes estate planning especially important. Certain estate planning laws are distinct from those of other states, particularly in how property and succession are handled.

For example:

• Revised Statute 47:2436 requires an estate transfer tax return to be filed whenever the deceased’s net estate is valued at $60,000 or more. The same is true when an estate transfer tax is due.
• The federal estate tax exemption has also shifted over time, increasing from $11.58 million in 2020 to $13.61 million in 2024. For families with substantial estates, it’s important to understand these thresholds to avoid spending extra money on unnecessary taxes.
• Community property rules in Louisiana can impact how certain assets are divided, which could come as a shock to those who are new to working with this system.

Because of complexities such as these, working with an attorney who is already familiar with Louisiana’s system helps to keep your estate compliant with the law and avoid any unnecessary delays or expenses in the future.

Common Estate Planning Cases We Handle

Estate planning can look very different from one family to the next. However, many people also face similar challenges when planning for the future.

Our attorneys can help:

• Draft wills, trusts, and healthcare directives (to make sure your property, money, and medical wishes are clearly documented)
• Navigate estate tax planning and exemptions (finding ways to reduce the taxes your family owes after you pass on)
• Establish guardianship and conservatorship (appointing someone to care for your children)
• Resolve disputes among heirs and beneficiaries (helping family members settle outstanding disagreements over who receives what in your estate)
• Plan business succession for any family-owned corporation (creating a plan to pass your business smoothly to the next generation)

Regardless of what specific focuses you have, our team is standing by, ready to help develop legal strategies that reflect your unique needs and long-term goals.

FAQs

What Do Attorneys Charge for Estate Planning?

The total cost of estate planning can vary based on the complexity of your situation and the services you need. For example, if you just want to create a single will, this is usually less expensive than drafting a full estate plan that includes trusts, healthcare directives, and tax strategies. How an attorney prefers to be paid matters too. Some will charge flat fees for basic documents, while others might bill by the hour for more involved requests.

What Type of Lawyer Do I Need for Estate Planning?

You want to find an attorney who focuses specifically on estate planning or other related areas such as probate and elder law. These legal professionals understand how to draft the basic documents needed. They are also familiar with how different tax considerations, family dynamics, and property transfers come into play. Choosing a lawyer with this type of background can help ensure your documents are legally valid and designed to meet your goals.

When Should I Start Estate Planning?

It’s always recommended to start sooner rather than later. One major myth in this space is that estate planning is only for the elderly or wealthy. This could not be further from the truth. Estate planning is for anyone who has assets, children, or specific healthcare directives they want documented in case they cannot verbalize those wishes one day. Also, estate plans can be updated over time as your circumstances evolve.

How Do Property Taxes Affect Estate Planning in Shreveport?

Property taxes are important to consider when creating or updating an estate plan. In Caddo Parish, where Shreveport resides, taxes are levied on land, improvements, etc. The assessed valuation is typically 15% of market value, which is determined by the parish tax assessor. For families passing down property, these valuations can directly impact the financial responsibilities heirs take on. By planning ahead, you can ensure they are prepared for these costs.

Contact Ezell Law Firm, LLC Today

If you are questioning how prepared you are for the future, it might be time to sit down with an estate planning professional. We suggest contacting our firm today to hire an estate planning lawyer and learn more about your options. From day one, we will take time to understand your goals and your family’s needs to help build the type of future security you want and deserve.