Shreveport Successions Lawyer

Shreveport Successions Attorney

Dealing with the passing of someone you love is never easy. When it comes time to manage the legal affairs, it can feel overwhelming to do so during such a difficult time. In Louisiana, this process is known as succession. It helps to ensure that all property and belongings are being legally passed to their respective heirs. To assist, a Shreveport successions lawyer can work with families to ensure everything is handled correctly while easing stress for those left behind.

Hire a Succession Lawyer Today

At Ezell Law Firm, LLC, when you hire a succession lawyer, you are gaining the support of a seasoned team with over 40 years of combined experience in this space. We promise to take your case seriously so you can feel confident that your family’s future is in capable hands. While we proudly handle a wide range of personal and business legal matters, our work is grounded in compassion and clarity. We look forward to sharing more on how we can help.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Planning for your estate means giving your family more peace of mind during one of life’s most difficult transitions. Unfortunately, one in three adults aged 70 and older lacks a will or trust. When this happens, it can leave loved ones scrambling to figure out what comes next. Without having a plan in place, the state decides how property is divided. This might not always align with your wishes.

Other potential challenges from not planning ahead include:

• Lengthy court delays. Successions can drag on for months or longer when there are no clear instructions left.
• Unnecessary expenses. Court fees, administrative costs, and legal disputes often reduce the value of the estate.
• Family conflict. Disagreements between heirs can escalate quickly without any written guidance to follow.
• Lost opportunities. Without a trust or succession plan, property might need to be sold instead of preserved for future generations of the family to enjoy.
• Added stress during grief. Instead of focusing on healing, loved ones may feel burdened with paperwork and uncertainty.

By planning ahead, you can help to remove these barriers and avoid some of the most common obstacles one faces during estate planning.

Understanding Louisiana Succession Laws

Unlike other states, Louisiana follows a civil law tradition. This affects how estates are divided and transferred. For example, a small succession can be used when the person who passed away left property with a gross value of $125,000 or less. This streamlined process can help to save time and reduce overall costs, but not every estate will qualify.

When an estate is larger, involves real estate, or includes disputes among heirs, a formal succession may be required. In these cases, the court will supervise the entire process to make sure all assets are properly distributed and debts are paid.

Some common considerations here include:

• Whether a will exists. Estates that don’t have any wills must follow a default order of inheritance that might not match what the decedent really wanted.
• Type of property involved. Real estate or immovable property often requires more formal procedures than personal belongings.
• Value of the estate. Estates above the $125,000 threshold will require a full succession.
• Heirs’ agreement or conflict. If heirs disagree, even small estates might need court intervention.
• Community property rules. Louisiana’s marital property laws can further complicate how assets are divided between surviving spouses and heirs.

Because many of these rules are unique to Louisiana, trying to handle them without professional guidance can be overwhelming and lead to making many unforced errors. Hiring a local attorney can help families better understand what all these different options mean and avoid mistakes to keep the process as smooth as possible.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Do a Succession in Louisiana?

The total cost of a succession will vary widely depending on the size of the estate, whether there is an active will or not, and whether all heirs are in agreement. Smaller estates often qualify for a simpler procedure. That keeps costs down. Larger estates usually involve more court filings and attorney time. That extra effort can increase expenses. Families should plan for these additional costs to ensure they properly budget. Speaking to an attorney upfront can help align budgets.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Do a Succession in Louisiana?

While there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer, most families find that their professional guidance makes a huge difference in this process. From court filings to all the legal paperwork and deadlines that need to be met, it can be very confusing for anyone who is unfamiliar with the system. Without help, it’s easy to overlook important steps that could delay the transfer of property or create even more future disputes down the road.

What Are the Court Costs Associated With a Succession?

In addition to attorney fees in Shreveport, families should also prepare for court costs and filing fees that come with opening a succession. These expenses can vary depending on the county you are in. For example, in Calcasieu Parish, the advance deposit for a succession under administration is $365. This type of fee covers the court’s processing of the case. However, it does not include other expenses such as notices or appraisals needed.

How Long Does a Succession Usually Take?

The timeline will depend on how complicated the estate is and whether the heirs are in agreement or not. Some successions can be completed in a matter of months. Some have been seen to last for months or over a year. Factors like real estate sales, creditor claims, or disagreements among heirs can all extend this process. Working with an attorney is the strongest way to try to avoid unnecessary delays by having their help to keep everything on track.

Contact Ezell Law Firm, LLC Today

If you are facing the challenges of succession or just want to help make sure your family is prepared for the future, contact our firm today. Successions are overwhelming without the proper guidance. Having the right support makes all the difference. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing more about how we can help.