Estate Planning

No one likes to think about their own death or the loss of a loved one—but planning ahead is one of the best ways to protect the people you care about. At Second Line Law, we believe estate planning isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about love and peace of mind.
In Louisiana, if you pass away without a legal will, the state decides who gets your property—not your family. This can lead to your home or money going to distant relatives you may not even know, or passing on debts to your loved ones. It can also cause stress and disagreements among family members during an already difficult time.
With personalized estate planning, we help you take control. You can make sure your wishes are clear, your family is protected, and everything is handled the way you want. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney John Hagan will guide you through each step with care and clear advice.

Successions

When a loved one passes away, opening a succession—called probate in other states—is a vital legal step. Without it, property and financial accounts remain in the deceased’s name, making it impossible for family members to sell, manage, or access them. This can create serious legal and financial problems at a time when families are already grieving.
Recent changes to Louisiana’s insurance laws have made completing the succession process even more urgent—especially for property owners. In many cases, families are unable to purchase or maintain property insurance until succession is finalized. Additionally, federal and state disaster relief programs, including FEMA, often require proof that succession is complete before releasing aid.
Delaying this process can leave families vulnerable—without insurance, without access to needed assistance, and unable to protect valuable property. Taking care of succession now helps avoid costly complications and ensures your family is prepared when the unexpected happens.

Real Estate Transfers and
Title Actions

In Louisiana, transferring immovable property like land or a house must follow very specific rules. Even a small mistake can make a sale or donation invalid. Whether you're clearing up title issues, buying, or selling, we’ll make sure every detail is handled properly—saving you time, money, and stress.

Title Abstracting and Examinations

Before buying or transferring property, it’s critical to understand its legal history. We examine public records to ensure your title is clear and that there are no hidden issues like liens or ownership disputes. It’s the first and best step to protecting your investment.

Tax Sales: Acquiring and Defending Your Property Rights

Whether you’re buying property through a tax sale or defending your home from one, you need to understand your rights. Tax sales are time-sensitive, and missing deadlines can mean losing your property for good. We’ll help you navigate the process and protect what’s yours.

Administrative Hearings

If you’ve received a citation or violation notice from the city, we can help. These hearings can affect your property rights and carry major penalties. We know how these agencies work and how to fight for you. We represent clients in administrative hearings for the following city departments:

• Code Enforcement and Hearings Bureau
• Safety and Permits;
• Historic District Landmarks Commission
• Vieux Carre Commission
• Department of Health
• Department of Sanitation
• Parking and Photo Safety