Frequently Asked Questions
Guiding You Through Life’s Most Difficult Moments
Imagine this: A loved one passes away, leaving behind a home, a little land, and a few bank accounts. Everyone assumes the family can step in to take care of things, but when you try to sell the house, pay property taxes, or even update the insurance, you’re told you don’t have legal authority. Everything is still in the deceased’s name.
Consultations are $100, and if you decide to move forward with our firm, that amount is applied toward your legal fee.
You can contact our office by phone, text, or email to schedule your initial consultation. We’ll discuss your situation and determine the best way to proceed.
Yes. We offer both in-person and virtual meetings for your convenience.
We accept most forms of payment, including major credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment platforms.
Louisiana law recognizes two main types of successions:
- Succession Affidavit: Used when the estate’s total value is under $175,000 and the deceased left no will. It’s a simplified process handled through an affidavit recorded in parish conveyance records.
- Judicial Succession: Required when the estate is worth more than $175,000 or the deceased left a valid will. This process takes place through the courts and concludes when a judge signs a Judgment of Possession.
It depends on factors like the estate’s complexity, how quickly heirs complete paperwork, and whether there are disputes among heirs. A succession affidavit may be completed within days, while a judicial succession can take several weeks or longer.
Louisiana law determines who inherits the estate. Typically, property passes to the deceased’s closest living relatives under Louisiana’s intestate succession laws.
Yes. Each heir or legatee must either accept or renounce their share. If someone refuses to cooperate, a court may intervene to require a decision.
It’s best to open a succession as soon as possible after a loved one’s death. Delaying can complicate matters and increase the number of heirs involved over time.
Yes. Verbal instructions are not legally binding. Without a will, Louisiana law—not your personal wishes—determines who inherits your property.
A Last Will and Testament governs how your property is distributed after your death.
A Living Will (called an End-of-Life Declaration in Louisiana) outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you’re terminally ill and unable to communicate.
Review your plan whenever a major life event occurs, such as marriage, divorce, birth or death of a family member, or a significant change in assets.
A Power of Attorney allows another person to make decisions or act on your behalf. You should choose someone you trust completely. You may also designate different individuals for financial and healthcare decisions.
You can transfer property through a sale or donation. Donations are irreversible gifts and must comply with Louisiana’s strict legal requirements. A real-estate attorney can ensure your transfer is done correctly.
Yes. Louisiana property law is complex, and title problems can involve missing heirs, old liens, or filing errors. A knowledgeable attorney can identify the issue and develop the best strategy to resolve it.
A quiet title action is a court process used to resolve or remove competing ownership claims on a property. It “clears” the title so ownership is legally established and uncontested.
Do not ignore it. Code violations can result in daily fines. Your citation will include a hearing date—be sure to attend or have legal representation.
Yes. Our firm represents property owners before city and parish code enforcement boards and can guide you through the process from hearing to resolution.
If you miss your hearing, a judgment may be entered against your property. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to explore your options.
The appeals process depends on the type of decision. Code Enforcement judgments are appealed through the courts, while zoning variances or appeals are handled administratively through the local zoning authority.
