Why you may not need a Living Trust in Louisiana
I watched a local news segment the other day that made it sound like every estate plan needed to utilize a Living Trust, also known as a revocable trust.
When planning for the future, many people are advised to create a living trust as a way to...
The Importance of Properly Drafted Wills Under Louisiana Law
Recently, our office has seen a troubling increase in Wills submitted for deceased loved ones that fail to meet the strict requirements set forth by Louisiana law. This trend underscores a critical issue: Wills prepared by attorneys unfamiliar with Louisiana succession law or by lay Notaries that often fail to comply with...
Estate Taxes for 2025
Here are the Estate Tax Exclusion Amounts for 2025.
LOUISIANA STATE INHERITANCE TAX
Years ago, the State of Louisiana repealed all state inheritance taxes. That remains the case. Thus, there is no requirement to file a return with the State and no state inheritance taxes are...
Is it a Succession or Probate?
I am often asked by my estate planning clients, is it a succession or is it probate. My simple answer is the terms are used interchangeably, however, there are differences.
Succession Definition: Succession refers to the legal process by...
What’s Involved in Serving as an Executor?
An executor is the person designated in a Will as the individual who is responsible for performing a number of tasks necessary to wind down the decedent’s affairs. Generally, the executor’s responsibilities involve taking charge of the deceased person’s assets, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, paying the estate’s debts and distributing the property...
Minors’ Trust in a Will
A minors' trust in a will, often referred to as a "minor's trust" or "trust for minors," is a legal arrangement created within a person's last will and testament to provide for the financial well-being and care of minor children. The primary purpose of such a...
The Importance of Naming Tutors in your Will for Minor Children
One of the most overlooked things when writing wills is the naming of a Tutor for your minor children. Providing for Tutors in your will is a crucial step to ensure that your minor children are cared for by the individuals you trust and choose, should you pass away before they...
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In the grand tapestry of life, one thread remains constant: change. As we journey through the years, our responsibilities, aspirations, and possessions evolve. Estate planning, often overlooked, stands as a crucial means to ensure our hard-earned assets are seamlessly passed on to loved ones. This legal...
How long is the Probate Process?
As an estate attorney, I often encounter inquiries about the duration of the probate procession in Louisiana. While the question seems straightforward, the answer is multifaceted due to the diverse array of factors impacting the timeframe for distributing estate assets. The length of this process can vary significantly based on individual circumstances...
Separate Property and Importance of Having a Will
Let me give you a scenario that keeps coming up in my practice that people must be aware of and easily can rectify.
Husband and wife get married. It's the second marriage for both. They both have children from other marriages, whom they really do not get...