Revoking a Will in Louisiana: What You Need to Know
Life changes. Marriages begin and end, children are born, families grow, and financial circumstances evolve. As these events occur, many people wonder whether they should update—or even revoke—their existing will.
In Louisiana, revoking a will is not as simple as deciding you no longer want it. State law establishes...
The Role of Tutorship in Estate Planning: Protecting Your Children
In Louisiana, estate planning carries its own legal vocabulary and structure—one that often surprises families relocating from other states....
Forced Heirship in Louisiana: What Families Should Know
Louisiana’s inheritance laws are unlike any other state in the country. Because our legal system is based on civil law traditions from France and Spain, we have rules about inheritance that don’t exist elsewhere. One of the most important—and sometimes confusing—rules...
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Years ago, the State of Louisiana repealed all state inheritance taxes.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...