Houma Estate Planning Lawyer

Key Components of a Strong Estate Plan

A well-structured estate plan may include:

• Last Will and Testament: Specifies how you want your property distributed and names an executor to manage your estate
• Trusts: Can be used to protect assets, manage property for minors, or reduce tax burdens 
• Powers of Attorney: Allows you to appoint someone to make financial or legal decisions if you become unable to do so
• Living Will (Advance Directive): States your wishes regarding medical care and life-sustaining treatment
• Beneficiary Designations: Ensures your retirement accounts and insurance policies align with your overall plan

Each person’s situation is unique. Our Houma estate planning attorneys take the time to understand your goals, your family dynamics, and your financial picture to design a plan that fits your needs and honors your values.

Estate planning isn’t something you do once and forget about. Major life events—such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets—can all affect your plan. Reviewing your documents every few years helps ensure your wishes are still accurately reflected and legally sound under current Louisiana law.

Understanding the Louisiana Succession Process

Louisiana’s estate laws are unique in that they follow the civil law system rather than the common law used in most other states. When someone passes away, their property doesn’t automatically transfer to their heirs. Instead, it must go through a process called succession (what most states call “probate”).

During succession:

• The court confirms the validity of the will, if one exists.
• Debts and taxes owed by the estate are paid.
• The remaining property is distributed to the rightful heirs or legatees.

If there is no will, Louisiana’s intestacy laws determine who inherits the estate. Generally, property is divided among the surviving spouse and children or, if there are no children, to parents, siblings, or other relatives. Because Louisiana recognizes community property, a surviving spouse may also retain certain rights to shared assets acquired during the marriage.

Succession can be “testate” (with a will) or “intestate” (without one). In some cases, if all heirs agree and there are no disputes, a simple succession can be completed quickly with minimal court involvement. More complex estates, however, may require a full judicial process.