Louisiana
Estate law, probate process, and inheritance rules for Louisiana — in plain language.
$2,500–$5,000 typical
Small succession by affidavit (La. Civ. Code Ann. §3431)
Community property: surviving spouse owns 50% of community. Forced heirship for some descendants.
Louisiana is unique: French civil law tradition. Forced heirship gives certain descendants protected shares.
- ✓Must be 18+ and of sound mind
- ✓May be required to post bond unless will waives it
- ✓Must file inventory of estate assets
- ✓Must give notice to creditors per statute
- ⏱Will filed promptly; no fixed deadline
- ⏱Inventory required before distribution
- ⏱Succession proceedings can be testate or intestate
- ⚠Louisiana succession law differs FUNDAMENTALLY from other states — civil law tradition
- ⚠Forced heirship: cannot completely disinherit certain children (under 23 or disabled)
- ⚠Out-of-state residents owning LA property face complex ancillary procedure
- →Hire a Louisiana attorney for any LA estate matter — out-of-state attorneys often miss nuances
- →Forced-heirship-aware planning for descendants
- →Trust planning works but requires LA-specific drafting
- Louisiana Civil Code Articles 870-1429 (Successions and Donations)
Statute references are for orientation only. Verify current text with your state legislature's website. Not legal advice — consult an attorney licensed in Louisiana.
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