Make Legal Louisiana Probate Forms For Free

The succession laws in Louisiana are unique, which can make DIY templates invalid. The Louisiana Legislature also meets multiple times a year, which can lead to the succession laws changing frequently. So, while you can legally file a succession without a lawyer, it is not recommended.

Testate successions occur when there is a valid will. Testate successors are called ?legatees.? When the succession is intestate, the Louisiana Civil Code determines who inherits the decedent's estate. If the decedent died testate, the will governs who inherits the decedent's estate, assuming the will is valid.

The probate process in Louisiana typically starts with filing a petition in the parish where the deceased person lived. The named executor or estate representative files this petition with the estate, and it must be accompanied by the original will (if there is one).

Some commonly used forms include the Petition for Probate of Testament and Issuance of Letters Testamentary, the Affidavit of Death and Heirship, and the Inventory of Assets. 5. Sign and notarize the forms: As required by Louisiana law, certain forms may need to be signed in the presence of a notary public.

You can absolutely prepare all of the probate forms yourself and do this on your own. Some states may require a lawyer for submitting them to probate court, but Louisiana doesn't. A lawyer will save you time and headaches. A lawyer can make sure you don't make big tax mistakes or miss any deadlines.

In some cases, the process is simple, but in other cases, it can get very complicated very quickly. In all but the simplest situations, you should work with a succession attorney to ensure that the process is as efficient as possible and that, as an heir, your rights are protected.