Forced Heirship: What It Is and Why It Matters in Louisiana Estate Planning
Forced heirship is a legal rule in Louisiana that requires certain heirs to receive a portion of your estate, even if your will says otherwise. This system limits how much of your property you can give to someone else and makes Louisiana very different from states that allow full testamentary freedom. Understanding...
Understanding Capital Gains and Step-Up in Basis for Louisiana Couples
Capital gains and step-up rules affect Louisiana couples differently because community property can qualify for a full step-up in basis when one spouse dies, which can greatly reduce taxable gain on a later sale. Couples who hold property outside of community property, such as in separate ownership, do not receive the...
Leaving a Home to Multiple Heirs: Planning Strategies for Peace
When a family home passes to more than one heir, emotions and legal details often intertwine. Without clear planning, co-ownership can create disputes over use, upkeep, or whether to sell the property. Thoughtful estate planning can help you minimize conflict, respect Louisiana’s succession law, and preserve family relationships. Through tools like co-ownership...
Should You Share Your Estate Plan With Your Heirs?
Many people wonder whether to share the details of their estate plan with their heirs. Transparency can prevent confusion and legal disputes later, but it may also create tension within the family. The right decision depends on your relationships, your goals, and the structure of your estate plan. Open communication can build...
How to Choose the Right Executor for Your Louisiana Estate
Selecting an executor is one of the most important decisions you make when preparing your estate plan. In Louisiana, the executor (sometimes called a succession representative) carries out your wishes, handles paperwork, and manages the estate until everything is distributed correctly. The person you choose should be responsible, trustworthy, and capable of...
My Loved One Died Without a Will in Louisiana: What Should I Do?
If your loved one died without a will in Louisiana, you may be wondering who inherits their property and what happens next. In most cases, the estate passes according to Louisiana's intestate succession laws. The court identifies the legal heirs, appoints an administrator when necessary, pays valid debts, and authorizes the transfer...
Using a Trust to Manage Family Property or Business in Louisiana
Managing family property or a business in Louisiana comes with unique challenges. Families want to preserve what they’ve built, avoid disputes, and make sure assets are used wisely. One way to achieve this is by creating a trust. A trust can give you greater control over how property and business interests are...
Can You Use a Trust to Protect Property From Medicaid Recovery?
If you or a loved one may need long-term care in the future, you’ve probably heard about Medicaid—and possibly Medicaid estate recovery. After a Medicaid recipient dies, the state may seek to recover care costs from their estate.
The good news is that there are legal tools that may...
Understanding Louisiana’s Community Property System in Estate Planning
When you’re planning your estate in Louisiana, community property rules shape how your assets are owned and passed on. For married couples, most property acquired during the marriage is shared equally, and you can only control your one-half interest in that property through your estate plan. Understanding how this system works...
What Parents of Children With Special Needs Should Know About Inheritance
Caring for a child with a disability often means thinking several steps ahead. As a parent, one of your greatest concerns may be what happens when you’re no longer here to provide for them. Among the most important choices you’ll face is how to leave an inheritance that offers support without putting...
