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Estate Planning & Probate
Protect your assets and leave a legacy for your loved ones.
Our Approach to Estate Planning
We take a collaborative, compassionate approach to help you:
- Protect your property while you’re living
- Decide who receives your assets after you pass
- Minimize probate and court involvement
- Avoid family disputes
- Prepare for the possibility of long-term care
Whether you’re a retiree concerned about Medicaid planning or a parent wanting to safeguard your children’s future, we’ll walk you through your options and create a plan tailored to your needs.
What Estate Planning Documents Do You Need in Louisiana?
A complete estate plan in Louisiana typically includes:
- Last Will and Testament: Directs how your assets are distributed after your death.
- Durable Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone to manage your finances and legal affairs if you become incapacitated.
- Medical Power of Attorney: Appoints someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot.
- Living Will (Advance Directive): Communicates your wishes about life-sustaining medical treatment.
- Trusts (Optional): Help you avoid probate and control how your assets are managed or distributed.
Our attorneys will help you understand which documents apply to your situation and how they interact under Louisiana law.
Why Estate Planning is Different in Louisiana
Louisiana’s legal system is unique—it’s based on civil law, not common law like the rest of the U.S. That means standard online templates and generic will kits often fail here.
For example, Louisiana requires very specific language in wills, including an attestation clause with two witnesses and a notary. Missing even one technical requirement can invalidate your entire will.
Avoid the risk of your wishes being denied in court—work with a Louisiana estate planning attorney who understands the nuances of our state’s laws.
How Estate Planning Helps You Now
Estate planning isn’t just for when you pass away—it helps during your lifetime, too.
If you suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s, or an unexpected injury, and don’t have a power of attorney in place, your loved ones may have to file for interdiction—a costly and time-consuming lawsuit to gain legal authority over your affairs.
Interdiction can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 and take up to a year.
With a proper estate plan, you can avoid this stress entirely.
Forced Heirship in Louisiana: What You Need to Know
Louisiana is a forced heirship state. That means you can’t disinherit certain children, such as:
- Children under 24
- Children of any age who are permanently disabled
These children are legally entitled to a portion of your estate—typically one-fourth to one-third, depending on the number of qualifying heirs.
Without proper planning, this law can override your will. But there are ways to account for it legally, such as:
- Using life insurance to satisfy the forced portion
- Making your estate the beneficiary of your insurance policy
- Creating a trust to structure distributions
Our legal team can help you comply with Louisiana law while still honoring your wishes.
Can You Change Your Estate Plan?
Yes. Most estate planning documents can be updated at any time, especially after major life changes like:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren
- Acquisition of major assets
- Diagnosis of a medical condition
In Louisiana, a simple
codicil
(amendment to your will) may be all you need to keep your estate plan up to date.
Why Hire an Estate Planning Attorney in Louisiana?
Online tools and out-of-state lawyers often don’t understand Louisiana’s unique legal system. If your estate plan doesn’t meet state requirements, it may be thrown out entirely, leading to:
- Legal battles among your heirs
- Court decisions that override your wishes
- Delays in asset distribution
At Yocom Law Firm, we have experience in Louisiana estate law. We’ll help you:
- Comply with all legal formalities
- Plan around forced heirship laws
- Protect your family and your legacy
Get Started Today
Don’t leave your loved ones with uncertainty, court costs, or legal disputes. Start your estate plan today with a local attorney who cares.
Call (318) 633-0053 to schedule your consultation or visit our contact page to request an appointment.
