PlAN AHEAD. PROTECT WHAT MATTERS.
Estate planning sounds like a long and complicated process, but it shouldn't have to be. At Bondurant Law, we're here to help you feel prepared, not overwhelmed. We take the time to explain your options in plain language, guide you through every decision at your own pace, and create a personalized plan that reflects exactly what you want for your family. From start to finish, we’ll help you find peace of mind in as little as four weeks.
Create a Will
A Last Will and Testament is the cornerstone of most estate plans. It's the document that spells out who receives your belongings, who takes care of your minor children, and who you trust to carry out your wishes after you're gone. Without a valid will, Louisiana law decides those things for you, which may not reflect what you actually want.We sit down with every client individually to understand their family situation, their assets, and their wishes. Then we put it all in writing, clearly and completely, in as little as four weeks. You'll leave knowing exactly what your plan says and why each piece is there. It's one of the most important things you can do for the people you love, and we make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.
Living Trusts
A living trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to set aside assets for someone you care about, with specific rules about how and when those assets can be used.
Trusts aren't just for the very wealthy; they serve important purposes for a wide range of families. If you have young children or grandchildren, a trust can ensure that money set aside for them is protected until they're ready to manage it responsibly. If you have a family member with special needs, a trust can be essential to preserving their eligibility for government assistance programs. Some trusts can also help reduce the impact of federal estate taxes for larger estates, or allow for professional management of your assets during your lifetime and after.
We'll walk you through whether a trust makes sense in your situation, and explain clearly how it would work—no confusing legal language, just a genuine conversation about your options.
Federal Estate Tax Planning
High net worth clients must consider the effect of the Federal Estate Tax on their estates. We analyze your estate to decide which tools may best serve you to minimize the effect of the Federal Estate Tax on your family, such as irrevocable life insurance trusts, lifetime gifting, use of the marital deduction and portability.
Long-Term Care / Medicaid Planning
One of the biggest financial concerns we hear from clients is, "What happens to my savings if I need to go to a nursing home or assisted living?" It's a completely reasonable worry. Long-term care is expensive, Medicare won’t cover most of it, and Medicaid eligibility is limited by how your net worth is assessed. Many people find themselves caught in the middle of a difficult equation because they have more assets than Medicaid allows, but not enough to pay for the care they need indefinitely.
The good news is that if you start planning a few years in advance, there are legitimate, legal strategies that can help protect your home and savings while still allowing you to qualify for Medicaid benefits when the time comes. We'll explain how the program works, what the rules are in Louisiana, and what options may be available to you based on your specific situation.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a document that designates someone you trust to handle your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated, whether due to illness, injury, or another unexpected event. In many estate plans, this document ends up being one of the most important things we prepare.
It might sound straightforward, but the details matter a great deal. An improperly drafted power of attorney can leave gaps that create real problems for your family.
At Bondurant Law, we draft powers of attorney that are specific, practical, and built around your circumstances. We make sure your chosen representative has the authority they need, and that you understand exactly what you're putting in place and why.
Living Will / Healthcare Directive
A living will or advance healthcare directive tells your doctors and loved ones what kind of medical treatment you want (or don't want) if you're ever in a situation where you can't communicate for yourself. This includes decisions about life support, resuscitation, feeding tubes, and other end-of-life care measures.
Having this document in place lifts an enormous emotional weight from your family at an already difficult time. Instead of being left to guess at what you would have wanted, they have clear guidance—and so do your medical providers. Creating a living will is a quiet, profound act of love, and we help you think through every decision with care and without rush.
Ensuring Care Continues for Those Who Need it Most
If you have dependent children or need to plan ahead for a long-term care situation, the Bondurant Law team can help. We’ll explain options like Medicare planning, special needs trusts, and guardianship so that you can be secure in knowing you and your loved ones are protected, no matter what the future holds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about estate planning.
Absolutely! We offer consultations to discuss your legal needs and provide tailored legal advice. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced attorneys.
Estate planning with Bondurant Law is the process of preparing legal documents for the management and disposal of your assets and personal affairs both before and after your death. It typically involves creating a will and making decisions about healthcare and financial matters.
Estate planning is important because it allows you to have control over how your assets are distributed, minimize taxes, and protect your loved ones. It also ensures that your wishes are carried out and can help avoid family disputes.
It is never too early to start estate planning. Life is unpredictable, and having a plan in place can provide peace of mind. Whether you are young or old, it is important to have your affairs in order.
Estate planning varies depending on the client's specific situation, but estate planning documents commonly include a will, power of attorney, healthcare directive, and possibly a trust. An experienced estate planning attorney can guide you through the process.
The cost of estate planning can vary depending on the complexity of your estate and the services provided by the attorney. It is best to consult with an attorney to discuss your needs and obtain a cost estimate. However, a typical estate plan costs between $2,000 and $2,500 per individual, or $3,000 to $3,500 per couple.
While you do not have to bring anything to your appointment, it is very helpful to bring any existing Wills, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, or other estate planning documents. If you have a list of assets and liabilities, those lists can also be helpful to bring as well.
If your loved one has lost the ability to make their own decisions, then you may need to pursue an interdiction. Interdiction is a court proceeding by which one party is appointed as the legal representative, called a curator, over an individual who is unable to make their own decisions. We handle interdictions with care and compassion to ensure that all parties are treated with dignity and respect.
Still have questions?
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Ready to Protect Your Family's Future?
You don't need to have it all figured out before you call us. We'll walk through your situation together and help you understand your options, one step at a time.