Successions & Inheritance
In Louisiana, the legal process of transferring a deceased person's assets to their heirs is called succession (rather than probate, as it’s known in other states). Succession can sound intimidating, but in many cases, it's simpler and more affordable than people expect. At Bondurant Law, we guide families in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes through this process with clear explanations, genuine compassion, and the expertise to handle whatever complexity your family's situation may involve.
Simple Successions
In many cases, transferring a loved one's assets to their family can be accomplished relatively quickly and at a reasonable cost. Louisiana law provides streamlined options, such as "successions by independent administration" and "successions without administration", that allow assets to pass to heirs without a lengthy or complicated court process.
What this means for your family is that you may be able to wrap up the legal process in a matter of weeks rather than months, without excessive legal fees, and without the kind of drawn-out proceedings you might associate with settling an estate. We'll assess your loved one's situation, explain exactly which process applies, and take care of everything so you can focus on your family.
Complex Successions
Not every family situation is simple, and that's okay. Some estates involve a loved one who passed away without a will. Others involve a family business that needs careful handling, estate tax considerations, disputes among family members, or assets spread across multiple accounts and property types. These situations require more than paperwork. They require attorneys who know how to manage complicated family dynamics and challenging legal questions with both competence and sensitivity.
We've helped many families work through exactly these kinds of situations. Whether the complexity is financial, legal, or relational, we approach it with patience, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to finding the most peaceful and efficient path forward for everyone involved.
Successions Litigation
Most families expect that handling a loved one's estate will be a straightforward process. But sometimes it isn't. A will may be contested. Assets may have gone missing. Heirs may deeply disagree about how things should be divided.
These situations are painful, and they're more common than most people realize. Our attorneys handle succession litigation throughout Louisiana, representing executors in will contests and disputes over asset valuation and division with the sensitivity they deserve, and our goal is always to find the most peaceful resolution possible. But when it's necessary to protect your rights in court, we're fully prepared to do so.
We understand that you may be going through this at one of the hardest times in your life. You don't have to navigate it alone.
Planning ahead is the best protection
Many people don't realize how complex and stressful the process of legal inheritance can be until they're personally involved in a challenging succession. But it doesn't have to be that way, and a solid estate planning strategy can ensure that your loved ones won't be faced with unanswered questions and unnecessary hardship in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about succession planning and how it can benefit you.
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.
We recommend bringing a copy of any existing Will for the deceased, a copy of the death certificate, names and contact details for all heirs, and a summary of any known assets, if available. At your first appointment, our team will provide specific guidance on what else to gather and what the next steps of the process will be.
In Louisiana, successions can be inexpensive and can be completed quickly in many cases. Our laws provide the opportunity for efficient estate management that will keep your legal fees lower than they would be if your loved one died in another state. Furthermore, the process can be completed in some cases in a single set of paperwork. Contact us for advice regarding your next steps in the succession process.
In most cases, life insurance and IRA accounts do not pass through a succession of a deceased individual. Rather, they pass by a separate beneficiary designation. Contact us for an appointment to discuss which assets go through a succession and which can be handled outside of a succession.
At Bondurant Law, we can help clients who have lost access to account funds by opening a succession. If you do not know what to do after the death of your loved one, schedule an appointment with our team.
If your family is arguing over your loved one's estate or you expect trouble ahead, contact our office to help you. Our firm has extensive experience in disputed successions, including handling trials on will contests, estate theft, and estate valuation disputes, and we can help you to navigate these difficult waters. Our goal is to find a peaceful resolution for families in their most difficult times, but we are also fully prepared to protect our clients' interests in litigated disputes.
If you are an executor of an estate in which you believe a dispute is imminent, you need an attorney experienced in both successions and litigation to ensure you handle the succession correctly in the face of adversity. Our firm has the experience to navigate contested successions and resolve disputes efficiently.
Still have questions?
Check out all of our FAQs or contact us today for a consultation.
Let Bondurant Law Support You Through Life’s Trials
You don't have to travel this road alone. Our team is ready to listen, explain your options in plain terms, and handle the legal details with the care and expertise your family deserves.