Planning for the future is one of the most important steps a family can take. Whether drafting a will, handling a succession, or resolving disputes after a loved one’s passing, Louisiana residents need clear guidance rooted in local law and experience.
At the Gertler Law Firm, we assist individuals and families across Louisiana in preparing, protecting, and transferring their estates with precision and care. For over five decades, our attorneys have handled wills, successions, probate, and estate litigation with the same professionalism that defines our broader civil practice.
Our goal is to provide peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are honored, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are secure.
Estate Planning and Successions in Louisiana
Louisiana’s legal system is unique, shaped by its civil law heritage rather than common law. This makes estate planning and succession processes distinct from those in other states. Proper legal guidance is essential to avoid costly errors and delays.
Understanding Louisiana Successions
A succession (the Louisiana term for probate) is the legal process by which a deceased person’s property is transferred to heirs or legatees. There are two main types:
- Testate succession: Occurs when a valid will exists.
- Intestate succession: Applies when someone dies without a will, and Louisiana’s laws determine who inherits.
Gertler Law Firm assists families with both forms of succession, guiding them through court filings, asset distribution, and dispute resolution.
The Importance of Having a Will
A properly drafted will allows individuals to control how their property will be divided, appoint an executor, and minimize conflicts among heirs. Without one, state law dictates asset distribution, often leading to outcomes that may not reflect the decedent’s intentions.
Our attorneys help clients create wills that comply with Louisiana’s formal requirements, including signatures, witnesses, and notarization, ensuring validity and enforceability.
Comprehensive Estate Services Offered by Gertler Law Firm
Our estate and succession practice includes:
- Will drafting and updates
- Probate and succession administration
- Small succession affidavits and simplified estate procedures
- Executor and trustee guidance
- Contested successions and inheritance disputes
- Protection of minors and incapacitated heirs
- Asset inventory and debt resolution
We approach every matter with clarity and attention to detail, ensuring that both immediate and long-term objectives are met.
Louisiana’s Distinct Legal Framework for Wills and Successions
Forced Heirship
Louisiana is one of the few states with forced heirship laws, which reserve a portion of a parent’s estate for certain children, specifically those under 24 or permanently disabled. This rule can affect estate planning decisions and must be addressed carefully in will preparation.
Community Property Rules
Married couples in Louisiana generally share community property, which impacts inheritance rights and how assets are divided after death. Our attorneys explain these distinctions and structure wills accordingly.
Small Succession Procedures
For estates valued below a certain threshold, Louisiana law allows simplified succession through affidavit. This process can save families significant time and expense when properly handled.
Estate Disputes and Litigation
Disagreements among heirs, challenges to wills, or disputes over executor duties can arise even in well-planned estates. Louis L. Gertler, with decades of experience in civil and complex litigation, provides trusted counsel in contested successions and probate matters.
Guiding Families Through Probate and Administration
Navigating a succession can be overwhelming, especially after a loss. Gertler Law Firm manages every aspect of the process, including:
- Filing succession pleadings and petitions
- Locating and valuing assets
- Resolving debts and tax obligations
- Managing the transfer of real estate and investments
- Assisting executors and administrators in fulfilling their duties
Our attorneys communicate directly with clients and courts to ensure estates are handled efficiently and respectfully.
Why Estate Planning Matters in Louisiana
Many families delay estate planning, assuming it can wait. Unfortunately, without clear instructions, heirs may face unnecessary stress, disputes, or financial loss.
Establishing a valid will and succession plan provides:
- Control: You decide who inherits your property, not the state.
- Efficiency: A clear plan minimizes legal costs and delays.
- Protection: Dependents and special-needs heirs are safeguarded.
- Clarity: Your loved ones are spared the confusion of intestate succession.
The Gertler Law Firm works to make estate planning straightforward, secure, and fully compliant with Louisiana’s civil law system.
Trusted Legal Counsel with Deep Louisiana Roots
For nearly half a century, Gertler Law Firm has served Louisiana families with integrity and professionalism. Our attorneys understand the local courts, notarial procedures, and practical challenges unique to successions and wills in this state.
Whether you need a will drafted, a succession opened, or a dispute resolved, our team provides careful guidance backed by decades of real-world experience. We combine traditional values of personal service with the precision required for modern estate administration.
Why Clients Trust Gertler Law Firm
- Extensive knowledge of civil law and probate procedures
- Personalized guidance for both simple and complex estates
- Efficient handling of succession to minimize delays and expense
- Respected New Orleans attorneys known for professionalism and results
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Wills & Successions
What is the difference between a will and a succession?
A will outlines how property should be distributed after death. A succession is the legal process of carrying out that transfer under court supervision.
Do I need a lawyer for a small estate?
Even small successions can involve complex documentation. An attorney ensures that the affidavit process is completed correctly and that property transfers are valid.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s intestate laws determine heirs based on family relationships. Spouses, children, parents, or siblings may inherit depending on the situation.
Can a will be challenged?
Yes. Grounds for contest include lack of capacity, improper execution, or undue influence. Our firm represents both heirs and executors in contested will matters.
How long does a succession take?
Simple successions may conclude in a few months; contested or complex estates can take longer. Our attorneys work to streamline each case while protecting every client’s rights.
Do Louisiana wills have to be notarized?
Yes. Most wills require two witnesses and a notary to meet Louisiana’s authenticity standards. Handwritten (holographic) wills have specific exceptions but must meet strict criteria.
Can Gertler Law Firm assist with out-of-state property?
Yes. When an estate includes assets outside Louisiana, we coordinate with counsel in other jurisdictions to ensure complete administration.
Speak With a New Orleans Wills & Successions Lawyer
Whether you need help preparing a will or navigating the probate process, the Gertler Law Firm provides trusted legal counsel for Louisiana families. We ensure that your estate is handled properly, your wishes are respected, and your heirs are protected.
Call our New Orleans office today for a confidential consultation. Our attorneys will review your goals, explain your options, and guide you through every step of Louisiana’s estate process with clarity and care.