What happens to your home, savings, and personal belongings when you pass away? Without a properly drafted will, Louisiana’s succession laws decide for you. These default rules may not protect your loved ones the way you intend.
Call WJ Blanchard Law at (504) 313-7478 or contact us online today for a free consultation with an experienced Louisiana will attorney about creating your Louisiana will.
1. You Control Who Inherits Your Property
A will lets you decide exactly who receives your assets. Without a will, state law determines your heirs based on family relationships, which may not match your wishes. You can designate specific beneficiaries and assign particular assets in a legally valid Louisiana last will and testament.
2. You Choose Your Executor
Your executor manages your estate after your death, paying debts and distributing assets. A will allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your estate. Without a will, the court appoints an executor, which may not be the person you would have chosen.
3. You Protect Your Minor Children
If you have children under 18, a will is essential. You can name a guardian to raise your children if both parents die. Without a will, Louisiana courts decide who raises your children. You can also establish a testamentary trust to manage inheritances for minor children until they reach adulthood.
Louisiana has unique forced heirship laws that differ from every other state. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 1493, forced heirs, including children 23 years or younger or permanently disabled adult children, have a legal right to a portion of your estate. A Louisiana will and testament drafted by our skilled lawyers helps you structure your estate to comply with these requirements while maximizing flexibility for distributing remaining assets.
5. You Minimize Family Conflict
When you die without a will, family members often disagree about who should receive what. These disputes can destroy relationships and drag on for years through the court system. A clearly written will eliminates ambiguity about your intentions and reduces the likelihood of litigation. Your will provides clear instructions that family members must follow.
6. You Simplify the Succession Process
In Louisiana, settling an estate is called succession rather than probate. While every estate goes through some form of succession, having a will streamlines the process significantly. Your will provides the court with clear instructions about asset distribution and executor appointment, allowing for faster resolution.
7. You Can Disinherit People
A will also allows you to specifically exclude individuals from inheriting your property. You may want to disinherit an estranged family member or a former spouse. Louisiana law generally allows you to disinherit anyone except forced heirs. Your will makes these intentions legally binding.
8. You Plan for Business Succession
If you own a business, a will is critical for ensuring a smooth transition of ownership. You can designate who receives your business interests, whether that means passing the business to a family member or business partner. Without clear direction, your business may face uncertainty or forced liquidation during succession proceedings.
9. You Include Charitable Giving
A will allows you to leave a lasting legacy by making charitable donations to organizations you care about. You can designate specific amounts or percentages of your estate to churches, schools, or other charities. These charitable bequests may also provide estate tax benefits.
10. You Gain Peace of Mind
Perhaps the most important reason to create a will is the peace of mind it provides. You know your loved ones will be protected, your wishes will be honored, and you have done everything possible to make things easier for your family after you are gone.
Contact Our Louisiana Estate Planning Law Firm For Help Today
If you are planning for the future or need guidance with wills, trusts, or probate in Metairie, Louisiana, contact the experienced estate planning attorneys at WJ Blanchard Law to schedule a consultation and protect your family’s legacy today.
We proudly serve New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and the surrounding areas:
WJ Blanchard Law
2800 Veterans Blvd Suite 257
Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: (504) 313-7478
Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Metairie
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 30.0014913,-90.1498979,893
