Calcasieu Parish Estate Planning Lawyer

Estate Planning Attorney in Calcasieu Parish, LA

Louisiana estate planning laws are in place to help individuals and families plan for their future and for what happens once they are gone. With a cohesive estate plan in place, you can protect your property, make important decisions regarding your health and other personal matters, and minimize costs and tax requirements over time. Making an estate plan can feel like an overwhelming process. That’s why it’s wise to contact a Calcasieu Parish estate planning lawyer.

Estate Planning Cases in Calcasieu Parish

Estate planning is a comprehensive process that allows you to control the management and distribution of your property and personal care in the event of incapacitation or death. Without a valid will in place, your estate is handled through Louisiana intestate law when you die.

Any separate property goes directly to the children of the deceased, or parents or siblings if they don’t have kids. Community property also passes to their children, though surviving spouses have “usufruct” or a right to use it. The state also determines how to handle any remaining debts. Our firm also assists clients with Personal Injury matters when legal guidance is needed.

Moreover, estate planning documents allow you to maintain control over your finances and care while you’re still alive if you become incapacitated.

Despite their usefulness, a significant number of adults in the United States have no estate plan in place. In fact, 54% of Americans do not even have a will. Your estate plan can include a number of different legal documents, including:

• Last Will and Testament
• Trusts
• Advance directives
• Durable power of attorney
• Healthcare power of attorney

If you or a loved one passes away without valid estate planning documents in place, it’s ultimately up to the state what happens to all assets and debts that belong to the deceased party.

Approximately 17 percent of the population in Calcasieu Parish is aged 65 or older. That said, estate planning is useful at any age. Accidents are the third-leading cause of death in Louisiana, which means something can happen to you or a loved one at any time. It’s beneficial to have a plan in place if that time comes. A Calcasieu Parish estate planning attorney can help.

How a Calcasieu Parish Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help With Your Case

With over 80 years of experience serving Louisianans, our team at FHD Law is confident we can help with your estate plan. This is especially important because Louisiana’s civil law system is unique from much of the rest of the country. In addition to estate planning, we also provide representation in Criminal Defense and Family Law cases.

There are many distinct rules regarding succession and other aspects of estate planning. For example, Louisiana recognizes forced heirship, which automatically allocates a portion of the decedent’s estate to surviving heirs that are under the age of 24 or are permanently disabled.

A Calcasieu Parish estate planning attorney from FHD Law can help you navigate all the nuances of Louisiana estate planning laws, so you can make the right choices for your future and beyond.

FAQs

When Is the Right Time to Start Estate Planning in Calcasieu Parish?

The right time to start estate planning in Calcasieu Parish is whenever you have the time to do it. Many people think that estate planning isn’t relevant until later years of life. The truth is that estate planning can help you at any stage.

With a solid estate plan in place, you can protect valuable property and make important decisions regarding assets and debts. You can have peace of mind knowing you have control over your property.

What Happens if Someone Dies in Calcasieu Parish Without Estate Planning Documents?

What happens if someone dies in Calcasieu Parish without estate planning documents ultimately depends on what property they own when they pass. This includes assets and debts. Without a will, an estate typically enters intestate succession.

The court assigns a personal representative to the estate to handle any remaining debts and identify eligible beneficiaries for the remaining assets. Louisiana’s intestate laws prioritize children and blood relatives of the deceased.

What Is Succession in Louisiana?

Succession in Louisiana is a mandatory legal process where the court validates a decedent’s will. Louisiana has unique civil laws that affect estate planning cases. What they call “succession,” most other states call “probate.” The process is slightly different from that in other states.

The term technically refers to that specific step, but the process of settling remaining debts and distributing assets to the correct people is also generally considered to be a part of the greater succession process.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer in Calcasieu Parish?

The cost to hire an estate planning lawyer in Calcasieu Parish ultimately depends on the services and support you require throughout your case. Louisiana estate planning lawyers may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for services. Some may request a retainer upfront.

Costs can vary from firm to firm depending on their level of experience as well as the complexity of your case. You can discuss price and services prior to hiring an estate planning lawyer.

Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in More Detail Today

It’s never too early to start estate planning. In fact, the earlier you begin organizing your property, the more control you can exercise over what happens to your wealth for the rest of your life and beyond. Whether you’re ready to start an estate plan or you have questions regarding your existing estate planning documents, you can turn to a Calcasieu Parish estate planning attorney from FHD Law.

Our local firm has been helping individuals and families through complex financial and personal planning for their future. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of Louisiana estate planning laws, and we take the time to get to know you and learn about your goals and objectives.

If you want to discuss the specifics of your case, our skilled lawyers are here to listen. Contact the office to schedule an appointment with a member of our team today. We’re located in Westlake on Sampson Street, not too far off I-10.