Lake Charles Estate Planning Lawyer

Planning for the future is an essential part of life. Whether you’re protecting your assets, making decisions about your healthcare, or setting up a legacy for your family, having the right guidance can make all the difference to your peace of mind. At Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates, our Lake Charles estate planning lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of estate law while ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are taken care of.

Estate Law

Whatever your estate law needs are, Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates is able to assist you no matter how big or small. Estate planning is essential to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the way you prefer should you become incapacitated or die. Every situation is different and our firm works closely with clients to plan for the future.

• Elder Law
• Financial Planning
• Trusts
• Guardianship
• Health Care & Planning
• Power of Attorney

Understanding Estate Planning in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Estate planning is more than just creating a will. It’s about ensuring your assets are distributed in accordance with your desires while avoiding legal challenges and minimizing any unnecessary tax burdens. Despite this importance, about two/thirds of adults in Louisiana and throughout the country do not have a legal will.

Whether you live in the heart of Lake Charles or in the surrounding areas of Moss Bluff, Westlake, or Carlyss, residents are fortunate to be served by the 14th Judicial District Court in Calcasieu Parish, which handles succession and other estate-related matters. It’s important to understand how local laws work, and a local attorney familiar with the court system can make a significant difference.

Key Components of Estate Planning

Estate planning is an important process that allows you to take control of how your assets are managed and distributed in the future. There are several key components involved in estate planning, each serving a different purpose to protect your financial and personal interests.

Understanding the following essential tools can help you make informed decisions about your estate:

• Wills and trusts. A will is an essential part of any estate plan. It outlines how your property should be distributed after you pass, but in Louisiana, a will can take different forms, and it’s important to make sure it meets specific legal requirements to avoid potential challenges.

  A trust, on the other hand, can be used to transfer assets without going through the succession process. Trusts can also provide added privacy, control over when and how your assets are distributed, and potential tax benefits.

• Power of attorney. A power of attorney gives someone the authority to act on your behalf in financial or legal matters if you become incapacitated. This document is especially important for individuals who want to ensure their affairs are managed by someone they trust in the event they can no longer make decisions for themselves.
• Living will and healthcare directives. This document outlines your preferences when it comes to medical treatment in case you’re unable to express them yourself due to illness or injury. It can include instructions about life support, organ donation, and other health-related decisions. In Lake Charles, healthcare directives ensure your medical care aligns with your wishes during critical situations.
• Succession planning. Louisiana employs unique laws regarding the distribution of assets, one of them being forced heirship. This means certain heirs — usually minor children or disabled adult children — have a legal right to inherit a portion of your estate, regardless of your will’s intentions.

  Succession planning is an important part of estate planning, and the team at Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates can help you understand how to plan your estate so your wishes are carried out while still complying with state laws.

Incorporating these key components into your estate plan is crucial for securing your assets and providing for your family. Each element, from wills and trusts to healthcare directives and powers of attorney, plays a unique role in safeguarding your wishes. By working with our team, you can craft a comprehensive plan that gives you peace of mind that your legacy is in good hands.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Estate Planning

One of the most common mistakes in estate planning is failing to regularly update your documents. Life changes, like marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or the acquisition of new property, may require adjustments to your plan.

Another potential issue is improperly drafted documents. In Louisiana, handwritten wills are valid under certain conditions, but simple mistakes can easily invalidate the document.

Finally, it’s important to choose the right executor or trustee. This person or entity is responsible for carrying out your wishes, and you want to make sure they are trustworthy, capable, and willing to take on the responsibility.

By working with Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your estate plan is legally sound.

FAQs

Why Choose Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates

Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates is proud to serve clients in Lake Charles and the surrounding areas, with over 80 years of combined legal experience.

Whether you’re creating a simple will, setting up a trust, or planning for future healthcare decisions, our Lake Charles estate planning lawyers can help you make the most informed decisions about your future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.