Alexandria Succession Lawyer
Greenwald Law Firm handles Louisiana successions for families in Alexandria and across Rapides Parish. A succession is the court process that transfers a deceased person’s property to their heirs. Greenwald Law Firm opens Alexandria successions in the 9th Judicial District Court in Rapides Parish, prepares the required pleadings, and obtains the judgment of possession that places heirs in legal ownership — serving Alexandria, Pineville, Ball, Woodworth, Lecompte, and the surrounding communities. Attorney Joseph W. Greenwald, Jr. has practiced law in Louisiana since 1998.
Understanding Louisiana succession law
As the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs explains, a succession is the legal process of transferring a deceased person’s assets — property, money, and belongings — to their rightful heirs or beneficiaries. Also called probate, a Louisiana succession ensures the estate is handled under Louisiana law whether or not the person left a will: identifying and valuing assets, paying debts, and distributing what remains. The process begins by filing the required documents in the parish court, where the court determines whether it is a testate or intestate succession.
Testate vs. intestate succession in Louisiana
A testate succession occurs when someone dies with a valid last will and testament that directs how their assets are distributed. An intestate succession occurs when there is no will, and Louisiana law determines how the estate is divided among family members. Louisiana’s forced heirship rules can affect both types, requiring certain heirs — minor children or children with a permanent disability — to receive a portion of the estate. Greenwald Law Firm helps Alexandria clients navigate both types and reduce the risk of litigation.
Full detail on the testate and intestate process: Understanding Louisiana successions →
When you might need an Alexandria succession lawyer
Settling an estate means navigating the court system to handle debts, taxes, and real estate — which becomes overwhelming when disputes arise among heirs. Greenwald Law Firm helps Alexandria clients avoid the costly mistakes that delay probate and ensures rightful heirs receive the property they’re entitled to. Louisiana pleadings require specific legal descriptions and heirship determinations, which is why these matters almost always call for an attorney.
What types of succession cases does Greenwald Law Firm handle?
Greenwald Law Firm handles testate and intestate successions, small successions by affidavit, and complex estates with multiple heirs, real estate, or contested assets.
- Simple successions — small estates or uncontested wills, settled faster and without litigation when heirs agree.
- Small successions — a streamlined process that lets heirs take possession without formal probate. As of August 1, 2026, a small succession applies when the estate is valued at $200,000 or less for a person who died domiciled in Louisiana (raised from $125,000 under Act 293), or when the decedent has been deceased more than 20 years.
- Complex successions — business assets, out-of-state property, contested wills, unresolved creditor debt, or missing heirs, requiring more documentation and legal oversight.
How much does a succession cost in Alexandria?
Alexandria succession cost depends on the estate’s size, whether there’s a will, the number of heirs, and whether any dispute arises. Some successions are completed for under $1,000, while more complex estates run into several thousand. Greenwald Law Firm discusses fees directly at the start of every Alexandria succession.
For a full breakdown by succession type, see how much a Louisiana succession costs →. Call (318) 219-7867 for a personalized estimate.
Succession in Rapides Parish: what to expect
In Rapides Parish, a succession begins with filing the required documents in the 9th Judicial District Court, whether or not the decedent left a valid will. Depending on the estate’s complexity, a case proceeds through judicial or independent administration, each with its own requirements and timeline. Greenwald Law Firm helps clients understand their options — including remote filings for out-of-state family members — to reduce the burden during a difficult time.
Why families in Alexandria choose Greenwald Law Firm
Although Greenwald Law Firm is based in Shreveport, the firm serves families throughout Alexandria and Rapides Parish. Attorney Joseph W. Greenwald, Jr. has practiced law in Louisiana since 1998 in succession, estate planning, and related matters, and focuses on clear communication and prompt attention to every case — keeping the process moving efficiently while protecting each client’s interests. Greenwald Law Firm also serves Alexandria families in other practice areas, including estate planning, personal injury, and criminal defense.
Greenwald Law Firm serves Alexandria and nearby communities including Pineville, Ball, Woodworth, Lecompte, Cheneyville, and Tioga, and offers virtual consultations and secure document handling for clients who need them.
Talk to an Alexandria succession lawyer
Greenwald Law Firm handles Louisiana probate, successions, and estate planning for families across Alexandria and Rapides Parish. Attorney Joseph W. Greenwald, Jr. has practiced law in Louisiana since 1998. Call (318) 219-7867 to schedule a consultation.