SUCCESSION ATTORNEY IN BOSSIER CITY, LA

Experienced Probate and Succession Attorney in Bossier City, Shreveport, Haughton, Benton, Plain Dealing, & Beyond

Navigating the succession process in Louisiana can be overwhelming, but working with an experienced succession attorney can help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Joey Greenwald at Greenwald Law Firm has extensive experience handling successions and probate cases in Bossier City, Louisiana and the surrounding areas. He provides personalized guidance to ensure estates are settled efficiently, disputes are avoided, and heirs receive what they are entitled to under Louisiana law.

If you need assistance with succession matters in Bossier City, Shreveport, Haughton, Benton, Plain Dealing, or any of the surrounding NWLA areas, call the Greenwald Law Firm at (318) 219-7867 or request a free consultation directly on our website today.

Louisiana Probate Process

The process of succession (also known as probate) is used to transfer a deceased person’s assets to their heirs and beneficiaries. Unlike other states, Louisiana follows a civil law system, which has unique rules governing inheritance, wills, and estate administration. Whether a person dies with a last will and testament (testate succession) or without one (intestate succession), the legal process can be complex, requiring court filings, asset distribution, and potential resolution of disputes.

Step 1 – Filing for Succession in Court

The first step in the process is filing for succession. This involves submitting the necessary legal documents to the appropriate parish court where the deceased resided. Required documents typically include the petition for succession, a death certificate, a list of heirs or beneficiaries, and an inventory of the deceased’s assets.

If there is a last will, it must be filed with the court and proven valid. This often requires affidavits from witnesses or the notary who oversaw the will’s execution. If your loved one dies without a will in place, the court will determine heirs based on Louisiana’s intestate succession laws.

Step 2 – Identifying & Valuing Assets

The second step in the Louisiana succession process is identifying and valuing the deceased’s assets. This includes compiling a complete list of the estate’s property, such as bank accounts, real estate, personal belongings, vehicles, investments, and business interests. The court may require a formal inventory and appraisal to determine the estate’s total value. Proper valuation ensures that all beneficiaries receive their rightful share.

An experienced Louisiana succession attorney like Joey Greenwald can guide you through this process, ensuring that assets are accounted for and the succession proceeds efficiently.

Step 3 – Resolving Debts & Disputes

Before distributing assets to heirs, the next step – resolving debts and disputes – must be completed. During this stage, any outstanding debts left by the deceased, such as medical bills, credit card balances, mortgages, and personal loans, must be settled.

During this time, creditors are notified and given a chance to file claims against the estate. The executor or administrator is responsible for reviewing these claims and ensuring valid debts are paid using estate funds before distributing the remaining assets to heirs. If there are insufficient funds to cover all debts, Louisiana law dictates the order in which they are paid.

Step 4 – Transferring Assets to Heirs

The final step in the succession process is transferring assets to heirs, which occurs after all debts, taxes, and disputes have been resolved. Once the court is satisfied that all legal requirements have been met, it will issue a Judgment of Possession, officially recognizing the heirs’ rights to the estate’s assets. This judgment allows for the transfer of property, including real estate, bank accounts, personal belongings, and investments, to the rightful beneficiaries.

Can a Succession Be Handled Without Going to Court?

In Louisiana, some successions can be handled without going to court, but this depends on the size and complexity of the estate. If the estate qualifies for a small succession (valued under $125,000) and there is no dispute among heirs, the process can often be completed using an affidavit rather than formal probate proceedings. However, for larger or more complex estates, court involvement is typically required.

How Greenwald Law Firm Can Help with Your Northwest Louisiana Succession Case

At Greenwald Law Firm, we understand that the succession process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex estates that include business interests, real estate holdings, and high-value assets. Fortunately, our experienced Bossier City succession lawyers provide comprehensive legal guidance to ensure that all estate matters are handled efficiently and in accordance with Louisiana succession laws.

If disputes arise, such as will contests, contested probate cases, or disagreements among heirs, Joey and his team work diligently to resolve conflicts through negotiation or litigation when necessary. We also assist in navigating the legal requirements for a smooth transfer of property and assets, ensuring that heirs receive their rightful inheritance without unnecessary delays.

Whether you need help with estate planning, probate litigation, or succession administration, the Greenwald Law Firm is here to provide skilled representation and protect your family’s interests every step of the way.

Contact Joseph Greenwald – Your Trusted Succession Attorney in Bossier City, LA

When dealing with the challenges of probate and succession in Northwest Louisiana, having a trusted legal advocate by your side is essential. At Greenwald Law Firm, we are committed to providing personalized, knowledgeable, and efficient legal representation to ensure a smooth succession process.

Let us help you navigate Louisiana’s unique succession laws and protect your family’s interests. Call our experienced Bossier City estate planning lawyers today at (318) 219-7867 to schedule a free consultation and get the legal support you need for your probate and succession case.