Minden Succession Lawyer

Estate Planning and Succession Law Firm Serving Minden & Webster Parish, Louisiana

Succession is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate—paying debts, transferring property, and distributing assets to heirs. Whether the person had a will (testate) or not (intestate), the process can be complex, time-consuming, and fraught with legal challenges. However, with the right legal support, families can avoid unnecessary delays and make sure their loved one’s wishes are respected.

At the Greenwald Law Firm, we assist clients with successions in Minden, LA as well as neighboring communities like Springhill, Dubberly, Doyline, Sibley, and the surrounding North Louisiana areas. Whether you’re preparing for the future or dealing with a loved one’s estate, attorney Joseph Greenwald, Jr. is here to guide you through the process.

Contact us today at 318-219-7867 or reach out online to set up an appointment.

Understanding Successions in North Louisiana

In Louisiana, succession (aka probate) is the legal process of settling a person’s estate, paying off debts, and distributing the remaining assets to rightful heirs. This process can be straightforward, but without a solid estate plan or a clear will, complications can and often do arise.

Disputes may stem from unclear wording, challenges to the will’s validity, disagreements over forced heirship, or complex assets like family businesses. At Greenwald Law Firm, our Minden succession lawyers help executors and heirs navigate these challenges efficiently. We provide guidance to avoid legal missteps as well as represent clients in succession disputes, including cases involving fraud, will contests, and trust issues.

Testate vs. Intestate Succession

Louisiana recognizes two types of successions: testate, when a person dies with a valid will, and intestate, when there is no will. In a testate succession, the will is submitted to the court, and the named executor is approved to handle the estate—paying taxes and distributing assets to the heirs. In an intestate succession, the court follows state law to determine who inherits and appoints someone to manage the estate, settle debts, and distribute property accordingly.

Louisiana Testate Successions

Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 874, a testate succession follows the instructions in a will. Louisiana recognizes two types of wills:

• Olographic Will: This handwritten will must be entirely written, dated, and signed by the testator and witnessed by two competent witnesses. The signature must appear at the end, but any writing after the signature may still be considered part of the will if the court allows it. The date must clearly show the day, month, and year, even if outside evidence is needed to clarify it.
• Notarial Will: The more common and preferred option, this type is usually drafted by an attorney. It must be signed and dated by the testator in front of a notary and two witnesses, who must also sign the document. If the testator can’t sign, special rules apply.

Courts generally favor notarial wills because they’re more formal, detailed, and typically prepared by legal professionals familiar with estate planning.

Louisiana Intestate Successions

When someone passes away without a valid will in place, they are considered to have died intestate (La.C.C. Art. 880). In these cases, the estate is distributed according to Louisiana’s intestate succession laws.

Assets are allocated to surviving relatives based on their relationship to the deceased, starting with children and spouses, and potentially extending to parents, siblings, or grandchildren. How property is divided depends on whether it’s community or separate property. In many cases, children take priority over a surviving spouse, and even grandchildren may inherit more than a spouse if the property was owned separately.

An administrator—often a close family member—is appointed to manage the estate, pay debts, and distribute the remaining assets. Because intestate succession may not align with what the deceased would have wanted, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable estate planning lawyer to ensure everything is handled properly and in compliance with Louisiana law.

What is a Small Succession in Louisiana?

A small succession in Louisiana is a simplified legal process used to transfer a deceased person’s property when the total value of the estate is relatively low. As of 2025, a small succession applies when the estate is valued at $125,000 or less, or when the decedent has been dead for more than 20 years, regardless of value.

This process can be used whether or not the person had a will and often avoids the need for formal court proceedings. Instead, heirs can use an affidavit to claim the property, making it a quicker and more cost-effective option for settling smaller estates.

Can You Avoid Probate in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, probate—also known as succession—is required when there’s no alternative way to legally transfer a person’s assets after death. Even if heirs are entitled to the property, the court must formally approve the transfer.

Whether someone dies with or without a will, succession is usually necessary unless all assets pass through other tools like a trust. When probate is unavoidable, Minden probate attorney Joey Greenwald helps clients manage the process efficiently and reduce potential disputes.

How to Avoid Probate in Minden, LA

In Louisiana, one of the best ways to avoid probate is through careful estate planning that allows your assets to transfer outside of the formal succession process. Common strategies include creating a revocable living trust, which lets you place your assets into a trust during your lifetime and have them automatically pass to your chosen beneficiaries upon death.

Other methods include naming payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiaries on financial accounts, using joint ownership with right of survivorship (where allowed), and making lifetime gifts. While not every asset can be transferred this way, using a combination of these tools can help your loved ones avoid the time, expense, and stress of probate. A North Louisiana estate planning attorney like Joey Greenwald can help you determine the best approach for your situation.

Importance of Working With an Experienced Minden Estate Planning Attorney

Working with an experienced estate planning lawyer is key to avoiding probate and simplifying the transfer of assets after death. An attorney can help ensure your wishes are carried out without the need for a lengthy succession process by setting up tools like living trusts, payable-on-death accounts, and properly designated beneficiaries.

With the right guidance, you can protect your family from unnecessary legal hurdles, reduce the risk of disputes, and minimize delays and costs. A well-crafted estate plan not only provides peace of mind but also ensures your assets are passed on according to your wishes—smoothly, efficiently, and without court involvement.

How Much is a Succession in Louisiana?

The cost of succession in Louisiana can vary widely, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Key factors include the estate’s size, whether there are disputes among heirs, the need for formal court proceedings, and associated court, legal, and administrative fees. For a clearer idea of what to expect, it’s best to speak with an experienced Minden, LA succession lawyer who can provide an estimate based on your specific situation.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Succession in Louisiana?

While it’s possible to handle a succession on your own, having a lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome. Louisiana’s succession laws are complex, and without legal guidance, you could overlook important steps or paperwork. An experienced attorney offers a much-needed helping hand during an already difficult time, ensuring the estate is managed properly and without costly delays.

Whether you’re dealing with personal matters or a business interest tied to the estate, a successions lawyer can help identify assets, settle debts, and file required documents with the court.

Legal support not only simplifies the process but also brings peace of mind that everything is done correctly and in line with the law.

What To Look For in Your Minden, LA Succession Lawyer

Not all attorneys handle succession and probate matters, so it’s important to choose someone with the right knowledge and experience. Fortunately, Joseph Greenwald of Greenwald Law Firm focuses on estate planning and successions regularly, using proven strategies to reduce stress for families while preserving the value of their estate. His deep understanding of tax laws and estate issues ensures your case is handled with the utmost care and precision.

Backed by a skilled legal team, Greenwald’s hard work and focused approach help ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes—efficiently and with the right support every step of the way.

Call Joey Greenwald – Experienced Minden, LA Succession Attorney

Losing a loved one is never easy, and you shouldn’t have to face complex legal matters alone. At Greenwald Law Firm LLC, we understand the emotional toll this process has and are here to handle your legal needs with care and compassion. Serving Minden, Dubberly, Sibley, and cities across North Louisiana, our law firm will work tirelessly to ensure your loved one’s estate is properly managed—handling everything from property transfers to debt resolution.

Whether you need help with a living will, successions, or estate planning in general, Greenwald Law Firm is committed to protecting your family’s best interests and preserving your legacy. We also offer support in other practice areas like personal injury and criminal law. You deserve peace of mind, and we’re here to help you through every step of the process.

Contact the Greenwald Law Firm today at (318) 219-7867 or complete our online intake form to secure the legal support you need.