Baton Rouge Wills Lawyer
Wills Attorney in Baton Rouge, LA
An important aspect of estate planning is establishing a Last Will and Testament. With a will, you can make important decisions about your assets, such as how you want everything divided and who receives what. You can also make a plan for any remaining debts. Navigating a Will case can be complicated, especially if you have a complex financial profile. A Baton Rouge wills lawyer can help you formulate a strategy for your estate based on your situation.
Field Law has been handling estate planning cases throughout Louisiana for over a decade. We’re familiar with state will laws and have experience working with individuals with unique goals and needs. No matter your goals for the future, you can count on our team to work with you to make your ideas a reality.
Will Cases in Louisiana
A will is a legally recognized document that allows you to determine who your estate goes to after your death. As long as your will is valid under Louisiana law, you can expect the court to abide by your wishes. A Baton Rouge wills attorney can help you draft a solid legal document that protects your assets and finances.
Wills aren’t only for controlling assets. You can also make important decisions regarding debt. Over 50 percent of adults in the United States indicated that they believe they are going to leave behind debt when they die. Creating a plan for this can help your loved ones resolve any outstanding debts as quickly as possible.
Without a will, you have no say in what happens to your assets and other property when you die. This situation also increases the chance of a conflict between family members because an estate plan was not in place when a loved one passed on.
You can expect an estate to be handled through Louisiana intestacy laws, which distribute assets based on a set order of priority starting with:
- Descendants (children and grandchildren)
- Parents, siblings, and their descendants
- Surviving spouse
- Grandparents
- Other distant relatives
There are also special rules in place for surviving spouses regarding marital property. Anything owned by the couple automatically becomes the property of any descendants. However, the surviving spouse still has a right to use the property after the death of the decedent.
With or without a will, an estate must go through succession. This is the process of settling an estate. A Baton Rouge wills attorney can help you mitigate costs and move through the process as seamlessly as possible.
Your Local Baton Rouge Wills Lawyer
Field Law is an estate planning law firm first and foremost. We are entirely focused on Louisiana estates. Our attorney, Morgan Field, can help you come up with a sound strategy that meets your needs. We know Louisiana law, including the rules and nuances of the succession process.
Over the years, we’ve used that knowledge to settle more than 500 estates and secure millions of dollars for heirs and beneficiaries. With over 12 years of experience, we’re confident we can help you with your will case in Baton Rouge.
FAQs
What Makes a Will Valid in Louisiana?
What makes a will valid in Louisiana depends on the type of will you create. Louisiana recognizes two types of wills: notarial wills and olographic wills. Notarial wills must be signed by the creator and require two witnesses.
Olographic wills, or handwritten wills, must be written and signed by the creator. They do not require any witnesses. However, these are strongly discouraged due to their legal complexity. Notarial wills are easier to validate in court.
What Can I Include in My Last Will and Testament in Baton Rouge?
What you can include in your Last Will and Testament in Baton Rouge depends on the details of your situation. Some key elements of a will include:
- A named executor of your estate
- A list of people and/or institutions that you want to inherit assets
- Instructions on how you want your property divided
- Any information regarding guardianship and pet care
- Your name, address, and a statement that you are of sound mind.
What Happens if I Die Without a Will in Baton Rouge?
What happens if you die without a will in Baton Rouge depends on your estate. The estate goes through intestate succession. This is where the state assigns a personal representative who identifies a decedent’s assets and debts, contacts creditors, and divides assets per Louisiana intestacy laws.
Any shared property or property with rights of survivorship can be given directly to the new owner. Other assets are distributed in a set order of priority, starting with the decedent’s surviving children.
Do I Have to Hire a Wills Lawyer to Create a Will in Baton Rouge?
You do not have to hire a wills lawyer to create a will in Baton Rouge. While you can draft the document yourself, you may find the process to be challenging to complete on your own. A Baton Rouge Wills attorney can help you draft a will that is valid under Louisiana law and ensure you’re taking advantage of estate planning tools to protect your assets. They can also help revise documents and make important decisions as your life changes.
Hire a Wills Lawyer in Baton Rouge to Discuss Your Plans in More Detail
No one wants to think about the end of their life, but it’s beneficial to have a plan in place. Estate planning gives individuals and their families peace of mind. The process can be daunting, especially if you’re navigating complex financial profiles, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, or other aspects of your estate.
It’s helpful to hire a wills lawyer to help you through your case, regardless of the scope of services you require. Residents in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas can turn to Field Law to guide them through their estate planning case. If you’re ready to talk to an attorney about your case, contact our office to set up a consultation with a member of our team today.
