Trusts are often associated with wealthy families and complicated tax planning. In reality, a trust can serve practical purposes for families with many different levels of wealth. It can simplify the transfer of property, provide…
Many business owners hope that what they have built will remain in the family. They may envision a son or daughter eventually taking over operations, preserving the company’s reputation and carrying the family legacy into…
When a family member questions a will, the disagreement does not automatically become a successful will contest. Louisiana law generally permits people to decide who will receive their property after death—even when that decision disappoints…
Talking to your parents about estate planning can feel uncomfortable. You may worry that the conversation will sound intrusive, that your parents will think you are focused on an inheritance, or that your siblings will…
Living outside Louisiana does not prevent you from inheriting Louisiana property, serving as an executor, protecting your interest in a succession, or resolving a Louisiana trust or estate dispute. It can, however, make the process…
The short answer is that heirs ordinarily do not become personally responsible for someone’s debts merely because they are related to the person or named in a will. However, that does not mean the debts…
A Louisiana will does more than explain who should inherit your property. It can also name the person you want to manage your succession after your death. That person is called the executor. “Succession representative”…
When someone dies and leaves you property, you may need to know when you can access the money, transfer the property, or sell an inherited home. There is no single timeline for receiving an inheritance…
Estate planning is not limited to deciding who receives your property after your death. A complete Louisiana estate plan can also address who will manage your financial affairs during incapacity, who may make health-care decisions…
Planning for incapacity means deciding who will have the legal authority to manage your affairs if an illness, injury, or cognitive decline prevents you from acting for yourself. Many people assume that a spouse or…