Gonzales Wills Lawyer

Wills Attorney in Gonzales, LA

Your Last Will and Testament allows you to make important decisions regarding what you want to happen to everything you own after death. In Louisiana, your Will is the only legal document recognized that allows you to direct how your estate is distributed. It’s critical to have a clear and legally sound Will that outlines your wishes and is enforceable under Louisiana law. A Gonzales Wills lawyer can help you navigate this process and secure your wealth for generations to come.

Our team at Field Law has been handling complex Will cases throughout Louisiana for over a decade, giving us extensive experience navigating complex financial situations. No matter how complicated your situation may seem, you can count on us to help you through it.

Will Cases in Louisiana

You can include anything you want in your Last Will and Testament, but there are essential elements to include that can help ensure it’s clear and enforceable under Louisiana law. Our Gonzales Wills lawyers at Field Law are familiar with the state’s will laws and can help you make educated decisions about your estate plan to ensure your wishes are carried out.

Without an estate plan in place, it’s up to Louisiana’s intestacy law how your assets are distributed amongst eligible heirs and beneficiaries. Under intestate succession, the court determines who gets what based on whether you have a spouse, children, parents, or other close relatives when you die.

They follow a certain order of priority and distribute assets that way. With a Will in place, you can outline what you want to happen to your assets in clear terms and avoid the lengthy intestate succession process.

The court must assign a personal representative to the estate to oversee the distribution of the assets, but that can only happen after any outstanding debts are settled. If any debts are identified, the estate executors must notify creditors and give them time to respond.

They must then dispute or verify the claim from the creditor and take care of any payments to them from the estate. If the estate lacks the funds, the executor may decide to sell assets to satisfy the debt. Without an estate plan in place, you have no say in what happens during this process, and you won’t be here anymore to fight anything happening.

In a recent survey, over half of the respondents reported not having a Will at all. While many respondents over age 55 had an estate plan in place, the largest percentage of people without one came from the age group right below them, Americans aged 35 to 54.

It’s never too early to start thinking about the future, especially when it comes to what happens to your hard-earned wealth once you’re gone. Accidents are the third-leading cause of death in Louisiana, which means something can happen at any time.

Hire a Wills Lawyer

By taking the initiative in creating your estate plan, you can rest assured that you’re ready for anything. For many people, a big event served as a catalyst for them to create an estate plan. Some common events that have influenced people to manage an estate plan include:

• Change in personal health
• Death of a friend or family member
• Family conflict or change
• Retirement
• Change in personal financial situation

Instead of reacting to an event, set yourself up for success with a clear estate plan in place. Give yourself peace of mind by having a Will that states your wishes for your assets once you’re gone. A Gonzales Wills lawyer can help you create a plan that ensures you control the future of your wealth, no matter what happens.

FAQs

What Can I Include in a Will in Gonzales?

There are essential elements to include in a will that help ensure it’s enforceable. This includes your name, address, and a statement that you are of sound mind. It’s important to name an executor of your estate and to include a list of people and/or organizations that are to inherit your assets. You can include as many details as you wish on how you want the property divided, as well as information regarding other requests like guardianship and pet care.

What Makes a Will a Valid Document in Louisiana?

Louisiana recognizes two main types of wills, each of which has its own requirements. The two types are Notarial Wills and Olographic Wills. Both types of Wills must be in writing and signed by the testator, though an Olographic Will must be entirely in the testator’s writing and dated, too. Notarial Wills require two witnesses to testify that the Will was signed by the testator. A Wills attorney  in Gonzales can work with you to create a Will that is enforceable under Louisiana law.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Wills Lawyer in Gonzales to Help With My Estate Plan?

You don’t have to hire a Wills lawyer to create or handle a Will in Louisiana, but it’s highly recommended that you do. A Gonzales Wills attorney understands what goes into these types of cases and is there to help you make the smartest decisions for your finances. They can evaluate your case, lay out your options, and help you make educated decisions that secure your wealth for generations to come.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wills Lawyer to Help Me Create a Will in Gonzales?

The cost of working with a Gonzales Wills lawyer can vary depending on the complexity of your case. The value of the estate is going to have the biggest impact on overall costs. That said, it also matters what you hire a Wills lawyer to do. Your attorney can perform any number of tasks, including drafting Wills, opening trusts, appointing powers of attorney, modifying legal documents, and navigating succession. More complex cases are often going to cost more.

Gonzales Wills Lawyer

Navigating Will cases can be overwhelming regardless of your financial status. The good news is you don’t have to learn everything on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you hire a Wills lawyer to help you through the process.

Our attorneys at Field Law bring over a decade of estate planning experience to the table. We can help you with an aspect of a Will case, including drafting documents and making important decisions regarding the future of your wealth. If you’re ready to talk about your plans, we’re ready to listen. Contact our offices to schedule an initial appointment with a trusted attorney today.

Our Estate Planning Law Firm Reviews

 Quick and easy.