Estate Planning

Losing a loved one is hard enough. Separating assets and transferring ownership of property following the death of a loved one can be a nightmare if not handled correctly. Many questions arise after someone we love passes away, such as:

• Do I need to open a succession?
• How do I open a succession?
• Can I sell property?
• Who gets what property?
• What do we do with a will?
• What is the difference between intestate and testate?
• What is a testator or a testatrix?
• What does an executor or administrator do?

Properly transferring ownership of property following the death of a loved one is the primary purpose of a succession. If the person who died had a will, that will, or “testament”, will have to go through probate. Probate in Louisiana simply means “proving the will.” After probate, the heirs can then begin the process of petitioning the Court to transfer ownership of property and take other steps that may be necessary under the circumstances. If the person who died does not have a will, then the heirs would skip the probate process.

If your spouse, parent, or loved one passed away and you have questions related to succession law or what your options are, please call our office today at (337) 233-1303 or click here to arrange a consultation with Succession Attorney Joshua S. Guillory.

Preparation of Wills

A will is an instrument that allows someone to leave their property to someone else at the time of their death. In its formal term, Louisiana law refers to this process as disposition mortis causa. Louisiana recognizes two types of wills: notarial and oligraphic. A notarial will is a will executed in the presence of a notary and two witnesses. There are other requirements such as signing and dating each page along with the notary and two witnesses also executing the document. An oligraphic will is a will that is completely handwritten, signed, and dated by the testator (the person executing the will).

We plan for the future in many aspects of our life. Utilizing the benefits of a will to control where certain property goes after you die is a powerful tool that can provide peace of mind while you are living. Without a will, Louisiana law will dictate how your property is dispensed at the time of your death.

Call Someone You Can Count On

The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, LLC takes ample time to understand your life now and the legacy that you want to leave for your family and friends. For more information, call us in Lafayette at (337) 233-1303 or click here to get started with a consultation.

In addition to helping clients with estate planning, Attorney Joshua S. Guillory is prepared to help individuals with a wide range of legal matters, such as family law matters, criminal defense, business law, and personal injury. Do not hesitate to contact The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, LLC at (337) 233-1303 or click here to send a message to our firm.