New Orleans Legal Counsel For Wills And Successions

A will can help you list out your wishes and requests upon your death. However, it is important to make sure that your will is legally sound and enforceable. Making it enforceable can be easier said than done. However, with the help of our team at Betsy A. Fischer & Associates, LLC, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are getting an estate planning attorney with over 30 years of experience in helping clients draft thorough, valid wills to help them cement their legacies.

The Types Of Wills In Louisiana And What Makes Them Valid

There are two types of lawful wills in Louisiana: olographic testaments (also known as holographic testaments in other States) and notarial testaments. Both of these wills must be signed by the testator and meet the following criteria in order to be valid:

• Meet any real estate requirements of the state where the property is located.
• Meet any requirements of the state where the will was executed.
• Meet any requirements set forth by the state where the testator was domiciled at the date of execution or time of death.
• Meet Louisiana’s legal requirements for a last will and testament.

If you have additional questions about these requirements, do not hesitate to reach out. Get the answers and assistance you need by calling 504-688-6953 today.

Why Having A Will Is So Important

Having a will allows you to provide your family with peace of mind and security. It can give a clear plan for distributing your assets. That way, you can help your loved ones avoid potential challenges, conflicts and hardships after you pass. Under Louisiana’s civil law system, there are specific rules for inheritance. Without a will, these laws dictate how your assets get distributed, which may not reflect your wishes.

The last thing you want to do is impose unnecessary stress and financial burden on your family. By having a will, you can:

• Appoint an executor to manage your estate
• Designate beneficiaries
• Make provisions for minor children

Additionally, a well-drafted will can help minimize legal costs and tax burdens. 

What “Dying Intestate” Can Mean In Louisiana

A recent Gallup poll found that roughly 55% of Americans do not have a will. Moreover, a recent article suggests that the number of Americans without a will is closer to 70%. When someone dies without a will they are known to be “intestate.” Louisiana has two types of succession: intestate and testate succession. Succession is the process of settling a deceased person’s estate and distributing the property once debts have been paid. In addition to intestate and testate, Louisiana also has two forms of succession which are administered (more complex and only necessary when an unadministered succession is not available) and unadministered.

Protect Your Legacy – Let’s Start Drafting Your Will Today.

You never know what tomorrow holds. That’s why it’s so important to prepare for the unexpected. By having a will in place, you can provide your loved ones with clarity when they are trying to determine how your assets will get distributed. We can help you draft a will that reflects your wishes and is legally sound. Call 504-688-6953 or complete our contact form to get started on the process today.