Short overview: When someone dies in Louisiana without a will (intestate), the court opens a succession. The court appoints a personal representative (commonly called an administrator or administrator of the succession) to collect assets, pay debts and expenses, and distribute the estate to heirs under Louisiana succession law. A close relative who is an heir—such as a surviving sister—can petition the court to be appointed administrator. This article explains the usual steps, what the court expects, and practical tips for moving forward.

Who may be appointed administrator under Louisiana law?

The court generally prefers to appoint an heir with a priority interest in the estate. Common candidates include the surviving spouse, children, parents, and siblings. If no preferred heir applies or if the preferred heir declines, the court may appoint another heir or a suitable person. The district court in the parish where the decedent was domiciled handles succession matters.

Step-by-step: How to ask the court to appoint you administrator

1. Confirm domicile and jurisdiction. File the succession in the parish where your sister lived (her domicile) when she died. The clerk of court or the district court handles succession filings.
2. Gather required documents. Typical documents the court will expect include the decedent’s certified death certificate, your identification, a list of known heirs (with contact information), a rough inventory of known assets and liabilities, and any documents showing an heir relationship (birth certificates, marriage records, etc.).
3. Prepare and file a petition to open the succession. The petition asks the court to open the succession and to appoint an administrator. You will file the petition with the district court clerk in the proper parish and pay the required filing fee. The clerk can provide local filing requirements and forms; many parishes publish guidance for succession petitions.
4. Provide notice to heirs and interested parties. Louisiana succession procedure requires notice to known heirs and certain interested parties so they can object or propose a different administrator. The court will give instructions on who must be served and how.
5. Bond and oath (if required). The court commonly requires the appointed administrator to qualify by taking an oath and, unless the court waives it, posting a bond to protect the estate. In some uncontested successions or where the administrator is a preferred heir, the court may waive the bond.
6. Court hearing and issuance of letters. If there are no objections, the court will sign an order opening the succession and appointing you as administrator. You will receive official documents (letters of administration or equivalent) that allow you to act for the estate (collect assets, access accounts, and communicate with banks, insurers, and government agencies).
7. Administer the estate. As administrator you mustcollect and preserve estate property, pay valid debts and funeral expenses, file any required tax returns, and manage estate assets. You will inventory assets, pay claims, and ultimately distribute the remainder to heirs according to Louisiana succession rules.
8. Close the succession. After debts and taxes are resolved and accounts are settled, you will file a final accounting and ask the court to approve distribution and discharge you as administrator.

Key Louisiana law references (where to look)

Succession law in Louisiana is governed by the Louisiana Civil Code (Book III: Successions) and by the probate/succession procedures in the state courts. You can review the state laws and code online at the Louisiana Legislature website: https://legis.la.gov/. For parish-specific filing procedures, contact the district court clerk in the parish where your sister lived.

Common practical issues and questions

• Priority of appointment: If multiple heirs ask to be administrator, the court normally gives preference to those with the strongest statutory claim (spouse or children). Where siblings are the primary heirs, the court often appoints a sibling if there is no spouse or children.
• Bond waiver: Courts can waive the administrator bond when appropriate (for example, if the appointee is the sole heir). Ask the court clerk how to request a waiver.
• Small estates: Louisiana has simplified procedures for smaller or less complex successions. If the estate is small and only movable property is involved, a simplified administration may be available. Check local court rules or ask the clerk whether a simplified succession process applies in your situation.
• Creditors and deadlines: As administrator you must handle creditor claims and may need to publish notice to creditors. Timelines can affect the estate’s liability for claims—get local guidance from the court clerk or an attorney about publication and claim deadlines.
• When heirs disagree: If another heir objects to your appointment, the court will resolve the dispute. If an objection is likely or if complex assets (real estate, businesses, large debts) exist, consider getting a lawyer to represent the estate or to represent you in the appointment process.

How long does the appointment process take and what are costs?

Timing depends on whether the succession is contested, the court’s calendar, and how quickly you gather documents. An uncontested appointment and administration for a simple estate can take a few months; contested or complex estates may take much longer. Costs include filing fees, possible bond premiums, attorney fees (if you hire one), publication costs for creditor notices, and costs tied to asset transfer (e.g., recording fees). The court clerk can provide local fee schedules.

When to hire an attorney

You may represent yourself for a simple, uncontested succession. Hire an attorney if any of these are present: competing heirs or disputes, substantial real estate, unresolved debts, possible creditor lawsuits, tax questions, or if you are unsure how to prepare required inventories and accountings. An attorney will prepare pleadings, advise on bond and tax obligations, negotiate claims, and help close the succession correctly.

Checklist: Documents and information to prepare before you file

• Certified death certificate for your sister
• Your identification and contact information
• List of known heirs and their contact information
• Preliminary list of known assets (bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, personal property) and liabilities
• Titles or deeds, insurance policies, recent account statements
• Any documents suggesting a will or other estate planning documents (if later found, those change the process)

Helpful Hints

• Contact the district court clerk in your sister’s parish first — clerks provide local forms and can explain simple procedural steps and fee amounts.
• Ask whether a bond can be waived before filing; a waiver often simplifies qualification as administrator.
• Keep careful, dated records of every step, every communication, and every estate transaction — courts require clear accounting when you close the succession.
• Give prompt notice to known creditors and consider publishing notice in the local newspaper if required — that protects the estate from late claims.
• If heirs are cooperative, consider an uncontested succession process or a negotiated agreement so you can avoid litigation delays and costs.
• When in doubt about taxes (estate or income) or complex assets, consult a lawyer or tax professional early; mistakes can be costly.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It explains common steps under Louisiana succession practice but cannot cover every situation. Laws and local procedures change, and every case is different. Contact a Louisiana-licensed attorney or the district court clerk in the appropriate parish to get advice tailored to your situation.