Detailed Answer

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.

1. Identify the Primary Succession

Under Louisiana law, the primary succession is opened in the parish where the decedent was domiciled at death. See Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:4111. That court appoints the executor (if named in a valid will) or the administrator (if no will exists) to gather and distribute assets located throughout the state.

Link to statute: LA R.S. 9:4111.

2. Handling Immovable Property in Other States

If the decedent owned real estate outside Louisiana, you must open an ancillary succession in each state where property lies. The ancillary succession court has limited jurisdiction: it appoints a “collecting administrator” to handle only the out-of-state immovable property.

In Louisiana, courts recognize only ancillary successions for decedents domiciled outside the state. See Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 7401. You file in your domiciliary succession an authenticated copy of the ancillary judgment, and then coordinate distributions through your primary succession.

Link to statute: LA C.C.P. Art. 7401.

3. Movable and Intangible Property Across Parishes

Within Louisiana, movable property (bank accounts, vehicles, personal effects) and intangible assets (stock certificates, insurance proceeds) are gathered by the domiciliary succession without opening separate proceedings in each parish.

• Bank accounts: Many institutions allow a Small Succession Affidavit for estates under $100,000. See La. C.C.P. Art. 2851.
• Vehicles: Transfer title using Form DMV TT-62 and a copy of the succession order.
• Stock certificates: Present a certified copy of the court’s succession order to the transfer agent.

4. Summary (Small) Successions for Modest Estates

If the total value of immovable property is $125,000 or less, you may use Louisiana’s summary succession procedure under R.S. 9:2781–2784. This process is faster, less expensive, and may not require a hearing.

Link to statute: LA R.S. 9:2781 et seq.

5. Coordination Among Jurisdictions

• Collect certified copies of all court orders and successions (primary and ancillary).
• Hire local counsel in other states as needed to complete ancillary proceedings.
• Maintain clear communication with all courts and interested parties.

Helpful Hints

• Start in the decedent’s domicile parish to avoid delays.
• Inventory all assets early; identify immovables in and out of state.
• Use summary succession for small estates to save time and cost.
• Keep meticulous records of filings in each jurisdiction.
• Work with attorneys licensed in each jurisdiction when handling ancillary successions.