Short answer

If your father died without a will in Louisiana, you (or another heir) may ask the district court in the parish where your father was domiciled to open a succession (probate) and to appoint an administrator (often called an administrator of the intestate succession). You will generally file a petition, identify all heirs and assets, notify interested parties and creditors, and—unless the heirs agree to waive a bond—post a bond. The court will review the documents and appoint the person it finds appropriate to administer the estate. Follow-up duties include inventorying assets, paying valid debts, and distributing the estate under Louisiana’s intestate succession rules.

Detailed answer — Step by step under Louisiana law

1. Confirm intestacy and collect basic documents

• Confirm that your father left no valid will. If you find only a draft or a document that might be a will, do not sign anything or move assets before talking with a lawyer or the court clerk.
• Gather the death certificate, your father’s ID, any bank statements, mortgage or title documents, insurance policies, and documents showing debts (credit cards, loans). Make a simple list of known relatives (spouse, children, parents, siblings).

2. Figure out whether a formal administration is required or a summary/small succession is allowed

Louisiana provides simplified procedures for certain small successions. If the estate is limited in value and does not include immovable property (real estate), heirs sometimes use an affidavit or abbreviated process to transfer assets without full formal administration. Check local court rules or ask the clerk whether a “small succession” or informal procedure applies in your parish.

3. File the proper petition in the parish district court

To begin formal administration, file a petition (often called a Petition to Open Succession and Appoint Administrator) in the district court of the parish where your father was domiciled at death. The petition should include:

• Basic facts (decedent’s name, date of death, last domicile);
• Statement that there is no will (or, if a will exists, its status);
• Names and addresses of heirs and their relationships to the decedent;
• Estimate of estate assets and liabilities;
• Request to appoint you (or someone else) as administrator.

4. Notice and service

Louisiana procedure requires notice to interested parties and specific publishing requirements for creditors. The court or the clerk will tell you how to serve heirs and publish notices to creditors. Timely notice preserves creditor rights and gives other heirs a chance to object to your appointment.

5. Bond, if required

Courts commonly require administrators to post a surety bond to protect the estate from improper administration. Heirs can sometimes waive the bond in writing, but unless the court accepts a waiver or the law provides an exception, you should expect a bond requirement. The clerk or court will explain the bond amount and how to obtain it.

6. Court appointment

If no disqualifying objections appear, and the court finds the petition procedurally correct, the judge will sign an order appointing the administrator and issuing letters of administration (or similar documents). Those letters give you legal authority to act for the estate: collect assets, pay debts, and handle transfers.

7. Administrator’s duties after appointment

• Inventory and appraise assets — file an inventory with the court as required by local rules.
• Notify and pay valid creditors — publish notice to creditors when required and resolve or contest claims.
• Pay taxes — file final income and estate tax returns and pay taxes due.
• Distribute to heirs — after claims and expenses are paid, distribute remaining assets under Louisiana intestate succession rules.
• Close the succession — file accountings and a final petition to close the succession when duties are complete; the court will discharge the administrator.

8. How heirs inherit in Louisiana (basic rules)

Louisiana’s civil law defines descendants (children), surviving spouse, parents, and other relatives who inherit in intestacy. Generally, the decedent’s surviving spouse and children take priority. Exact shares depend on who survives the decedent. For the specific provisions and precise shares, consult the Louisiana Civil Code (search the legislature’s laws page).

Official Louisiana statute resources: Louisiana Legislature Law Search — https://legis.la.gov/Legis/LawSearch.aspx (search for “Civil Code — Successions” and relevant articles on intestate succession and succession administration).

Common complications that can slow or prevent your appointment

• Disagreement among heirs about who should administer the estate.
• Creditors filing claims or disputes over the value of assets.
• Unknown heirs or missing heirs who must be located and served notice.
• Claims that a will exists, or disputes over the validity of documents found after death.
• Complex assets such as businesses, mineral rights, or property out of state.

When to get an attorney

You can often handle a straightforward small succession yourself, but consult an attorney when:

• Heirs dispute appointment or inheritance shares;
• Assets are complex (business interests, multiple properties, tax issues);
• You face creditor claims or potential litigation;
• You are unsure about required notices, bonds, or court filings.

An attorney can prepare petitions, advise on bond issues, represent you at hearings, and help ensure you meet fiduciary duties as administrator.

Helpful Hints

• Start by calling the district court clerk in the parish where your father lived. Clerks can give you local forms, filing fees, and schedule information.
• Make a short, accurate inventory of assets and debts before filing — courts expect good-faith estimates early in the process.
• If you and the heirs agree, ask the heirs to sign a bond waiver (if permitted) to avoid the time and cost of obtaining a surety bond.
• Keep good records: receipts, bank statements, notices published, and copies of all court filings. You will need them for your final accounting to the court.
• Don’t distribute assets until you are properly appointed and debts and taxes are resolved — premature distribution can create personal liability.
• If the estate seems small, ask the clerk whether the parish offers a small succession affidavit or simplified process to save time and cost.
• If you expect disputes, get legal advice early. An attorney can often resolve conflicts faster than waiting for contested court proceedings.