Short answer: To show asset transfers under Louisiana small estate (small succession) procedures you generally need a certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate, documents proving ownership for each asset (titles, deeds, account statements), any beneficiary designations, a completed small succession affidavit or other required court form, identification for the person collecting assets, and supporting valuation or transfer documents (appraisals, bills of sale, receipts). Which exact documents you must produce depends on the type of asset (bank account, real estate, vehicle, life insurance, retirement accounts) and whether the institution or recorder accepts a small succession affidavit or requires a formal probate decree.

What “small succession” means in Louisiana

Louisiana provides simplified procedures to collect and transfer some assets of a deceased person when the succession is limited in scope or value. Whether the simplified procedures apply, and which form to use, depends on the particular statute and court rules in effect. Consult the Louisiana legislature site for the current statutes and thresholds: https://www.legis.la.gov.

Types of records commonly required (by asset type)

• Death certificate: At least one certified copy (many institutions require a certified copy issued by the registrar).
• Proof of ownership / title documents: Deed for real estate, vehicle title, stock certificates, or brokerage account statements showing the decedent as owner at date of death.
• Bank and brokerage statements: Statements near the date of death showing balances and account numbers to identify the assets to be transferred.
• Beneficiary designations: Life insurance policies, retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) and payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designations — often these transfer outside succession if a valid beneficiary exists.
• Small succession affidavit or court form: The signed and properly notarized affidavit or petition required by the court or accepted by the institution to authorize transfer of assets under the small succession procedure.
• Identification and proof of relationship: Government-issued ID for the heir/collector and documents showing the relationship to the decedent (birth certificate, marriage certificate, prior wills, or other documents showing heirship).
• Appraisals and valuations: For assets whose value must be proven (antiques, vehicles, real estate if required), a current appraisal or recent tax assessment to support the value used in determining eligibility or distributing property.
• Bills of sale or receipts: If an asset moves from estate ownership to an heir, a bill of sale or signed receipt documents the transfer and the consideration (if any).
• Mortgage and lien documents: For real estate or titled property, documents showing outstanding mortgages, liens, or encumbrances so the transferee can clear title or assume obligations.
• Creditor/claim documentation: Statements or invoices for outstanding debts the estate must address, and any releases or paid receipts showing the estate discharged claims.

Practical steps to gather and present records for a small succession transfer

1. Identify all assets and list them with account numbers, title descriptions, or parcel numbers.
2. Obtain several certified death certificates from the vital records office.
3. Contact banks, brokerages, insurers, and the parish recorder/assessor to ask what they require for small successions — each institution may have its own process and forms.
4. Gather ownership documents (titles, deeds, account statements) and get certified copies or originals as required.
5. If transfers involve real estate or vehicles, confirm whether the parish recorder or Office of Motor Vehicles accepts a small succession affidavit or requires a judge’s order; some transfers need a formal act or deed to be recorded.
6. Prepare the affidavit or small succession petition as required, sign in front of a notary, and file or present it where required (clerk of court or directly to the holder of the asset).
7. Keep detailed receipts, copies of every document filed or delivered, and a dated file of all communications.

Common evidence problems and how to avoid them

• Missing certified death certificate: order multiple certified copies early.
• Institution refuses affidavit: ask whether a court-certified succession (judicial probate) is required; some institutions will not accept out-of-state forms or informal documents.
• Unclear ownership records: obtain recent account statements, tax bills, or recorder’s office copies to prove title.
• Conflicting beneficiary designations: produce the original policy or account forms showing the designation and contact the insurer or plan administrator for instructions.

Where to find the Louisiana rules and forms

Louisiana statutes and court rules describe small succession procedures and any thresholds, forms, or requirements. For the current statutory language and any filing forms, start with the Louisiana Legislature website: https://www.legis.la.gov. You can also consult the clerk of court in the parish where the decedent lived for local forms and procedural guidance.

When you should talk to an attorney

If the estate includes real estate with mortgages or unclear titles, if there are competing claimant(s), if the estate’s value or assets’ status are uncertain, or if institutions refuse to accept a small succession affidavit, consult a Louisiana attorney experienced in successions. An attorney can confirm whether the succession qualifies for the simplified process and prepare the correct documents or a judicial succession if needed.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Louisiana succession procedures and is not legal advice. Laws change and each case is unique. Contact a licensed Louisiana attorney to get advice tailored to your situation.

Helpful Hints

• Order several certified death certificates right away; many transfers require one per institution.
• Make a complete asset inventory with account numbers, titles, and parcel numbers before contacting institutions.
• Ask each bank, insurer, or title recorder in writing what documents they require for a small succession transfer and keep their replies.
• Keep originals of wills, title documents, and beneficiary forms; provide copies to institutions when requested and keep the originals safe until transfer is complete.
• Get professional appraisals for items of uncertain value to support the small succession eligibility or to fairly divide assets among heirs.
• If a creditor claims the asset, secure written documentation showing how the estate will handle the claim before making transfers.
• Record every transfer with the appropriate parish recorder or motor vehicle office to prevent future title disputes.
• When in doubt, consult a Louisiana succession attorney — a brief consultation can save time and money later.