Probate in Louisiana | LA Legal Resources | FastCounsel

How to initiate the sale of estate property to satisfy creditor claims in Louisiana

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When someone dies in Louisiana with unpaid debts, the estate’s administrator or executor must pay creditors before distributing assets. If the estate lacks sufficient cash, the administrator may need a court-supervised sale of estate property—movable or immovable—to satisfy creditor […]

Read article →

What Options Exist for Selling or Auctioning Personal Property to Reimburse Estate Expenses and Equalize Distributions Among Heirs in Louisiana?

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation. Detailed Answer 1. Overview of Selling Estate Property in Louisiana When someone dies in Louisiana, their assets form a succession. The court supervises the succession to ensure debts, taxes, and funeral expenses are […]

Read article →

What procedures ensure estate expenses and creditor claims are addressed before distributing assets to heirs in Louisiana?

Detailed Answer In Louisiana, the succession process ensures that estate expenses and creditor claims are settled before heirs receive any assets. The key steps include opening a succession, notifying creditors, performing an inventory and appraisal, resolving debts, and obtaining court approval for final distribution. 1. Open the Succession Within three years after death, an interested […]

Read article →

What information and documentation are required to verify all individuals with an interest in real property? – LA

Detailed Answer Under Louisiana law, verifying every individual with an interest in immovable property prevents title defects and litigation. "Immovable" includes land, buildings, mineral rights and servitudes. Anyone who may hold a legal or beneficial interest must be identified and documented, including fee owners, usufructuaries, lessees, mortgagees, trustees, minors, interdicts and spouses under community property […]

Read article →

How is the fair market value of personal property calculated in a probate case in Louisiana?

Detailed Answer In Louisiana successions (probate), the succession representative must list personal property at its fair market value as of the decedent’s date of death. Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 2871 requires an inventory and appraisement filed within four months of qualification. The appraisement serves as prima facie evidence of value in the succession […]

Read article →

How Do I Determine Ownership When My Deceased Parent Is the Only Name Listed on the Deed? – LA

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer In Louisiana, real estate owned solely by a deceased parent passes by succession. Succession is the legal process that gathers a decedent’s assets and transfers title to heirs or legatees. To determine who holds ownership, follow these key steps: Obtain […]

Read article →

What Constitutes Due Diligence for Identifying and Notifying Unknown Heirs in Louisiana Probate Administration?

Understanding Due Diligence in Louisiana Probate Administration In Louisiana, probate administrators must take reasonable steps to locate and notify all heirs before court approval of an estate distribution. “Due diligence” means documenting thorough, good-faith efforts tailored to the facts of each estate. Statutory Requirements for Notifying Unknown Heirs Notice by Publication: If an heir’s address […]

Read article →

How Can an Administrator Locate and Verify Potential Heirs When Only Limited Information Is Available? (LA)

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When an administrator in Louisiana has only limited information about potential heirs, taking a systematic approach helps ensure all rightful heirs receive notice. Below are key steps under Louisiana law. 1. Gather Public Records Vital Records: Order birth, death […]

Read article →

What notice requirements and procedures apply for notifying creditors, including medical debt collectors, in probate in Louisiana?

Detailed Answer Under Louisiana succession law, the succession representative must notify all creditors—this includes medical debt collectors—about the opening of probate. The process involves both direct notice to known creditors and published notice for unknown creditors. Claims not timely submitted lose enforceability against the succession. 1. Notifying Known Creditors The representative must mail written notice […]

Read article →

How Can a Potential Heir Be Appointed as Administrator in Louisiana When the Decedent Left No Will?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer: Appointment Process for Administrators in Louisiana Intestate Estates When a person dies in Louisiana without a valid will, the estate is considered intestate and must go through a succession […]

Read article →