Inheritance taxes have, for the most part, been repealed in Louisiana but you still need an experienced attorney to manage the estate and handle probate procedure.  James A. Dukes - Louisiana Probate Attorney is a licensed Louisiana attorney since 1977, specializes in estate and probate.

When a friend or relative passes away you have many questions and concerns that need resolution.  I have been engaged in Probate and Succession law for many years and understand the problems associated with handling both simple and complicated Probate matters. 

Even in death it is necessary to obtain the services of an attorney.  In doing so you should choose someone knowledgeable in the Estate and Succession laws of this State.  James A. Dukes, Louisiana Probate Attorney has been representing aggrieved survivors in these matters for more than 33 years, and understand the inheritance and estate laws of Louisiana and offers a Free Consult.

"You should always write a will.  The reasons are many including insuring that your surviving spouse is protected, that your children are treated fairly, and simply to insure a smooth transition through probate proceedings. If you own a business, you really should plan for the continuation or disolution of a business through a Will to protect your family and business partners, if any."

Once a last will and testament is written the succession becomes a “testate” succession and is governed by the wishes of the “testator” or person making the will. 

Without a will the succession is known as an “intestate” succession and the laws of Louisiana determine who gets your property.  If you die without a will Louisiana law requires that your estate pass based upon blood or affinity.  Many people do not realize that a spouse would not inherit based upon intestate Louisiana law and need protection.

While you can write your own will there are many technical matters which will cause problems in probate and could render it invalid.  Such an important matter should be entrusted to an attorney with the knowledge and skill to see that the matter is resolved properly.  There are also other important documents which should accompany the will such as a Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney.

A living will can provide protection to you in the process of dying which allows the withholding of life prolonging equipment.  This document must be carefully crafted by your attorney so that it will be followed by the medical providers.

A Durable Health Care Power of Attorney is used to control all aspects of your personal care and medical treatment, including the right to decline medical treatment or to direct that it be stopped. naming a person to be a guardian of the person if one becomes necessary.
James A Dukes, Estate Planning Attorney - Probate Attorney - Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate Attorney

James@jamesadukes.com