Baton Rouge Probate Lawyer

Baton Rouge Probate Attorney

Dealing with the grief that comes with the passing of a loved one is already difficult enough, let alone when you have to navigate the complex probate process to settle your loved one’s estate. Because the probate process in Baton Rouge requires a firm understanding of the state’s succession laws, it’s imperative that you hire a Baton Rouge probate lawyer who can help you navigate the process and administer your loved one’s estate according to their wishes.

​About Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC​

Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC has been helping Louisiana residents create estate plans and distribute assets for years. We share a deep understanding of Louisiana’s local succession laws and apply that knowledge to every case we take on. Whether you’re the executor of an estate or you’re dealing with disputes during the succession process, a skilled Baton Rouge family lawyer from our firm can help you navigate legal proceedings while protecting your loved one’s interests.

​The Probate Process in Baton Rouge​

It’s important to understand that the legal process used to distribute and settle an individual’s estate is often called probate in other states. However, in Louisiana, the probate process is legally referred to as succession. Baton Rouge succession cases are managed by the 19th Judicial District Court for Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish.​

Having an estate plan, particularly a will, is important for many reasons, but its primary function is to guide the succession process when you are no longer here. An estate plan details a decedent’s wishes, how property should be distributed, and the beneficiaries involved. Whether you are an executor of an estate or a beneficiary, you can expect the following to occur during probate:

• A Petition for Succession Is Filed. The probate process begins when you file a petition for succession in the parish district court of Baton Rouge.
• Executor Is Appointed. After the petition has been filed in the right court, the judge assigned to your case will appoint an executor of the estate if one is not already named in the will. If there is no will, the judge will name an administrator to oversee asset distribution through intestate succession. If you are named executor or administrator, your probate lawyer can help walk you through the process.
• Assets Are Inventoried / Debts Are Identified. The executor will be held responsible for identifying all assets and debts that must be paid or distributed during succession. Outstanding debts must be paid before any assets from a Baton Rouge estate can be distributed.
• Assets Are Distributed. When all debts are paid, the remaining assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries named in the will or to the next of kin if no will exists. Once all financial issues have been resolved, the estate can officially be closed.

What Happens When There Is No Will in Place in Baton Rouge?

​According to a recent poll, only around 46% of Americans currently have a will in place. It’s important to keep in mind that if your loved one has no will or estate plan, their estate will be distributed in accordance with Louisiana’s intestate succession laws. Intestate succession laws generally follow “next of kin” guidelines, meaning assets may not be distributed as your loved one intended if they didn’t create an estate plan.

​Why You Should Hire a Probate Lawyer in Baton Rouge

​When you hire a probate lawyer from Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, you can trust that your loved one’s estate is in the right hands. Our experienced probate lawyers have comprehensive knowledge of local Louisiana succession laws and experience in countless courtrooms around the state. We can work to make certain that your loved one’s wishes are followed during the succession process, help resolve disputes if they arise, and represent you during litigation.

FAQs

How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost in Louisiana?

There’s no way to know how much a probate lawyer will cost in Louisiana before hiring them. Every estate is different, which means the probate or succession process will be different as well. A lawyer’s fee changes depending on the circumstances of the case they are hired to oversee. Some contributing factors to the overall cost will be the complexity of the case at hand, whether or not the estate is being contested, and the lawyer’s experience.

What Is the Difference Between an Estate Planning Lawyer and a Probate Lawyer in Louisiana?

The main difference between an estate planning lawyer and a probate lawyer is how they work with estate plans. Generally, an estate planning lawyer helps individuals create, modify, and uphold estate plans such as wills or trusts. While an estate planning lawyer also has probate knowledge, they may work mostly with clients before they pass. A probate lawyer, however, generally works with clients during succession to uphold the wishes detailed in an estate plan.

How Long Does Probate Take in Louisiana?​

If you are going through the probate process in Louisiana, the length of time it takes to settle your loved one’s estate can vary greatly depending on multiple factors. The amount of assets involved, whether debts must be paid, and whether there was an estate plan in place can all impact how long it takes to settle an estate. Additionally, disputes can lengthen the process if litigation is required.

What Is Probate Litigation in Louisiana?

When disputes regarding an estate arise during probate in Louisiana, litigation may be needed. If this occurs, the dispute in question will be taken to your local probate court, where you and the other party involved will have to demonstrate your sides of the issue. If you have to go through probate litigation, it’s crucial that you hire a lawyer who can represent you and your loved one’s wishes.

​Contact Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC Today

​At Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC, we have over 20 years of experience fulfilling our clients’ needs in estate planning, family law, and more. If you’re going through the process of succession here in Louisiana, you can trust our team to guide you through it. Contact us today to learn more about our trusted probate services.