What Is the Difference Between an Estate Lawyer and a Trust Lawyer? 2025

Estate planning laws can be difficult to navigate, especially in Louisiana. As with anything else in life, it can be beneficial to have a basic understanding of the process before you dive in. Even though you can count on a knowledgeable Baton Rouge estate planning lawyer, it’s wise to answer some of your own questions, too. For starters, you may be wondering: What is the difference between an estate lawyer and a trust lawyer?

Estate Planning in Louisiana

When people talk about their estate, they are referring to everything they own. This includes bank accounts, personal belongings, property, vehicles, and all other assets owned at the time of their death. An estate plan establishes what may happen to all of these assets once the owner passes away.

Around 93 percent of respondents in an AARP survey stated that it’s important to have a legal document that outlines what happens to their assets after they die. Even so, just over half of them currently have a valid will and testament. Having an estate plan in place is important no matter your financial situation. Without one, your estate is left to the power of Louisiana’s intestate succession laws.

Louisiana has some of the more complex estate planning laws in the country. This is in large part due to the heavy influence of French, Spanish, and European traditions on their laws, where much of the rest of the country leans on British common law.

For example, Louisiana recognizes forced heirship, which automatically gives a portion of the estate to a direct descendant of the deceased who is 23 years of age or younger. There are plenty of other nuances that make navigating Louisiana’s estate planning laws difficult, but you can avoid a lot of the headache if you hire an estate planning lawyer.

It’s never too early to start estate planning. Accidents are the third-leading cause of death in Louisiana, highlighting how important it is to have a plan in place, no matter how young or healthy you are. Having an estate plan in place can ensure you’re in control of your assets no matter what comes your way.

Estate Planning Attorneys in Baton Rouge

Estate planning lawyers are licensed to help with a wide array of actions regarding a person’s estate. Creating a custom-tailored estate plan can look different for everyone. A Baton Rouge estate planning lawyer can handle all aspects of an estate, including:

• The probate process
• Succession
• Trusts
• Wills

Whether you’re ready to create an estate plan or you want to modify an existing one, you can turn to a local estate planning lawyer for the necessary legal support.

Trust Attorneys in Baton Rouge

Trust lawyers are a subcategory of estate planning lawyers that focus specifically on trust creation and management. Without a trust, a decedent’s assets typically must go through probate after their death. This is the court–supervised process of validating their will, if there is a will, and distributing the assets. Probate expenses can impact the overall value of an estate, often costing up to 10 percent of an estate.

A trust lawyer can help you protect as much of your estate as possible so that you can avoid this lengthy process and have greater control over where everything gets distributed, as well as when and how.

FAQs

Do I Have to Work With a Baton Rouge Estate Planning Lawyer?

You don’t necessarily have to work with an estate planning lawyer to start your estate plan in Baton Rouge. That said, it can be invaluable working with a legal professional who understands Louisiana estate planning laws, which are notoriously difficult. Your estate planning attorney can explain your legal options and help you choose the right fit for your finances and other assets. They can also help you navigate any challenges that may come up along the way.

How Much Does It Cost to Work With an Estate Planning Attorney in Louisiana?

It’s difficult to estimate how much it might cost to work with an estate planning attorney in Louisiana without knowing more about your specific situation. Before you hire an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to do your research to find the right fit. You can typically receive a more accurate estimate from an attorney after an initial consultation, where they can learn more about your situation.

Is Opening a Trust a Good Choice?

Opening a trust is wholly a good choice, but there are situations wherein it can actually be a detriment to the trustor, especially if they don’t follow the proper steps. It’s not enough just to open a trust. You also must fund it and utilize supporting documents to ensure your estate plan goes as planned. It’s important to pay attention to beneficiary designations on non-trust assets as well. Otherwise, you may find yourself facing serious tax implications.

Do I Need Anything Other Than a Will to Protect My Estate?

You may need more than a will to protect your estate. Creating a last will and testament is essentially the bare minimum of what you can do to have some control over what happens to your assets when you pass away. With a will, your estate still must go through probate, which costs money and takes time.

You may consider opening a trust to further protect your assets. That way, you have more control over when and how your assets are distributed amongst your beneficiaries.

Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer to Help With Your Case in Baton Rouge

Estate planning can involve a lot of important steps, and it’s vital to do everything correctly to provide the most comprehensive protection for your assets. Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC has been in business for over 15 years, and our team brings decades of estate planning law experience to the table.

A Baton Rouge estate planning lawyer from our team can be by your side through every stage of your case to ensure your future is secure for the rest of your life and beyond. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, the next step is simple. Get in touch with our team to set up an initial appointment, and we can take care of the rest.