Denham Springs is a growing city in Livingston Parish with historic character and small-town charm. No matter where you are in life, it’s always good to think about estate planning. Having a plan in place for your assets can give you the ultimate peace of mind, and a Denham Springs trusts lawyer can help you create one. Whether you want to open a trust or have questions about an existing one, you can count on Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC to be there to help.
Our team comprises knowledgeable Denham Springs estate planning lawyers with decades of combined experience navigating these types of legal matters. We can guide you through the entire estate planning process to ensure every asset is accounted for and set to go to the right person.
When it comes to estate planning, establishing a will is just the start. A trust offers you greater control over your assets and often allows you to bypass costly and time-consuming court procedures like probate.
In a recent AARP survey, 70 percent of respondents with incomes of at least $100K expect to leave an inheritance when they pass. While many people understand the need for some form of estate plan, a trust offers a more powerful and controlled approach for protecting those assets. No matter how much you make, a valid estate plan can facilitate the transfer of assets among your chosen beneficiaries.
Another study showed that 35 percent of adults in the United States witnessed or experienced conflict between family members because an estate plan was not in place when a loved one passed on. By having a valid will or trust in place, you can help your loved ones avoid these arguments.
Assets in a trust can also typically avoid Louisiana’s probate process, which can save a significant amount of money, time, and energy. Probating an estate in Louisiana can typically take six to nine months, with plenty of opportunities for the process to be delayed. Moreover, it can cost up to 10 percent of the value of the estate.
Forced heirship is a unique aspect of Louisiana estate planning laws that automatically gives a portion of the decedent’s estate to a direct descendant who is 23 years old or younger. Even with a trust, you cannot override this rule. That said, you can at least have more control over this allocated portion of the estate.
Assets protected in a trust must be distributed to beneficiaries per the instructions of the decedent, and they can add stipulations that make it difficult for the intended recipient to access those assets without first doing what the decedent wishes. This level of control is a powerful tool for asset protection, which is often a central concern in both estate and family law planning.
Estate planning can be a daunting process, especially if you don’t have much past experience with wills and trusts and all the other details that go into a successful estate plan. The good news is you don’t have to stumble through the process on your own. You can turn to a trustworthy Denham Springs trusts attorney.
Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC has been in business for over 15 years, giving us extensive, invaluable experience navigating estate plans under Louisiana trust laws. Our team offers a wide range of estate planning services surrounding wills, trusts, guardianship, and any other unique issues that may arise based on the assets you own.
No matter the state of your finances and other assets, you can count on a knowledgeable legal professional from our team to guide you through your options. We understand the intricacies of Louisiana trust laws, and we’re ready to guide you through your case.
The two main types of trusts you can open are revocable living trusts and irrevocable trusts. Revocable trusts can be modified or closed while the trustor is still alive. This flexibility is a key advantage, as it allows your estate plan to evolve with your life circumstances. Irrevocable trusts are set in stone once they’re created.
There are countless types of specific trusts you can open to protect your assets, depending on your circumstances. This includes asset protection trusts, charitable trusts, joint trusts, pet trusts, and special needs trusts.
You’re not required to hire a trusts lawyer to create a trust, but it is highly recommended that you consult with a professional who understands Louisiana trust laws so that you make the right decisions regarding your finances and other assets.
Estate planning is already a complex process, and Louisiana’s laws can be particularly challenging to navigate due to the heavy French, Spanish, and European influence on their laws versus the British common laws that many other states follow.
The cost of hiring a trust lawyer in Denham Springs, Louisiana can vary depending on the complexity of your financial situation. An estate with high-value assets would typically involve more planning than an estate of a lower-income individual. The cost is also going to depend on the specific attorney you hire.
Denham Springs estate planning lawyers typically either charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, depending on the services you require. Some may charge a retainer fee instead.
Not all assets in a trust can avoid succession in Denham Springs. Succession is the process of transferring a decedent’s property when the estate is valued at a certain amount. The type of trust is important when it comes to determining how well assets are protected. It’s wise to hire a local trusts lawyer to ensure you’re taking the right steps to protect your assets fully.
Whether you’re planning to open a new trust or you have questions about an existing one, it’s wise to reach out to a knowledgeable Denham Springs trust lawyer. Our team at Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC has nearly two decades of experience in estate planning.
We’re confident we can help you make difficult decisions about the future of your assets, regardless of your financial situation or family circumstances. If you’re ready to discuss your trust case in more detail, reach out to a trusted Denham Springs estate planning lawyer to start planning with today.