Donaldsonville Wills Lawyer

Donaldsonville Wills Attorney

Your estate represents your legacy and the people you care about most. However, taking that first step to create a will can be daunting. That’s why you need a Donaldson wills lawyer to take the reins. A Donaldsonville estate planning lawyer can also help you understand how a will fits into your overall plan for protecting your assets and loved ones.

At Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC, we provide comprehensive help when it comes to drafting, reviewing, and contesting wills. Our goal is to protect your family, minimize disputes, and ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.

About Us

Founded in 2000, Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC has grown into a trusted Louisiana law firm known for aggressive representation and unwavering client advocacy. Our attorneys combine decades of experience, and we’re committed to giving back to the communities we serve, believing that strong local ties make us stronger legal advocates.

Efficiency and value guide our approach, ensuring every client receives the attention and results they deserve.

Why It’s Important to Create a Will

Only 24% of Americans have an estate plan in place, with the majority of the population admitting to having no plan in place. Worse, 55% of all Americans pass on debt after they pass away.

Planning what will happen after you’re gone isn’t always easy, but it’s a very important step you can take to protect the people you love. Creating a valid will ensures your estate is distributed in the way that you want, not by the state’s default rules.

Without a will, your estate is considered intestate, which means the state can decide how your property is divided under Louisiana succession laws. This process often leads to unintended results, like assets going to relatives you didn’t think would inherit, and the people you love could face unnecessary legal challenges and emotional stress. A well-crafted will allows you to:

• Decide who inherits your property, finances, and personal belongings
• Make sure your children are cared for by guardians whom you trust
• Provide clear instructions that should reduce any potential conflicts among your heirs
• Address situations like predeceased beneficiaries or unexpected circumstances
• Make sure your values and intentions are carried out exactly as you intend them to be

At Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC, we work closely with our clients to create wills that are clear, legally sound, and customized to fit their individual needs. Our team of Donaldsonville wills attorneys is with you every step of the way, making sure your wishes are carefully documented and that the people you love stay protected.

Changing Your Will With a Donaldson Wills Attorney

Life is always changing, and your will should keep pace with your current circumstances and intentions. Whether you’ve gotten married, gone through a divorce, welcomed a child or grandchild into the world, or experienced a significant change in assets, updating your will is important when keeping your estate plan legally valid. Some key considerations when changing your will include:

• Creating a codicil, which is a legal amendment to your existing will that modifies specific provisions without replacing the entire document
• Drafting a new will, which completely replaces the old will to reflect your new circumstances or intentions
• Updating beneficiaries by adding, removing, or modifying who’s meant to inherit your assets
• Revising guardianship instructions by adjusting care arrangements for minor children or dependents
• Ensuring legal compliance by following Louisiana’s requirements for formal witnessing and notarization to avoid disputes

At Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC, we guide our clients through every step of updating or revising their wills. By working with us, you can feel confident that your estate plan stays up to date, secure, and focused on protecting the people and assets that matter most to you.

Hire a Wills Lawyer: Why Local Representation Matters

When it comes to wills and estate planning, hiring a local legal team can make all the difference. At Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC, we regularly appear before the Donaldson Parish Courthouse, the Ascension Parish Courthouse, and the Iberville Parish Courthouse.

Because of this, working with us means you gain a team that’s not only experienced in drafting and reviewing wills but one that’s also deeply familiar with the judges, clerks, and procedures in our area. This local knowledge allows us to anticipate challenges, streamline the process, and advocate for your interests at every step.

At Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC, we take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and provide clear guidance so your will truly reflects your intentions.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between a Notarial Will and a Testamentary Will in Louisiana?

In Donaldsonville, Louisiana, a notarial will is drafted and executed before a notary and witnesses, which immediately makes it legally sound. A testamentary will, also known as a holographic will, is handwritten by the testator and must meet specific requirements under Louisiana law to be valid. Understanding these differences helps make sure your will is enforceable. Our team can guide you in choosing the most appropriate type for your estate planning goals.

What Happens if My Will Is Lost or Damaged in Louisiana?

If your will is lost or damaged in Louisiana, the court could accept a copy of the document only under specific conditions. You’ll need to prove the will’s existence, its validity, and that it wasn’t intentionally revoked. This usually requires witness testimony or other strong evidence. To avoid complications, it’s a good idea to safely store your original will and let your executor or attorney know where it’s kept.

Is My Will Still Valid if I Move to Louisiana?

Yes, your will is still valid if you move to Louisiana from another state. However, every state has its own succession rules and requirements, which could affect how your will is interpreted or enforced. To make sure your estate plan continues to reflect your intentions and is fully compliant with the laws of Louisiana, it’s wise to have your will reviewed by our team.

Can I Name Multiple Executors or Trustees in My Will?

Yes, you can name multiple executors or trustees in your will. However, it’s important to clearly define their roles and responsibilities. Multiple executors can help share the workload, but it could also lead to disagreements if it’s not properly coordinated. Our team can help structure these appointments to minimize conflicts and make sure your estate is efficiently managed.

Your Legacy Deserves a Strong Legal Team

At Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC, we’re relentless when it comes to safeguarding your rights, ensuring your estate plan is legally sound, and standing up to potential challenges that could threaten your intentions.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.