Category
Choose forms Please choose forms
Choose forms

Louisiana Estate Planning

Estate Planning helps manage your assets and wishes after passing. Attorney-drafted templates are quick and easy to complete.

intro Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate Planning involves preparing documents that outline how your assets and health care decisions are managed. Explore subcategories for the most relevant templates.

Common Louisiana Estate Planning documents

  • Last Will and Testament — outlines how your assets are distributed after death.
  • Power of Attorney — designates someone to make decisions on your behalf.
  • Living Trust — holds assets for your benefit during your lifetime.
  • Living Will — specifies your healthcare wishes if you're unable to communicate.
  • Advance Directive — provides instructions for medical care in emergencies.

Popular forms

Find a form

This field is required

Similar documents: key differences

  • Will vs. Trust — a Will distributes assets after death; a Trust manages assets during life.
  • Power of Attorney vs. Healthcare Proxy — Power of Attorney covers financial decisions; Healthcare Proxy handles medical choices.
  • Living Will vs. Advance Directive — Living Will specifies end-of-life care; Advance Directive encompasses broader healthcare preferences.
  • Testamentary Trust vs. Living Trust — Testamentary Trust is created upon death; Living Trust is active during life.

  • Documents require proper signing and capacity for validity.

  • Many documents may need notarization or witnesses.

  • Related documents should be consistent, especially beneficiaries and asset titles.

  • Update your estate plan after major life changes.

  • Select trusted individuals for roles like executor and agent.

  • Store originals securely, ensuring responsible parties know their locations.

How to get started

Start in minutes with these steps.

  • Find a template or package that fits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Get full access with a subscription.
  • Complete it in the online editor.
  • Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature.

Practical tip

Understanding the difference between a Will and a Trust can clarify your estate planning choices.

FAQs

An estate plan manages how your assets are distributed and healthcare decisions are made.

While not required, legal guidance can ensure your documents meet your needs.

Without an estate plan, state laws dictate how your assets are distributed.

Yes, you can update your estate plan as your circumstances change.

A healthcare directive outlines your medical care preferences when you cannot communicate.

Glossary

  • Will - A legal document that outlines asset distribution after death.
  • Trust - An arrangement for holding and managing assets.
  • Power of Attorney - A document allowing someone to make decisions on your behalf.
  • Living Will - A document specifying your healthcare preferences.
  • Beneficiary - A person designated to receive assets after your death.
  • Executor - An individual responsible for carrying out your Will.
  • Healthcare Proxy - A person authorized to make medical decisions for you.
  • Advance Directive - Instructions for medical decisions in case of incapacity.
  • Estate - All assets owned by an individual at death.
  • Notarization - The process of having a document verified by a notary public.

Trusted by over 3 million people of the world’s leading companies