What is Probate?
Probate refers to the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets. Explore state-specific templates to streamline your process.
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Louisiana Probate
Probate is the legal process for managing a deceased person's estate. Our attorney-drafted templates are quick and easy to complete.
Common Louisiana Probate documents
- **Petition for Probate** — initiates the probate process in court.
- **Letters Testamentary** — authorizes the executor to act on behalf of the estate.
- **Letters of Administration** — appoints an administrator when there is no will.
- **Notice of Probate** — informs interested parties of the probate proceedings.
- **Inventory and Appraisement Forms** — lists the deceased's assets for the estate.
- **Final Accounting Forms** — summarizes the financial activities of the estate.
- **Estate Distribution Forms** — outlines how the remaining assets are divided.
Probate forms by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Popular forms
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Small Estate Affidavit for Estates under $125,000Easily settle small estates under $125,000 without formal probate, streamlining the inheritance process for heirs.
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Petition for Possession and Affidavit of Valuation and Detailed Descriptive List, Judgment of PossessionEssential for heirs desiring to claim their inheritance without formal administration of succession.
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Petition for Appointment of Administrator, Verification of Petition, Order Appointing Administrator, Ordering Inventory and Directing Issuance of LettersSecure authorization to manage the estate of a deceased person when no will exists and responsibilities need to be assigned.
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Oath of Under-turtix Ad HocSecurely appoint an under-tutrix ad hoc for a minor's care when legal guardianship needs to be temporarily assigned.
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Petition for Authority to Settle Minor's ClaimSecure court approval for settling a minor's claim, ensuring proper handling of their interests in legal disputes.
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Petition for Probate of Statutory Testament, Affidavit of Notary and Witnesses, Affidavit of Death and Heirship or Descent, Probate Order, Oath, Letters TestamentaryEssential for probating a statutory will, affirming the testator's wishes, and appointing an executor for the estate.
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Act of Renunciation and DisclaimerWaive your inheritance rights with this key legal document, ensuring clarity in estate matters following a loved one's passing.
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Renunciation of Unopened SuccessionUse this document to formally renounce your rights to an unopened succession, preventing any inheritance claims.
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Receipt, Release and Indemnity AgreementUse this document to settle claims involving personal injury while ensuring protection against future liabilities.
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Packet to Appoint Natural Tutor Under-Tutor to ChildUse this packet to appoint a natural tutor for a minor child when a parent has died or parents are divorced.
Find a form
Similar documents: key differences
- **Executor vs. Administrator** — An executor manages a will; an administrator handles intestate estates.
- **Will vs. Trust** — A will outlines asset distribution after death; a trust can manage assets during life and after.
- **Testate vs. Intestate** — Testate means having a will; intestate means dying without one.
- **Probate vs. Non-Probate** — Probate assets go through court; non-probate assets transfer outside of court.
- **Small Estate Affidavit vs. Probate** — A small estate affidavit allows simplified transfer; probate is the formal process.
Key legal points
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Probate is necessary for settling a deceased person's estate.
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Not all assets require probate for transfer.
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Probate can involve court supervision and legal fees.
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The executor or administrator must act in the estate's best interest.
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Probate can take several months to complete.
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Many documents require notarization or witnesses.
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Beneficiaries cannot access assets until probate concludes.
How to get started
Begin your probate process with these simple steps.
- 1. Find a template or package that fits your situation.
- 2. Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
- 3. Get full access with a subscription.
- 4. Complete it in the online editor.
- 5. Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature (Premium).
FAQs
Glossary
- **Probate** — The legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. -
- **Executor** — The person appointed to manage the estate according to the will. -
- **Administrator** — The individual assigned to manage an estate without a will. -
- **Testamentary** — Relating to a will. -
- **Intestate** — Dying without a valid will. -
- **Beneficiary** — A person designated to receive assets from an estate. -
- **Assets** — Property or items owned by the deceased. -
- **Estate** — All the assets and liabilities of a deceased person. -
- **Will** — A legal document outlining asset distribution after death. -
- **Trust** — An arrangement allowing a third party to hold assets for beneficiaries. -