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.
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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Petition for Probate and Possession, Heirship or Descent Affidavit, Sworn Descriptive List, Judgment and OrderUse this to initiate probate proceedings and establish heirship in Louisiana when someone passes, especially with a testament.
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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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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.
- 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 (Premium).
FAQs
Do I need a trust if I have a will?
What happens if I do nothing?
How often should I update my plan?
How do beneficiary designations interact with my plan?
Can different people handle finances and health decisions?
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.