Heirs may have different ideas about "fair" when a will goes through probate in Louisiana. One relative might believe he/she is "owed" a set amount of money or possession of a particular heirloom. Although someone may feel a specific way, hurt feelings or entitlement...
When should you update your will?
Writing your will in Louisiana isn't necessarily something that you do once. Throughout your lifetime, you'll update and revise your will to make sure that it's current and fairly distributes your assets after you die. When you make a major purchase like a house, it's...
Can you avoid estate taxes on your assets?
Many people in Louisiana don't realize that their loved ones might have to pay estate taxes after their death. You might not be able to eliminate estate taxes entirely, but you can take steps to reduce the amount of taxes that your loved ones have to pay on their...
Estate planning: How is property distributed without a will?
Louisianans might put off creating an estate plan for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they are younger and do not think it is a priority. They may not have significant assets or property valuable enough that they believe a will is necessary. Or they might not want to...
When is the best time to draft a will?
Regardless of the type of will you decide to go with, a thorough estate plan can protect your assets in ways other documents cannot. In your will, you may state your preferences for property and your wishes for any minor children you have. The best time in which to...
Advance care directives will give you a say in your medical future
While it is commonplace to consider estate planning as a step someone takes later in life, it is a safer bet to begin establishing planning documents as early as possible. Simply put, you never know when life can take an extreme turn. Accidents or illnesses can result...
Can trusts reduce my estate taxes?
In Louisiana, there are no inheritance or estate taxes, but there are still federal estate taxes applied to estates with assets over $5 million. There are various methods used to reduce the size of an estate and thus remove some unnecessary tax burdens. One of the...
Defining the most common living trusts: revocable and irrevocable
It can be challenging to know when its time to form an estate plan. Many hold off either in fear, knowing that thinking about a trust or will means thinking about the end of their life. Others hold off because they like the way things are and believe they have plenty...
Common emotional roadblocks to estate planning
One of the hardest conversations that a Louisiana family can have is determining what will happen if someone in the family, especially the parents, were to die. No one likes thinking about their mortality, but it is inevitable. While the conversation of an estate plan...
Determining the right individual to assign as a trustee
A lot of work goes into determining if a trust is right for certain Louisiana residents. They usually work closely with an adviser to help them find the right trust, and they may do extensive research to be sure that the trust they have decided upon is right for their...