Ascension Parish Wills Lawyer

Ascension Parish Wills Attorney

Regardless of your age or health, planning for your future right now can help you be better prepared for the worst. While forming an estate plan may seem tiring, it can be easy when you work with a dedicated lawyer. Creating a will is a foolproof way to protect yourself, your belongings, and your loved ones in case something happens to you. Talk to our experienced Ascension Parish wills lawyer to learn more about how you can form an effective Louisiana estate plan.

Your Ascension Parish, LA, Wills Lawyer

When forming a document as important as a will, it’s crucial that you work with an experienced estate planning attorney whom you can trust. At Magnolia Law, we know that planning for your future can be overwhelming. That’s why our team is prepared to personally guide you through the process of drafting a will. By combining our knowledge of estate planning with our experience in Louisiana probate, we can offer superior assistance for your will-related needs.

Estate Plans and Wills in Louisiana: The Basics

The terms “will” and “estate plan” are often used interchangeably. However, they are two different types of legal concepts. A will is a simpler document that focuses on the distribution of assets and an individual’s last wishes. Your will may or may not include a testamentary trust; an experienced attorney can advise you accordingly. They typically include a list of beneficiaries and the assets they’ll receive, along with personal wishes and details about who will administer the estate. Generally, wills do not become active until an individual passes away.

An estate plan refers to a more comprehensive collection of documents that include an individual’s financial and personal information, their last wishes, asset designations, power of attorney, and a plan for disposing of one’s remains. Estate plans often become active while the creator is still living, whereas most wills do not. Technically, a will is a less extensive estate plan that can stand on its own. However, it can also be a part of a larger estate plan along with other documents.

What Are the Different Elements of an Estate Plan?

If you’re contemplating creating a will, it’s important to educate yourself on the different elements you’ll need to include. If you’re unsure what details you should incorporate, don’t hesitate to ask our legal team for help. The average will of an Ascension Parish, Louisiana resident includes the following information:

• A list of beneficiaries
• A list of assets and how they should be distributed
• Guardian designations for any minors or children who require care
• Designation of an executor of the estate
• Personal wishes regarding your estate or your funeral
• Durable Power of Attorney

What Happens if Someone Passes Away Without a Will in Louisiana?

Some people decide against creating wills because they believe all of their belongings will go to their loved ones without one. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. When someone in Louisiana passes away without a will, the state is required to follow intestate succession laws. These laws dictate how an individual’s assets will be distributed and who can receive them.

Intestate succession laws distribute a deceased individual’s assets to their closest family members. For example, if someone with no will passes away and they only have a living child left behind, the child will inherit everything. This also means that if you told someone they could have something before you pass, they do not have the legal right to it when you’re gone unless your spouse grants it to them.

FAQs

Q: What Kind of Lawyer Should I Hire to Create a Will?

A: If you’d like to create a will in Ascension Parish, LA, you’ll want to find a lawyer who is experienced in estate planning law. Estate planning law involves drafting wills, administering estates, representing clients in probate, and more. By working with a knowledgeable estate planning lawyer who has experience with wills, you can trust that your future is in the right hands and that your plans will be protected.

Q: What Is the Executor of an Estate in a Will?

A: When an individual creates a will in Louisiana, they must choose someone they trust to be the executor of their estate. The person who is chosen as executor will be assigned the responsibility of administering the deceased’s estate during probate. This means they’ll be in charge of reading the will, distributing assets, and ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are followed as accurately as possible. Once everything has been handled, they will then close the estate permanently.

Q: Is It Expensive to Create a Will in Louisiana?

A: Many people are afraid to create estate plans because they think they don’t have the money to do so. Luckily, forming a will is one of the more affordable legal activities. While every attorney charges different rates, most residents of Louisiana should be able to find a lawyer and create a will while staying on budget. In fact, forming a will rarely exceeds $1,000 when you work with an adequate attorney.

Q: Does a Will Have to Be Written in Louisiana?

A: Like most other states, Louisiana requires all wills to be documented in writing. There are two types of wills: an olographic will and a notarial will. An olographic will is one that you handwrite. As long as the necessary elements are met, that is a valid will in Louisiana. A notarial will is one that is typed and must be notarized. If you or a loved one is planning for your future, it’s essential that you draft a will in writing so that your wishes can be followed properly. Talk to our attorney at Magnolia Law to draft a will correctly in Louisiana.

Our Ascension Parish Wills Lawyer Can Help You With Your Will

By choosing to work with our team at Magnolia Law, you can feel confident that you’ll get the help you need to create an effective estate plan. Our associates cannot only help you draft a will, but we can also protect it for you until it becomes active and even assist your loved ones during probate.

Whether you’d like to create your first official will or want to update an old one, Magnolia Law is here to serve Louisiana clients and their will-related needs. Contact Magnolia Law to discuss your estate planning concerns today.