08
Jul
Setting up a trust in Louisiana means drafting a trust instrument that names a trustee to hold and manage property for a beneficiary, then legally transferring your assets into that trust. Louisiana law defines a trust as "the relationship resulting from the transfer of title to ...
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Jul
Louisiana is the only state in the country that still follows forced heirship, a rule that reserves part of your estate for certain children, no matter what your will says. That reserved share is called the legitime, and it is set by Louisiana Civil Code Article 1494, which ...
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May
Estate planning is one of those things many people know they should do, but often put off. Life gets busy. The process can feel overwhelming. And for many families, it's easy to assume there’s still time to figure it out later. But after working with families across L...
View More23
May
One of the most common questions we hear is: “What's the difference between a will and a trust—and do I really need both? ” Here’s a breakdown of what each does, how they compare, and how to decide what’s right for you. What a Will Does Distrib...
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May
The rising cost of long-term care is one of the biggest financial risks families face. A single nursing home stay can drain a lifetime of savings in just a few years—unless you plan ahead. At Oak Grove, we help Louisiana families protect their assets while making sure they ...
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May
Life insurance is more than just a financial safety net—it's also a powerful estate planning tool. Whether you want to replace income, fund a trust, or equalize inheritances, how your policy is structured matters more than most people realize. Here’s what Louisi...
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May
If your estate may exceed the federal estate tax exemption—or you simply want to give more during your lifetime—strategic gifting can be one of the most effective tools in your estate plan. And with the federal exemption scheduled to drop significantly in 2026, now is...
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May
As we age, it becomes even more important to have the right legal protections in place—not just for what happens after we're gone, but for what could happen while we’re still very much alive. If you're over 60, two of the most critical estate planning documents ...
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May
If you're starting your estate plan—or reviewing an older one—it helps to know what the essential documents are. While every family’s needs are unique, most Louisiana residents should have these five foundational tools in place. Here’s what they are&...
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May
Blended families are beautiful—and complex. If you're part of one, your estate plan should be carefully tailored to reflect your relationships, your priorities, and the legal realities in Louisiana. Here’s what you need to know to make sure no one is unintention...
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May
Discussing inheritance with your children isn't always easy. In fact, many parents avoid it altogether—out of discomfort, fear of conflict, or the belief that “they’ll figure it out when I’m gone. ” But in our experience, honest and thoughtful c...
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May
Louisiana is one of the few states with forced heirship laws, which limit your ability to completely disinherit certain children. If you're creating an estate plan and have minor or disabled children, this is a critical rule to understand. What Is Forced Heirship? Forced he...
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