In Louisiana, what most people call “probate” is known as succession—the legal process of transferring assets after death. It can be time-consuming, costly, and public. The good news? With the right planning, you can help your loved ones avoid it entirely.
Here’s how.
What Is Succession?
Succession is the court-supervised process of distributing someone’s assets after they pass away. If you die with a will, it must go through court. If you die without one, the court follows state law to divide everything.
Why Avoid Succession?
- Delays access to bank accounts or property
- Can take 6–12 months (or longer)
- Publicly discloses your family’s affairs
- Creates opportunities for family conflict
Ways to Avoid Succession in Louisiana
- Revocable Living Trust: Assets titled in the name of your trust avoid court.
- Payable-on-Death (POD) or Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Designations: For bank accounts and investment accounts.
- Beneficiary Designations: Ensure retirement accounts and life insurance pass directly.
- Properly Titled Property: Joint ownership with rights of survivorship (if structured carefully).
Common Mistakes
- Creating a trust but failing to fund it
- Naming a minor as a direct beneficiary
- Relying only on a will and thinking that’s “enough”
We Can Help You Bypass the Courtroom
At Oak Grove, we design estate plans that keep your family out of court and in control. We’ll explain your options, help you title assets properly, and ensure everything works together.
Let’s build a plan that avoids succession.
