Lafayette Probate Attorneys

Losing a loved one is hard enough—navigating Louisiana’s probate process shouldn’t make it harder. At Oak Grove Estate Planning, our Lafayette probate attorneys take the legal weight off your shoulders, so you can focus on honoring your loved one’s memory and supporting your family.

What to Expect from the Probate Process in Louisiana

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate. It involves verifying a will (if one exists), managing debts, notifying heirs, and distributing property to the right beneficiaries. While that may sound simple, the actual process can be confusing and time-consuming without the right legal guidance. Our Lafayette probate attorneys help you:

Validate and file the will
Navigate court filings and deadlines
Notify creditors and resolve outstanding debts
Distribute assets according to the law or the will
Handle disputes and protect the estate from unnecessary loss

We’re here to simplify what can often feel like a complicated and emotional process.

man and woman looking at a phone while sitting with coffee

A Personal, Compassionate Approach

Probate isn’t just about legal steps—it’s about people, families, and honoring someone’s final wishes. At Oak Grove Estate Planning, we treat every client with respect and care. From the moment you contact us, you’ll feel supported and heard. We’ll take the time to:

Understand your family’s situation
Explain your options in plain language
Keep you updated throughout the entire process
Address conflicts and prevent unnecessary stress

If disagreements arise or claims are made against the estate, we’ll work to resolve them efficiently and peacefully—protecting your loved one’s legacy every step of the way.

Avoiding Delays and Probate Mistakes

Probate doesn’t have to drag on—but without the right support, it often does. Common missteps like missed deadlines, incorrect filings, or lack of creditor notice can slow things down or even lead to costly errors.

Our Lafayette probate lawyers help avoid these pitfalls by handling:

Timely and accurate court filings
Coordination with financial institutions
Conflict resolution among heirs
Tax and asset-related issues
Final distribution of estate property

You’ll never have to guess what comes next—we keep the process moving and keep you informed.

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How Long Does Probate Take?

Each estate is unique, but in Louisiana, probate usually takes anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on factors like:

Size and complexity of the estate
Presence (or absence) of a valid will
Disputes or creditor claims
Court backlog or delays

When we meet with you, we’ll outline what to expect based on your specific circumstances so there are no surprises.

Can Probate Be Avoided?

Yes—and planning ahead makes all the difference. While many families come to us after a loved one has passed, others work with us to simplify or avoid probate altogether.

Our Lafayette estate planning attorneys can help you:

Set up trusts that bypass probate
Designate beneficiaries on key accounts
Create wills and powers of attorney that reduce court involvement
Ensure assets are titled and transferred properly

Taking these steps today can save your family stress, time, and expense down the road.

Talk With a Lafayette Probate Attorney Today

Whether you’re starting the probate process or planning ahead to make things easier for your family, Oak Grove Estate Planning is here to help. We provide clear guidance, compassionate support, and efficient legal solutions that honor your loved one’s legacy.

Contact our Lafayette office today to schedule a consultation and get the answers you need to move forward with confidence.

1-on-1 Attention

Every client works closely with our founder, attorney Andrew Mims, and our dedicated team to create a tailored plan that addresses their family's unique needs and future.

100% Specialized

Oak Grove is one of the only law firms in all of Louisiana whose sole focus is Estate Planning, so you can fully count on industry expertise.

Long-Term Support

Estate Planning is not a set-it-and-forget action. Laws can change. Life circumstances change. We provide you with continuous updates and support on your plan.