Why Louisiana Is Not a True POD (Payable on Death) State
In many states, naming a beneficiary on a bank or investment account is a simple way to avoid “probate” when someone passes away. These designations are often called Payable on Death (POD) or Transfer on Death (TOD) accounts. They sound convenient — but Louisiana doesn’t work like most other states.
The Risk of Putting Your Children on Your Bank Account in Louisiana
Adding a child to your bank account may feel like a simple planning step, but under Louisiana law, it can create legal and financial risks you may not expect. Once a child is added, banks and third parties often treat them as a co-owner with immediate access, which can expose your money...
Forced Heirship: What It Is and Why It Matters in Louisiana Estate Planning
Forced heirship is a legal rule in Louisiana that requires certain heirs to receive a portion of your estate, even if your will says otherwise. This system limits how much of your property you can give to someone else and makes Louisiana very different from states that allow full testamentary freedom. Understanding...
Understanding Capital Gains and Step-Up in Basis for Louisiana Couples
Capital gains and step-up rules affect Louisiana couples differently because community property can qualify for a full step-up in basis when one spouse dies, which can greatly reduce taxable gain on a later sale. Couples who hold property outside of community property, such as in separate ownership, do not receive the...
Leaving a Home to Multiple Heirs: Planning Strategies for Peace
When a family home passes to more than one heir, emotions and legal details often intertwine. Without clear planning, co-ownership can create disputes over use, upkeep, or whether to sell the property. Thoughtful estate planning can help you minimize conflict, respect Louisiana’s succession law, and preserve family relationships. Through tools like co-ownership...
Should You Share Your Estate Plan With Your Heirs?
Many people wonder whether to share the details of their estate plan with their heirs. Transparency can prevent confusion and legal disputes later, but it may also create tension within the family. The right decision depends on your relationships, your goals, and the structure of your estate plan. Open communication can build...
How to Choose the Right Executor for Your Louisiana Estate
Selecting an executor is one of the most important decisions you make when preparing your estate plan. In Louisiana, the executor (sometimes called a succession representative) carries out your wishes, handles paperwork, and manages the estate until everything is distributed correctly. The person you choose should be responsible, trustworthy, and capable of...
My Loved One Died Without a Will in Louisiana: What Should I Do?
When someone close to you passes away, the last thing you want to worry about is paperwork and court filings. Yet if they didn’t leave a will, questions about who inherits their property can come up right away. In Louisiana, this situation is handled through intestate succession, a legal process that determines...
Using a Trust to Manage Family Property or Business in Louisiana
Managing family property or a business in Louisiana comes with unique challenges. Families want to preserve what they’ve built, avoid disputes, and make sure assets are used wisely. One way to achieve this is by creating a trust. A trust can give you greater control over how property and business interests are...
Can You Use a Trust to Protect Property From Medicaid Recovery?
If you or a loved one may need long-term care in the future, you’ve probably heard about Medicaid—and possibly Medicaid estate recovery. After a Medicaid recipient dies, the state may seek to recover care costs from their estate.
The good news is that there are legal tools that may...
