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...
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...
Understanding Louisiana’s Community Property System in Estate Planning
When you start planning for the future, one of the first things to look at is how your property is owned. In Louisiana, we follow a community property system, which means that the way property is divided between spouses works differently than it does in most other states. If you’re married or...
The Step-Up in Basis: How Estate Planning Can Optimize Tax Benefits
Most people don’t think about capital gains taxes when planning their estate. But there’s a simple rule that can make a big difference for your family: the step-up in basis. With the right planning, this tax rule can help your loved ones inherit property without getting stuck with a large tax bill...
Gifting Strategies in Estate Planning to Reduce Taxes
Giving during your lifetime isn’t just thoughtful—it can also be a smart move for your estate plan. Certain types of gifts can reduce the size of your taxable estate and help your loved ones now rather than later. At Kallio Law Firm, LLC, we guide Louisiana families through practical, tax-friendly strategies...
Blended Families and Estate Planning: What You Should Know
Blended families often come with more moving parts—children from previous relationships, new spouses, and shared assets. That’s why estate planning matters even more when your family isn’t traditional. If you don’t have a clear plan, the law may decide who gets what, and the outcome may not reflect your wishes. Whether you’re...
The Risks of a DIY Estate Plan
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important steps to protect your family and assets. With the rise of online estate planning tools, it may be tempting to handle this process on your own. While these services claim to offer quick and affordable solutions, DIY estate plans often lead to...
Essential Documents You Should Include in Your Estate Plan
It’s important to have an estate plan so you can dictate what happens to your property after you die, provide financial support for your beneficiaries, designate someone to act on your behalf if you are ever incapacitated, and achieve other important objectives. Whether you are single and live on your own or...
