Category: Estate Planning

Qualified and non-qualified accounts are treated very differently in Louisiana estate planning, both for tax purposes and for how assets pass at death. Understanding which accounts transfer by beneficiary designation and which follow your will or Louisiana succession law helps prevent delays, disputes, and unintended results for your heirs.

In Louisiana, ownership of property during marriage is usually not decided by whose name appears on the deed, account, or title. Instead, community property law looks at when and how an asset was acquired, not how it is labeled. That distinction can affect estate planning, inheritance, and tax outcomes in ways many...

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.

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...