What Happens to a Joint Bank Account When One Owner Dies in Louisiana?
When one owner of a joint bank account dies in Louisiana, the surviving owner’s rights usually depend on the written agreement governing the account. Unlike many other states, Louisiana law does not automatically treat a surviving joint account holder as the owner of the remaining funds simply because both names appear on the account. In […]
Business Succession vs. Estate Planning: Why You Need Both to Protect Your Legacy
f you own a business, business succession planning and estate planning serve different purposes, but they work best together. A succession plan addresses who will own and manage your business when you retire, become incapacitated, or pass away, while an estate plan determines how your personal assets are handled and transferred. Without both, your family […]
What Makes a Will Invalid in Louisiana?
A will in Louisiana can be declared invalid if it does not meet strict legal requirements or if there are issues with how it was created. Even small mistakes in form, signing, or capacity can lead to disputes and court challenges. If you are planning your estate or reviewing a loved one’s will in the Ascension or […]
What You Can and Cannot Do With a Will
A will allows you to decide who receives your property, who manages your estate, and how certain responsibilities are handled after your death. It provides direction during the Louisiana succession process, but it does not control every asset or situation. Some matters must be handled through other legal tools, and certain provisions may be limited […]
What Happens to Digital Assets in a Louisiana Estate Plan?
Digital assets do not disappear when you pass away, but accessing them can be difficult without proper planning. In Louisiana succession and estate planning, email accounts, social media profiles, cloud storage, cryptocurrency, and online financial platforms must be addressed directly in your will or trust. Without written authorization, your family may be denied access or […]
Understanding Usufructs in Louisiana: Rights, Limitations, and Common Misconceptions
A usufruct in Louisiana allows one person to use and benefit from property that legally belongs to someone else. It most commonly arises when a surviving spouse receives the right to use community property while children or other heirs retain ownership. If you are planning your estate or handling a succession, understanding usufructs helps prevent […]
Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Accounts in Louisiana 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. What Are Qualified Accounts? Qualified accounts […]
Community Property in Louisiana: It’s Not About Whose Name Is on the Title
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 couples do not […]
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. Here, a beneficiary form is […]
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 to liability, donation […]