Top Baton Rouge, LA Probate Lawyers Near You
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10754 Linkwood Ct Ste 1, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Other Nearby Offices
Need representation for your Probate issues? The Cohn Law Firm offers local assistance in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
412 N. 4th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Erik E. Kjeldsen, Attorney at Law can help you find legal solutions for your Probate issue. The practice serves the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area.
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10537 Kentshire Court, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
City Plaza, 445 North Blvd. Suite 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
9800 Airline Highway, Suite 259, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
8550 United Plaza Blvd, Suite 103, Baton Rouge, LA 70809-2256
5157 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70809-3076
301 Main St, Suite 1150, Baton Rouge, LA 70825
10357 Old Hammond Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
450 Laurel Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
400 Convention Street, Suite 700, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
9311 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
450 Laurel St, Suite 1601, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
450 Laurel St, Suite 1450, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
6421 Perkins Rd, Building B, Suite B, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
II City Plaza, 400 Convention Street, Suite 1100, Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5618
2141 Quail Run Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
445 North Blvd, Suite 800, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
11777 Justice Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
6161 Perkins Road, Ste 1C, PO Box 14655, Baton Rouge, LA 70898
714 N. Burnside Avenue, Gonzales, LA 70737
19929 Old Scenic Highway, Zachary, LA 70791
400 Convention St, Suite 1001, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
4127 W. E. Heck Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
450 Laurel Street, Suite 1900, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Baton Rouge Probate Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Baton Rouge
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Baton Rouge and checks their standing with Louisiana bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
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What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Louisiana and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Louisiana and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Baton Rouge?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Louisiana?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts