Top Covington, LA Probate Lawyers Near You
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3017 21st St Ste 110, Metairie, LA 70002-4968
Get assistance for your Probate issue in the Covington, Louisiana area. Buhrer Law Firm can help.
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4114 Saint Charles Ave, Apt H, New Orleans, LA 70115
Clients who need legal help with Probate concerns can contact Kevin Schoenberger Attorney At Law, a reputable law firm in Covington, Louisiana.
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8114 Highway 23, Suite 101, Belle Chasse, LA 70037-2697
Clients in the Covington, Louisiana area who need legal help with Probate issues can connect with Ballay, Braud & Colon, PLC.
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, New Orleans, LA 70113
909 Poydras Street, Suite 2000, New Orleans, LA 70112
400 Poydras St, Suite 2400, New Orleans, LA 70130
3850 North Causeway Blvd, Suite 630, Metairie, LA 70002
3813 N Causeway Blvd, Suite 200, Metairie, LA 70002
365 Canal Street, Suite 2450, New Orleans, LA 70130
201 St. Charles Ave, Suite 2700, New Orleans, LA 70170
400 Poydras Street, Suite 1812, New Orleans, LA 70130
527 E Boston St, Suite 201, Covington, LA 70433
3826 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
601 Poydras St, Suite 1850, New Orleans, LA 70130
316 S Dorgenois St, New Orleans, LA 70119
201 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 2500, New Orleans, LA 70170
601 Poydras Street, Suite 2660, New Orleans, LA 70130-6029
1100 Poydras St, Suite 1100, New Orleans, LA 70163
1515 Poydras Street, Suite 1000, New Orleans, LA 70112-3753
935 Gravier St, Suite 707, New Orleans, LA 70112
21452 Lowe Davis Rd., Covington, LA 70435
701 Poydras Street, Suite 3500, New Orleans, LA 70139
643 Magazine St, Suite 401, New Orleans, LA 70130
101 W. Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Suite 404, New Orleans, LA 70124
612 Andrew Higgins Blvd, Suite 3000, New Orleans, LA 70130
Covington Probate Information
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Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Covington and checks their standing with Louisiana bar associations.
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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 Covington?
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