22 Oct 2020, Louisiana, USA

Different states in the US have varied rules and regulations regarding the creation of the Last Will and Testament. The state of Louisiana too has defined rules that make this document more customized for the people of the state.
Have you built an estate enough to inherit to your loved ones and believe that your family and children are strong enough to make decisions after your death?

Even after knowing everything about you, it is not guaranteed that your wishes will be executed after you die! Well, things often change when no one is watching, and the situation can worsen when people know that there is nothing you can do about it.

So, if you were overlooking the need to file a Last Will and Testament document, quit the thought. A written and signed document highlighting your wishes regarding asset distribution and who gets what is as important as anything else in your life!

A Last Will and Statement is a legal document that determines who gets what from your estate after your demise. Your attorney may also suggest appointing a legal guardian for your minor kids or pets. Once you decide to make a will, make sure you are well equipped with the legal terms used in the document. Upon filing a will you’ll be the “testator” appointing an “executor” who’ll execute your will under the laws governing the state of Louisiana.

Make sure you take stock of assets and liabilities before making a will. Prepare a list of individuals to be listed as beneficiaries. A thorough involvement of your attorneys can remove every scope of mistakes and confusion.

What happens if you die with no Will in your name?

If you miss creating a last will and testament, the state of Louisiana will invoke Intestacy state laws to distribute your undivided estate. The court will decide to distribute your estate in the following manner; depending on if you have surviving children, a spouse, parents, or close relatives.

• If you have a spouse, s/he decides how they want to distribute/share the property for the rest of their lives. The kids can only inherit the estate after the death of the spouse.

• If you don’t have children but have a spouse and parents, your spouse takes over the communal property, and your parents are entitled to separate property. This is applicable even when you have siblings rather than parents.

• If you have no children and no spouse, but surviving parents and siblings, your estate will go to your parents for life, and your siblings will inherit it after your parents.

So, to avoid the state law to make decisions without your wish involved, creating a Will and the Testament document is the best option.

Steps to Create a Last Will and Testament Louisiana

You wouldn’t want your kids and estate suffer just because you didn’t prepare a single document! Create a last will and testament document to outline your wishes regarding the care of your kids, as well as the distribution of your assets.

Terminologies involved:

• As the creator in Louisiana, the law recognizes you as the testator.

• The people you want to inherit the estate are beneficiaries.

• The Creator must appoint an executor who’ll be tasked to oversee and settle your estate as per your wishes. You can name the heirs, an attorney, or a family member you trust as an executor. You must entitle the executor with authority to distribute the wealth from the probate court, once the court validates your will.

Ensure that your family, friends, or the charitable organization you have been associated with getting a piece of your estate. This means you must take time to sit down and take time to decide whether you wish to create a testamentary trust or work the other way around!