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Jefferson Parish and New Orleans

Uncontested Succession Attorneys

In Jefferson Parish and New Orleans, the succession process can be lengthy and tiring.

You’ve just lost a loved one, and now you’re having to go through probate, as well.

Succession is Louisiana’s term for probate. It is the process by which the estate of a deceased person transfers to that person’s heirs.

An estate can be contested or uncontested.

When a succession is contested, the process can become much more complicated and aggressive. It may even lead to litigation.

Luckily, uncontested successions are far more common than contested ones, and our team at Nola Succession Law is here to help you through the process every step of the way.

Call Amanda at 504-342-4600 to share more about your caseCall Frank at 504-885-3332 to share more about your case

In Jefferson Parish and New Orleans, the succession process can be lengthy and tiring.

You’ve just lost a loved one, and now you’re having to go through probate, as well.

Succession is Louisiana’s term for probate. It is the process by which the estate of a deceased person transfers to that person’s heirs.

An estate can be contested or uncontested.

When a succession is contested, the process can become much more complicated and aggressive. It may even lead to litigation.

Luckily, uncontested successions are far more common than contested ones, and our team at Nola Succession Law is here to help you through the process every step of the way.

Call Amanda at 504-342-4600 to share more about your caseCall Frank at 504-885-3332 to share more about your case

What is the difference between Contested and Uncontested Succession?

During an uncontested succession, the deceased person’s assets are distributed according to his/her final wishes (if there is a will) or according to Louisiana law (if there is no will.)

Many wills include a designation for who will be the executor of the will. If there isn’t a named executor, an administrator may be appointed to oversee the process and settle the estate.

During the succession process, we can help you do the following:

  • Inventory property that will be distributed as part of the succession proceedings
  • Attempt to negotiate and settle debts and taxes that the estate owes
  • Review all rights to income and dividends to collect the estate in one place
  • Settle outstanding disputes
  • Distribute property to the legatee as outlined in the deceased’s will

When a succession is uncontested, everyone involved in the process is on board with the arrangement. Generally speaking, this means less stress for all involved.

A contested succession, however, refers to the process where one of the heirs contests the amount of money or property outlined in the deceased individual’s estate. Some scenarios in which there is a contested intestate succession include:

  • When there are competing administrators (for example, two grown siblings fighting over who should be appointed the administrator)
  • When an heir doesn’t trust the appointed administrator’s actions with respect to administering the estate (there are ways we can keep an administrator honest and hold them accountable)
  • When an heir disputes the amount of inheritance he/she believes he/she is entitled to under the laws of intestacy

Because there is no contest to the distribution of the estate in an uncontested succession, these tend to move through the courts faster than contested successions.

However, it’s important to note that the total time it takes to complete the succession process is dependent on the size of the estate and the complexity of the assets to be administered.

Benefits of Hiring a Louisiana Succession Attorney

Even when an estate is uncontested, executors of the estate often have many questions and feel stressed about following all the legal requirements throughout the succession process.

But because each succession is unique — and depending on how your loved one set up the estate — the process could be fairly simple or extremely complex.

Here are the main benefits of hiring a New Orleans and Jefferson Parish succession attorney:

  • Saving time: Court proceedings for a succession take numerous petitions, affidavits, verifications and additional paperwork. Your family would need to be prepared to devote a great deal of time to this process without an attorney.
  • Local contact: Sometimes families are spread out across the country, and coming to Louisiana to court dates and appearances is too much. An attorney can serve as your local contact to work with the courts to finalize your succession.
  • Fast access to some assets: Some assets, such as a life insurance policy, do not need to go through the normal succession process. An attorney can help you find these assets so you can get access to them sooner. This is especially helpful in paying bills and doing upkeep on the estate. Additionally, some wills don’t have to go through the courts for distribution of assets. Make sure an attorney reviews the will of your loved one before you proceed with working with the courts.
  • Appropriate distribution of complicated assets: Complicated assets, such as a business, can slow down the distribution of an estate. It might leave some family members disgruntled and feeling slighted by the court’s decision, too. Working with an attorney can help your family reach an amicable and favorable outcome for distributing assets.

Contact Nola Succession Law today

At Nola Succession Law, we understand that this is an emotional and difficult time for your family. We’ll handle the day-to-day aspects of your family’s uncontested succession. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.

Call Amanda at 504-342-4600 to share more about your caseCall Frank at 504-885-3332 to share more about your caseClick here to schedule your free consultation

Contact NOLA Succession Law