Wills & Estate Planning
Will preparation New Orleans for families and property owners
Why Creating a Will Matters for Louisiana Families
A will is the core of your estate plan because it explains who inherits your home, investments, and personal belongings. Louisiana has unique rules about forced heirship, so even though your children may be entitled to part of your estate, a written plan gives clarity for everything else. Many residents in New Orleans and nearby communities like Metairie and Gentilly want reassurance that the people they care about will receive property without confusion. Without a will, intestate succession applies, and the default rules may not match your intentions. Gulf South Title helps you prepare a clear, legally valid plan so your estate is managed according to your wishes.
Protecting Your Real Estate
Property owners in Louisiana face special considerations because homes, rental properties, and investment portfolios are often the most valuable assets in an estate. A well drafted will ensures that your house or investment property passes to the individuals or organizations you choose. Many clients in areas such as Lakeview or Mid City own more than one property, and clear instructions prevent unnecessary disputes or delays during succession.
Our Services
We provide a full suite of estate planning and probate-related services tailored to Louisiana law:
Comprehensive Will Creation for Louisiana Residents
Our attorney meets with you to review your estate, discuss your property, and talk through decisions related to guardianship, executors, and charitable gifts. This guidance helps you make choices that reflect your goals and comply with Louisiana law. Gulf South Title prepares the document, reviews it with you, and ensures it is ready for proper signing so it can be honored in court.
Tailored to Real Estate Owners
Because so many clients in New Orleans own homes or rental properties, we focus on accuracy when referencing real estate. Some wills need full legal descriptions, while others rely on broader clauses that capture all current and future property. This approach keeps things simple while still protecting your interests.
Ancillary Documents for a Complete Plan
Most estate plans involve more than just a will. You may also benefit from medical directives, powers of attorney, or a living will that states your preferences for care. Our team can prepare these documents so your wishes are respected if you are alive but unable to make decisions.
Safe Storage and Updates
Once your will is signed, we explain safe ways to store the original and can keep a copy on file for convenience. Life changes like marriage, new children, or the purchase of additional property should prompt an update. Gulf South Title makes adjustments easy so your plan stays current as your estate grows.
Avoiding Family Disputes
A detailed will reduces uncertainty at a difficult time. When goals are spelled out plainly, families know how real estate, personal belongings, and financial accounts should be distributed. This kind of clarity is especially important for blended families or those with non-traditional relationships. Gulf South Title focuses on drafting instructions that prevent misinterpretation so your loved ones stay protected.
Estate Planning for Investors and Property Owners
Real estate investors in neighborhoods such as Bywater, Uptown, or along the Westbank often need additional guidance. Properties may be held in LLCs or family entities, and your will can transfer membership interests or outline how rental income should be handled. Gulf South Title offers direction that aligns with your investment strategy while keeping your estate plan practical.
Understanding Community Property in Louisiana
Married couples in Louisiana must consider how community property affects their estate plan. You can only will away your share of community property, while separate property can be gifted freely. We help you structure your will so these rules are respected and your intentions remain valid.
Choosing an Executor and Planning for Probate
Your executor will manage your affairs and carry out the terms of your will. Selecting a responsible person helps the succession process move smoothly. Our office works closely with executors during probate, especially when real estate is involved.
Common Questions About Wills in Louisiana
Residents often wonder when they should make a will and how the process works in our state. Many choose to prepare theirs once they purchase a home or start a family. While Louisiana allows handwritten wills, most people want reassurance that everything is legally correct. Costs vary based on complexity, especially for those with multiple properties or business interests. If someone passes without a will, the state decides who inherits, which can lead to longer timelines and more stress. Those who want to give property to friends, partners, or organizations can do so with a properly drafted document.
Frequently Asked Questions
I heard Louisiana doesn’t use the word probate – what is succession?
In Louisiana, the process of settling a deceased person’s estate is called succession. It serves the same purpose as probate in other states and is often required to transfer real estate.
Can Gulf South Title help if a property owner dies and the heirs want to sell?
Yes. We initiate the succession process, obtain court authorization, and can handle the closing once the title is ready to transfer. This dual approach simplifies the experience for heirs.
Why should I make a will? What happens if I don’t have one?
Without a will, Louisiana law controls who inherits, which might not reflect your wishes. For example, a surviving spouse might not receive everything if there are children. A will gives you control and streamlines the succession process.
What is a power of attorney and when would I need it in real estate?
A power of attorney allows someone to act legally on your behalf—often needed when you can’t attend a closing or want a trusted person to manage your affairs. We prepare POAs that meet Louisiana’s strict requirements.