Wills Attorneys in New Orleans, Louisiana

A will protects your loved ones and ensures that your wishes are honored after you pass away. The attorneys at Arthur W. Landry and Jeanne Andry Landry, Attorneys at Law, LLC, understand the importance of drafting a comprehensive and legally sound will. They guide you through the process with respect, professionalism, and a strong commitment to building lasting relationships. 

Jeanne Andry Landry has over three decades of experience representing plaintiffs in Louisiana courts. She focuses on settling cases before trial. Arthur W. Landry has over 41 years of legal experience and has appeared before courts in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi.  

Why You Need a Will 

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed upon your death. It allows you to: 

• Control asset distribution: Specify who inherits your property, money, and other assets. 

• Address succession goals: Cultivate a smooth transition of your business to protect the financial future of all your loved ones, including children from a previous marriage or dependents with disabilities. 

• Appoint guardians for minor children: Ensure your children are cared for by someone you trust. 

• Name an executor: Choose a responsible person to manage your estate and carry out your wishes. 

• Minimize family disputes: Clearly outline your wishes to help prevent disagreements among family members. 

• Plan for charity: Include donations to your favorite causes and organizations. 

• Plan specific bequests: Detail particular items or assets that you wish to leave to specific individuals, providing clarity and eliminating confusion. 

• Provide for pets: Designate a caretaker for your pets and allocate funds for their care, ensuring their well-being after your passing. 

• Address complex family dynamics: Tackle potential issues arising from blended families or estranged relationships by outlining your intentions clearly. 

• Incorporate funeral arrangements: Express your preferences regarding burial, cremation, or other end-of-life decisions, relieving your loved ones from making difficult choices during a challenging time. 

If you pass away without having a will, your assets will be distributed according to the state intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes. This can lead to disagreements among family members, possibly resulting in emotional strain and prolonged legal processes. Without a will, you cannot designate an executor or guardian for minor children, leaving important decisions up to the court. 

How to Create a Will 

Drafting a will involves several key steps: 

• Inventory your assets: Begin by making a comprehensive list of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property, and any other valuable items. 

• Choose beneficiaries: Decide who will inherit your assets. This can include family members, friends, and charitable organizations. 

• Appoint an executor: Select a trustworthy individual to manage your estate and carry out your wishes. 

• Designate guardians for minor children: If you have minor children, appoint a guardian to care for them. 

• Specify bequests: Clearly mention items or amounts of money you wish to leave to particular individuals. 

• Seek legal advice: Consult with an attorney who specializes in estate planning so that your will complies with state laws and accurately reflects your wishes. 

• Review and update regularly: Circumstances such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children can mean major changes in your lifestyle. Regularly review your will to ensure that it remains current and relevant. 

• Sign and witness your will: For your will to be legally valid, it must be signed by you and witnessed by individuals who are not beneficiaries of the will.  

• Store the will safely: Keep your will in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or with your attorney, and inform your executor of its location. 

Louisiana Laws on Wills 

Louisiana's wills and estate planning laws are influenced by its civil law system. Some key aspects include: 

• Forced heirship: Louisiana law protects certain heirs, such as minor children and permanently disabled individuals, so that they receive a portion of the estate regardless of the will's terms. 

• Types of wills: Louisiana recognizes two primary types of wills: holographic (handwritten) and notarial (typed and notarized). Each type has specific validity requirements. 

• Witness requirements: A notarial will must be signed in the presence of a notary public and two competent witnesses who are not beneficiaries. 

• Revocation of wills: Louisiana law allows for the revocation of a will at any time, provided that the testator (the person making the will) follows specific procedures, such as creating a new will or destroying the old one. 

• Acceptance of wills: For wills to be enforceable, they must be accepted by the court. 

• Notarization: While holographic wills do not require notarization, notarial wills must be signed by the testator in the presence of a notary and two witnesses to be legal and secure. 

• Requirements for witnesses: Witnesses must be at least 18 years old and legally competent to testify.