Effective Estate Planning and Succession Representation for Southeast Louisiana
Creating a basic estate plan can save your family the burden of making important decisions should you become incapacitated or after you pass away. Having a plan in place now offers you the best chance of ensuring that your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets or medical care will be followed.
At The Law Office of Camille Saltz Babin, I help individuals and families in Terrebonne Parish and throughout southeastern Louisiana take steps today for peace of mind tomorrow. I will help you create a plan that fits your needs and be your trusted legal guide through the succession process after a family member or other loved one has passed away.
To schedule a consultation to discuss your estate planning or succession concerns, call 985-580-7796 or contact me online.
Creating the Right Estate Plan for You
When it comes to planning for tomorrow, I understand that every person has different needs and goals. I will take the time to understand the goals you want to achieve and tailor the documents necessary to achieve them, including:
- A will allows you to specify your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets after you die. If you have minor-aged children, you can also express your wishes for a guardian for them in your will for the court's consideration in case of your premature death.
- A living will lets declare your wishes regarding whether you want life-sustaining measures to be taken if you become incapacitated. No one can make the decision to stop life-sustaining treatment without a living will in place.
- If you have a minor heir, we can put your assets into a trust to be administered by a trustee until the child is old enough to handle his or her own finances. Establishing a living trust may allow your loved ones to avoid the lengthy succession, or probate, process.
- General and durable powers of attorney let you name people to make your financial or medical decisions for you. You can specify the scope of the authority, as well as the timing of when it takes effect. It is important to note that, unlike a living will, a medical power of attorney does not grant authority to end life-sustaining measures if you become incapacitated. It allows another person to act on your behalf for matters like access to medical records, authorization for medical treatment and handling insurance claims.
My goal is to help you understand your estate planning options so that you feel comfortable and confident about the choices you make. The right estate plan can help your loved ones avoid probate and will save them the difficult task of dividing your property, other assets and debts.
Guiding You Through the Succession Process in Louisiana
Louisiana has specific succession laws that require a succession to be opened within nine months of a person's death. I assist executors and administrators through the succession process, helping them understand their obligations and rights. I guide them in carrying out their duties properly, including:
- Paying off outstanding debt
- Transferring title
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries and heirs
- Preparing and filing any accounting required by the court
After the death of a loved one, it is important to tend to these matters promptly and diligently. Often, families who wait encounter bigger problems down the road, such as title disputes when trying to sell real estate formerly owned by the deceased party. I know that it can be a difficult time. I will do everything I can to reduce the stress and confusion involved in the succession process.
Schedule an Appointment with an Experienced Louisiana Lawyer
Work with an attorney dedicated to providing your family trustworthy guidance. Call 985-580-7796 or contact me online to discuss your basic estate planning or succession concerns.
My office is located in downtown Houma, one block away from the Courthouse. I am available between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and meetings at other times are available by appointment. My office is closed between noon and 1 p.m. daily for lunch.