3 Common Types of Louisiana Trusts To Consider When Creating Your Estate Plan

June 11, 2026

Certain documents – such as wills or powers of attorney – are standard when creating your estate plan. But what about adding a trust?

Gavel on a desk with a person writing on paper in the background

Including a trust in your estate plan gives you additional protection for yourself and your loved ones. A trust can also protect your legacy – creating a path forward for your wishes after your death.

What is a trust?

A trust is a legally binding agreement between the person creating the trust (the trustor) and the person or entity managing the trust and its assets (the trustee). Trustors may also be referred to as a grantor or settlor.

Like a will, a trust often has beneficiaries, such as your spouse, children, or charities. Under the terms of the trust, the beneficiaries will receive certain assets from the trust, according to your instructions.

Many types of trust exist. Keep reading to learn more about three common types of Louisiana trusts.

1. Revocable Living Trusts

A revocable living trust is a trust into which you can transfer your assets. Essentially, it serves as a legally-protected vessel for various types of assets, including:

Homes
Vehicles
Boats
Firearms
Financial accounts, such as bank or brokerage accounts

Because this type of trust is revocable, you can move assets in and out of this type of trust as necessary while avoiding probate down the road.

2. Irrevocable Trusts

Where you can transfer your assets in and out of a revocable trust, an irrevocable trust is the opposite. For irrevocable trusts, you can’t edit or modify once it’s established unless you have the beneficiary’s permission.

In other words, once you transfer your assets into an irrevocable trust, you lose all ownership of those assets.

So why would you want such a stringent type of trust in your estate plan?

An irrevocable trust can help shield your assets from estate or gift taxes – since they are removed from your estate. Additionally, an irrevocable trust can protect these assets from creditors.

A qualified estate planning attorney can help you determine if an irrevocable trust suits your situation.

3. Joint Trusts

You may prefer a joint trust if you’re creating it with another person, such as your spouse. In a joint trust, all marital assets are kept in a single trust.

Both spouses can legally control the assets held in a joint trust, serving as a revocable trust. When one partner dies, the surviving partner becomes the trustee, and the trust becomes irrevocable.

A joint trust may have less asset protection than a single trust for each spouse since a legal judgment over one spouse could impact all of the marital assets in a joint trust. However, a qualified estate planning attorney can assess your situation to determine if a joint trust is right for you.

Why Hire Losavio & DeJean, LLC?

We know that talking about estate planning issues can be complicated, causing stress and confusion. At Losavio & DeJean, LLC, we are committed to providing empathetic and compassionate legal counsel. When you work with us, your needs come first.

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What Is a Special Needs Trust and Why Does Your Loved One Need One?

July 30, 2026

Planning for a loved one with a disability requires more than simply leaving an inheritance. While parents and family members naturally want to provide financial security, leaving assets directly to an individual receiving needs-based government benefits can unintentionally jeopardize programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. A properly drafted Special Needs Trust allows families to provide financial support while helping preserve eligibility for essential public benefits. A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal tool specifically designed to hold and manage assets for the benefit of a person with disabilities. Rather than distributing money directly to the beneficiary, the trust owns the assets and appoints a trustee to manage distributions for approved supplemental expenses. These expenses may include therapies, education, travel, recreational activities, specialized medical equipment, transportation, and quality-of-life improvements that government benefits often do not cover. Every family's situation is unique, and Louisiana laws, along with federal benefit regulations, make proper planning essential. A trust that is not drafted correctly could unintentionally disqualify a beneficiary from receiving critical assistance. Working with an experienced elder law and estate planning attorney ensures that your trust complies with applicable legal requirements while reflecting your family's long-term goals. At Losavio & Dejean , we help Louisiana families create customized Special Needs Trusts as part of a comprehensive estate planning strategy. Our team understands how to coordinate trusts with wills , powers of attorney , Medicaid planning, and long-term financial planning so your loved one's future remains protected for years to come.

Three people reviewing a document, with text about the difference between a will and a trust in Louisiana

Understanding the Difference Between a Will and a Trust in Louisiana

July 28, 2026

When it comes to protecting your family and preserving your legacy, one of the most common questions people ask is, "Do I need a will or a trust?" The answer depends on your personal circumstances, financial goals, and long-term estate planning objectives. Understanding the difference between these two powerful legal tools can help you make informed decisions and ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended. A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to appoint an executor to manage your estate and, most importantly for parents of young children, designate a legal guardian. While a will is an essential component of nearly every estate plan, it generally goes through Louisiana's succession (probate) process before assets are distributed. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures your will complies with Louisiana law and accurately reflects your intentions. A trust , on the other hand, can provide greater flexibility and control over how and when your assets are distributed. Certain trusts may help your loved ones avoid probate, maintain privacy, provide for beneficiaries over time, or protect assets in the event of incapacity. Trusts are often valuable tools for families with significant assets, blended families, individuals planning for long-term care , or anyone seeking greater control over their estate. At Losavio & DeJean Elder Law Firm , we help Louisiana families determine whether a will, a trust, or a combination of both best fits their unique needs. Estate planning isn't about how much you own—it's about protecting the people you love. Whether you're creating your first estate plan or updating existing documents, our experienced attorneys can help you build a plan that provides peace of mind for generations to come.