Denham Springs Succession Attorneys
Guiding Families Through Louisiana’s Complex Probate Process
Losing a loved one is never easy, and in the days and weeks that follow, families often find themselves overwhelmed by not just emotion, but paperwork, deadlines, and legal steps. In Louisiana, this process is known as a succession, and it’s how property, assets, and debts are legally transferred after someone passes away.
At Losavio & DeJean, LLC, our Denham Springs succession attorneys help families across Livingston Parish, Walker, Watson, and Baton Rouge handle every detail of this process with care and precision. Whether you’re facing a simple small succession or a complex estate involving real estate, business interests, or blended families, our attorneys provide clear guidance every step of the way.
What Is a Succession in Louisiana?
Louisiana is unique; its civil law system, rooted in French and Spanish tradition, differs from the common law systems used in most other states. Here, what other states call probate is known as succession.
A succession officially transfers ownership of a deceased person’s property to their heirs or legatees (those named in a will). It also ensures debts are paid, titles are updated, and property ownership is clear.
There are two types of successions in Louisiana:
Testate Succession
When the deceased left a valid will.
Intestate Succession
When there is no will, Louisiana law determines who inherits property.
Our firm assists with both, helping families interpret wills, locate assets, file the necessary court petitions, and complete every step in compliance with Louisiana’s Civil Code.
The Denham Springs Difference: Local Knowledge That Matters
Our attorneys don’t just know estate law; they know Denham Springs. From homes near Juban Crossing to farmland in Watson and businesses along Range Avenue, we help local families protect and transfer their property efficiently and lawfully.
Because Louisiana’s rules about community property, usufruct, and forced heirship can affect nearly every succession, working with attorneys experienced in local law is essential. At Losavio & DeJean, we draft and file documents that meet every state-specific requirement, so your family avoids costly errors and delays.
Learn more about how we tailor planning for Louisiana families on our Estate Planning page.
How the Louisiana Succession Process Works
Our Denham Springs succession attorneys make the process straightforward. Here’s how a typical case unfolds:
1. Initial Consultation
We meet with the family to identify assets, debts, and any existing will.
2. Determine Type of Succession
Depending on estate size and will status, we’ll recommend either a small succession, independent administration, or court-supervised succession.
3. Prepare Court Filings
Petitions, inventories, and supporting documents are drafted and filed in Livingston Parish court.
4. Executor Appointment
The court appoints an executor or administrator to oversee estate matters.
5. Asset Inventory & Valuation
Property, bank accounts, vehicles, and investments are listed and valued.
6. Debt & Tax Resolution
The estate pays final bills, taxes, and creditor claims.
7. Property Transfer
Ownership is transferred to heirs or beneficiaries.
8. Closing the Estate
A final accounting is filed, and the court formally closes the case.
Our team handles all filings, deadlines, and communication with the court, minimizing stress for families already dealing with loss.
Small Successions: A Faster Option for Denham Springs Families
Not all successions require a lengthy court process. In Louisiana, a small succession affidavit can be used when:
- The estate is under a certain dollar threshold, and
- The decedent’s property was located in Louisiana, and
- All heirs are in agreement.
This affidavit allows property transfer, such as bank accounts or vehicles, without a formal court proceeding. It’s a valuable option for many Denham Springs residents, especially retirees or those with modest estates.
Our attorneys will help you determine eligibility and prepare the affidavit to ensure it’s accepted by financial institutions and title offices.
Handling Complex Successions
For larger or more complex estates, we handle:
Blended Family Situations
Balancing the interests of spouses and children from prior relationships.
Real Estate Transfers
Ensuring property deeds in Denham Springs, Walker, or Baton Rouge are properly retitled.
Business Ownership
Guiding transitions for LLCs, family businesses, and professional practices.
Multi-Parish or Out-of-State Assets
Coordinating with other jurisdictions for property held outside Louisiana.
Disputes & Contested Wills
Representing clients in litigation when disagreements arise among heirs or executors.
Our firm combines decades of probate experience with a compassionate approach to family dynamics, helping clients resolve issues efficiently and respectfully.
Forced Heirship and Community Property in Louisiana
Two unique features of Louisiana succession law often surprise families:
Forced Heirship
Louisiana law requires that certain children (minors or those with permanent disabilities) receive a portion of the estate, called the legitime. This can affect how a will or succession must be handled.
Community Property
Property acquired during marriage generally belongs equally to both spouses. Planning must respect each spouse’s half-interest in the estate.
Our Denham Springs attorneys carefully calculate and document these interests so that final property transfers align with state law, and family intent.
Usufruct and Naked Ownership: Balancing Family Interests
Another distinctive Louisiana concept is usufruct, which allows one person (often a surviving spouse) to use and benefit from property for life, while ownership (called naked ownership) passes to another person, usually children.
This structure protects surviving spouses while preserving inheritances. It’s especially valuable for blended families in Denham Springs, where we often use usufruct planning to prevent future disputes.
When to Open a Succession
Ideally, a succession should be opened soon after death to:
- Transfer title to heirs or buyers,
- Prevent property tax complications, and
- Allow access to bank accounts or insurance proceeds.
However, even if months or years have passed, our attorneys can reopen or file a delayed succession. We help families locate records, file historical documents, and clear property titles, restoring ownership rights in compliance with Louisiana law.
How Losavio & DeJean Support Families Throughout the Process
We take a full-service approach to every succession. Beyond the legal paperwork, our team helps clients with:
Asset discovery and coordination with banks, CPAs, and insurance companies.
Estate tax compliance and final return preparation.
Heirship affidavits and property title corrections.
Coordination with VA or Medicaid benefits when applicable.
Post-succession planning to protect heirs from future confusion.
Families who work with our firm often continue long-term relationships, returning for estate planning, elder law, and veterans’ benefits guidance.
Meet Our Denham Springs Attorneys
Peter J. Losavio, Jr.
Attorney
Peter J. Losavio, Jr., J.D., CELA, has been practicing law for over 40 years as a member of Losavio & DeJean, LLC He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation—one of approximately 500 attorneys in the United States to hold this certification and the only Certified Elder Law Attorney in Louisiana. Peter’s practice centers on estate planning, elder law, long-term care planning, and succession work with an emphasis on Louisiana’s civil law requirements. Clients value his clear explanations, meticulous drafting, and practical strategies that protect families across generations.
Kent S. DeJean
Attorney
Kent S. DeJean is an accomplished attorney who specializes in Veterans Affairs and is accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Born in Opelousas, Louisiana, and a graduate of Opelousas Catholic High School, Kent brings a service-oriented approach to estate planning, succession, and benefits coordination for veterans and their families. He helps clients integrate VA benefits with broader estate plans, ensuring documents, titling, and beneficiary designations work together seamlessly.
What Denham Springs Clients Say
“I highly recommend Losavio & DeJean for estate planning! They helped my grandfather, Eli, and my daddy, Robert, obtain government benefits and prevented them from losing their home and savings.”
“Absolutely the most professional and personable staff I’ve ever had handle my legal issues. The entire staff returned phone calls and updated me with information both legal and personal documents. Thanks for making a difficult and sensitive situation with compassion and transparency.”
Common Succession FAQs for Denham Springs Families
Why Choose Losavio & DeJean, LLC
Over four decades of Louisiana succession experience
Deep understanding of Livingston Parish court procedures
Personalized, compassionate guidance for every family
Convenient location near Baton Rouge with virtual consultations available
Full-service support for estate planning, elder law, and veterans’ benefits
Start Your Denham Springs Succession Today
Whether you need to open a succession, close a loved one’s estate, or plan ahead to simplify the process for your own family, Losavio & DeJean is here to help.
Our Louisiana succession attorneys combine technical skill with personal compassion, ensuring every case receives the care and attention it deserves.
Serving Denham Springs, Watson, Walker, and all of Livingston Parish.
Schedule a consultation today with a Denham Springs succession attorney at Losavio & DeJean, LLC.