Creating a Will in Louisiana
I can help you protect the future of your assets!
A will is the legal way to determine what happens to your assets and property when you pass away. The last thing you want is for everything you've worked so hard for over the years to be dispersed against your wishes and a will can help you avoid this.
Instead of waiting till later on in life to create your will, it is important to take advantage of the time you have right now. As a Baton Rouge succession lawyer, I can help you prepare your will and ensure that everything is legally correct. At The Layfield Law Firm, LLC, you can expect quality legal representation and an advocate committed to serving your best interests.
What are the benefits of a will?
There are two kinds of wills in Louisiana – a notarial testament and an olographic testament. The first has five different forms that are based on the mental condition of the will-maker. The second requires that the will was written, dated, and signed in the handwriting of the will-maker. Notarial wills must be notarized for validity, but both generally include the same information.
A will is beneficial because it allows you to:
- Leave your property to people or organizations
- Choose a personal guardian (known as a tutor) to care for your minor children
- Name someone to manage the property left to your minor children
- Appoint an executor to carry out the terms of your will
If you die without a will, state law says that your assets will go to your closest relatives. These laws are referred to as intestate succession laws. Many people who put off making a will find themselves regretting this decision later on in life.
Get Started with a Baton Rouge Succession Attorney
While creating a will can feel overwhelming, it certainly doesn't have to be. Trusting an attorney who understands the legal process and can help you make key decisions along the way can simplify much of this important process.
I am eager to give you the necessary guidance for decisions you can feel comfortable with for a lifetime. Call my firm today and schedule a consultation!
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At The Layfield Law Firm, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Beau always responded quickly to my questions, sometimes patiently just listened while I vented."As a business owner trying to juggle responsibilities with my clients and in my business, it was important to find someone who understood the value of my time while helping me navigate me through a difficult divorce.- Former Client
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"I'm blessed to have had Mr. Beau Layfield representing me throughout my divorce process."I contacted him initially because The Layfield Law Firm website specifically listed "uncontested divorce" within the areas of practice.- Former Client
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"Beau listened to my concerns and helped me come up with a strategy that worked best for my situation."During this process, there were times when I became so frustrated that I wanted to give up. Beau always brought me back to reality and made suggestions to assist with my concerns.- Former Client
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"After meeting with three attorneys about my case I choose the Layfield Law Firm."Hopefully I won't need a lawyer in the future, but if I do, I am calling Mr Layfield.- Former Client
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 225-283-1374 today!
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Do I have to go to court in order to obtain a divorce?
Filing divorce papers with a court is the only way you will obtain a legal separation from your spouse. This applies to any other form of legal separation, including a marriage annulment. Aside from the divorce decree itself, a court is able to assist in settling other matters related to divorce, which include child custody and the distribution of marital assets.
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How will custody of my child be decided?It is possible for you and your spouse to come to a decision regarding child custody without the court intervening.
However, if you and your spouse cannot come to a custody terms agreement, the court will decide for you, and will look at the following:
- the child's gender and age;
- the child's mental and physical health;
- the child's relationship with each parent;
- the parents' respective lifestyles;
- each parent's ability to provide basic necessities for the child, including shelter, food, and clothing; and
- the child's preference (if they are of a certain age).
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Should I take a settlement offer?
It is never a good idea to settle an insurance claim before speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney that has experience with injury accident cases. Insurance companies have tactics they use to deny claims, redirect fault, and withhold available compensation. An insurance claim can be a complicated process and insurance adjusters can be intimidating to accident victims. An insurance company may assert that the injuries are not as serious as claimed, and attempt to settle quickly for a low amount.
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How long will the divorce process take?
The length of your divorce proceedings will depend on different factors, which include how long it takes to serve divorce papers to your spouse, whether your spouse is willing to waive their rights to service and notice of trial, whether you have minor children from the marriage and legal delays. Typically, it will take 20 to 40 days to receive a divorce judgment from the court after papers have been served. If your spouse decides to waive his or her rights to service and notice of trial, the judgment can come swiftly. It is important to note that a judgment does not become finalized until the 30-day "appeals" window has ended.
Another important point to note is that you must be living separately from your spouse for six months (or longer if there are minor children from the marriage) before being able to file a petition, unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as your spouse committed a felony. Securing an attorney for legal representation may result in your divorce process being resolved much faster than you attempting to navigate the proceedings on your own.
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Do I need a lawyer in a personal injury claim?
Insurance company studies show that those who have legal representation in their case recover an average of 3.5 times more than those who try to get the issue resolved on their own. Insurance companies do not like to pay out large settlements, and frequently move fast with an offer, within days of a car accident or other serious injury accident. If you accept this early offer, it can be a terrible mistake; you may later require more medical treatment, or not recover in the expected amount of time, or could experience complications. I will carefully evaluate your injury case and ensure that we are pursuing every type of damage that could be claimed in your case. It is very important that you have legal counsel that will protect your right to fair compensation, and I will fight for fair treatment for you and your family. A personal injury lawyer is imperative if you suffered serious injuries. I am a Louisiana attorney that is interested in helping your resolve these issues.