Rittenberg, Samuel & Phillips, L.L.C.
New Orleans Estate Planning and Succession
A will or trust enables you to determine how your assets will be distributed at your death. A will or trust removes the uncertainty of how your assets and debts will be distributed, and allows you, and not the State of Louisiana, to be in control.
At death, a will sometimes -- but not always -- must be probated in court. In Louisiana, we call this a "succession," and it ensures that your wishes are carried out. Getting sound legal guidance on the succession process can ease your -- and your family's -- mind during a difficult period. At the New Orleans law office of Rittenberg, Samuel & Phillips, L.L.C., we will assist you through the entire process, from estate planning to estate administration. Our attorneys give you the information you need to make informed choices.
Contact us online or call 504-524-5555 to schedule an appointment. We promptly return all calls.
Understanding Your Options
We know that you may be new to the legal system, and we aim to de-mystify the process. We will explain all your options and help you choose the appropriate methods for meeting your goals.
In addition to a will, a trust offers further protection and advantages in many situations, particularly where:
- Significant assets are involved
- There are disabled children or spouses who have special medical needs
- There are minor children who are not able or ready to manage their own finances
- There are adult children who, for many reasons, cannot manage their own finances
In Louisiana, many types of trusts are available, including living trusts, revocable trusts, special needs trusts and spendthrift trusts. Whether you need a will or trust, or both, we will tailor these estate planning tools to meet your individual goals and situation.
Guiding You Through Succession
Succession is the legal process of opening and administering an estate after a person dies. If there is a will, the process of probating the will transfers ownership of assets and real property to persons named in the will as beneficiaries and heirs. If there is no will, opening a succession also transfers ownership of assets and real property according to rights of succession established by Louisiana law.
When you contact us, we will gather information and file court papers to open succession proceedings. Our lawyers will help you with all aspects of the estate administration, including:
- Identifying and accessing assets and debts, including bank accounts
- Transferring title to real and personal property
- Handling outstanding debts such as final medical expenses, funeral expenses and taxes
- Putting heirs and beneficiaries into lawful possession of the assets that they have inherited
- Filing any accounting required by law
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment with an experienced estate planning and succession lawyer, contact us online or call 504-524-5555. We promptly return all calls. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8 to 5, with off-site meetings available by appointment.