Probate in Louisiana

Probate is the legal process of transferring a deceased person’s assets (like a home, bank

accounts, or land) to their heirs or beneficiaries. In Louisiana, probate is commonly referred to

as a “succession.” A succession must usually be opened in court to confirm who the legal

heirs are, validate the will (if there is one), and transfer the property into the heirs’ names.

Until the succession is completed, the home cannot be sold or refinanced because the heirs

do not yet legally own it.

Not always. Some property can avoid probate if the home was owned in a living trust, the

property had proper survivorship rights (which are less common in Louisiana), or the estate

qualifies for small succession procedures. However, in many cases—especially when the

home was solely in the deceased person’s name—a succession is required before anything

can be done with the property.

A typical succession can take anywhere from 2 to 9 months, and sometimes longer if there

are multiple heirs who don’t agree, there are debts, liens, or code violations on the property,

the will is contested, or heirs live out of state. During this time, heirs are often still responsible

for property taxes, insurance, yard maintenance, and city code compliance, which can

become stressful and expensive.

This is very common. Many inherited homes have roof issues, plumbing or electrical

problems, mold or water damage, outdated interiors, or storm damage from past hurricanes or

flooding. Heirs are often faced with a tough choice: pay out of pocket for repairs, try to sell the

home as-is, or let the property sit vacant and risk fines or further deterioration.

Yes — in many cases, a home can be sold during probate, but the succession must be

opened, the court must recognize the heirs or executor, and proper legal steps must be

followed before closing. This is where working with professionals who understand Louisiana

successions really matters.

Families dealing with probate often struggle with emotional attachment to the property,

disagreements between siblings or relatives, unexpected legal and court costs, financial strain

from maintaining a vacant home, and feeling rushed while still trying to grieve. There is no

one-size-fits-all solution, and no one should feel judged for choosing what makes sense for

their situation.

If you’ve inherited property in Louisiana, you generally have a few paths:

• Keep the home: complete the succession, make necessary repairs, and handle ongoing

maintenance and taxes.

• List the home with an agent: may require repairs, showings, inspection negotiations, agent

commissions, and closing costs.

• Sell the home as-is for cash: often chosen when the house needs major repairs, heirs live

out of town, or families want to avoid long timelines and extra expenses.

Probate and inherited property can be complicated, especially in Louisiana where succession

laws are unique. Getting clear information early can help you avoid unnecessary stress,

delays, and costs. Whether you plan to keep the home, list it, or sell it, understanding your

legal and financial options puts you back in control during a difficult time.

Working with people who understand Louisiana succession laws, local courts, and local

property conditions can make a big difference—especially in areas like Slidell, Covington,

Mandeville, and surrounding St. Tammany Parish communities where storm damage and

aging homes are common factors. If you have questions about an inherited property and want

to understand your options, reaching out early can save months of frustration later.