What Is a Succession in Louisiana?

A Beginner’s Guide to Settling an Estate

When a loved one passes away, the last thing most people want to deal with is paperwork. But in Louisiana, settling someone’s estate often requires a legal process known as succession. If you’ve never heard that term before—or if you’ve heard it but aren’t sure what it means—you’re not alone.

At Oriol Law Firm, we’re here to break it down for you. This quick guide will walk you through what a succession is, how it works, and why it matters.

What Exactly Is a Succession?

Succession is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate in Louisiana. 

This includes:

• Identifying and gathering the person’s assets
• Paying any debts or taxes owed
• Distributing the remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries

In other states, this process is called probate—but in Louisiana, it’s known as succession, and it follows a unique set of state laws based on the Louisiana Civil Code.

Do All Estates in Louisiana Require Succession?

In some cases, a formal succession might not be necessary. It depends on the size of the estate, the types of assets involved, and how those assets are titled.

If a person’s estate doesn’t contain any property or assets that require the court to be involved, or if all of the property in it passes directly to heirs via beneficiary designations (e.g., from life insurance policies or retirement accounts), then there may be no need for a full succession.

Types of Succession in Louisiana

Testate Succession 

Testate successions occur when the deceased left a valid will. The estate is distributed according to their wishes, through a court proceeding to confirm the validity and accuracy of the will and all that it outlines.

Intestate Succession

When the deceased did not leave a will, the estate will go through an intestate succession. In this case, the courts will determine who inherits the assets according to Louisiana civil code, often starting with spouses, children, or other close relatives.

Why Succession Matters

Heirs may not be able to legally sell or transfer inherited property that hasn’t first gone through succession. The succession process also provides a clear and orderly means of resolving disputes that may arise over property or assets, closing important accounts, and making sure any remaining debts are officially settled.

A well-managed succession protects the current and future interests of everyone involved, including those who aren’t direct heirs but who may be close to someone who is.

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How We Can Help

At Oriol Law Firm, we guide families through the succession process with compassion and clarity. We’ll explain your options, handle the paperwork, and help you avoid common pitfalls. Our goal is for you to focus on what matters most: honoring your loved one’s legacy.

Losing someone is hard. Settling their affairs shouldn’t add more stress. Succession may sound complicated, but with the right guidance, it can be straightforward and manageable. Whether you're dealing with a recent loss or just planning ahead, Oriol Law Firm is here to help.