Wills

As a dedicated estate planning lawyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Attorney Andrea Morrison specializes in helping clients prepare their their last will and testament to ensure their assets are protected, managed, and transferred according to their wishes. With a personalized and compassionate approach, Andrea guides you through the will creation process to craft a will that reflects your unique circumstances and desires.

Writing a will in the state of Louisiana involves several specific steps to ensure it is legally valid and accurately reflects your wishes. Here's an outline of the process:

Inventory of Assets: List all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property, and any other valuable items.

Beneficiaries: Decide who will inherit your assets. Beneficiaries can include family members, friends, and charitable organizations.

Executor: Appoint a trustworthy person to act as your executor. This individual will be responsible for managing your estate and ensuring your wishes are carried out after your death.

Guardian: If you have minor children, designate a guardian who will take care of them if you and the other parent are unable to do so.

Form of the Will: In Louisiana, wills can be either olographic (handwritten) or notarial (typed and notarized).

• Olographic Will: Must be entirely written, dated, and signed in your own handwriting.
• Notarial Will: Must be typed, signed in the presence of a notary public and two competent witnesses, and follow a specific format.
• Content: Clearly state your name, identify yourself, and declare that this is your last will and testament. Include specific bequests, name your executor, and designate a guardian if applicable.

Self-Proving Affidavit: A notarized statement signed by you and your witnesses affirming that the will was signed voluntarily and in the presence of the witnesses. This can simplify the probate process.

Olographic Will: Sign and date the will at the end.

Notarial Will: Sign the will in the presence of a notary public and two witnesses. The witnesses must also sign the will in your presence and in the presence of each other.

Storage: Keep the original will in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box, a fireproof safe at home, or with your attorney. Ensure that your executor and close family members know where to find it.

Periodic Review: Review your will periodically and update it as necessary, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in your financial situation.

Inform Beneficiaries and Executor: While not legally required, it's a good idea to communicate your wishes to your beneficiaries and executor to ensure they understand your intentions.

By following these steps, you can create a legally valid will in Louisiana that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes

For professional guidance and to ensure your will meets all legal requirements, contact Attorney Andrea Morrison, an experienced estate planning lawyer located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

One American Place
301 Main Street, Suite 1120
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 234-0070 - Phone
(225) 289-4638 - Fax

andreamorrisonlaw.com