If you're trying to open a succession in St. Tammany Parish, you're probably hoping to settle the estate quickly. But many families run into delays that stretch the process out for months—or longer. Most of these issues are avoidable if you know what to expect.
At Scott | Vicknair Law, Estate & Probate Division, we help Covington families avoid these common probate slowdowns.
Delay #1: Missing or Incomplete Documents
The #1 cause of delay is failing to have the documents the court requires. You’ll need:
- Original death certificate
- Valid will (if one exists)
- Property records, bank info, and account statements
- Heirship details
We provide a checklist and help gather all of this to avoid back-and-forth with the court.
Delay #2: Disputes Between Heirs
Family disagreements can stop probate in its tracks. If two or more heirs don’t agree on who should be in charge—or how assets should be split—litigation can follow. In some cases, we step in as a neutral estate administrator to prevent conflict and keep things moving.
Delay #3: Unfamiliarity with Local Court Procedures
Each Louisiana parish has its own court system. The 22nd Judicial District Court in Covington handles St. Tammany probate cases. If your attorney isn’t familiar with the court’s preferences or timelines, simple mistakes can cause weeks of delay.
Our firm regularly handles filings here—we know how to move a case forward efficiently.
Delay #4: Lack of Legal Guidance
Trying to handle a succession without legal help is risky. Even small errors in your pleadings can lead to costly corrections. Most families benefit from working with a probate attorney who can help file things properly the first time.
Want to Avoid Delays?
We’ve handled hundreds of probate cases in St. Tammany Parish. Let our experience keep your case on track.
đź“ž Schedule a consultation today to avoid unnecessary succession delays. Call our office or book your consultation online. Contact information is provided below.
