If you’ve recently lost a loved one in Covington or elsewhere in St. Tammany Parish, you may be hearing the word “probate” for the first time—and wondering what comes next. Probate is the court-supervised legal process for transferring a deceased person’s assets to their heirs. In Louisiana, we call this process succession.
Here’s how probate typically works for families in Covington, LA and what you should know before getting started.
Step 1: Determine if Probate is Necessary
Not every estate has to go through a full probate. Small estates may qualify for a simplified procedure, and assets held in joint ownership or with designated beneficiaries may pass outside of court. But in most cases where real estate, bank accounts, or investment accounts are involved, a succession must be filed.
Step 2: File in the Right Court
For families in Covington, succession cases are typically filed in the 22nd Judicial District Court for St. Tammany Parish, located right in Covington. If the deceased lived or owned property here, this is the appropriate venue.
We routinely work with this court and can guide you through the specific steps and documents they require.
Step 3: Appoint an Administrator or Executor
If there’s a valid will, it usually names an executor. If there is no will, the court will appoint someone—often a family member—to serve as the administrator. We help you prepare the necessary pleadings to open the succession and get someone officially appointed.
Step 4: Inventory Assets & Resolve Debts
The estate’s assets must be identified and valued. Debts and final expenses are paid before any distribution to heirs. This can include home mortgages, medical bills, and funeral costs. We assist with collecting this information and ensuring everything is handled properly.
Step 5: Distribute Assets and Close the Succession
Once all debts are handled, the remaining assets are transferred to heirs according to the will—or Louisiana law if no will exists. A judgment of possession finalizes the process and legally transfers ownership.
Need Help With Probate in Covington?
Probate can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Scott | Vicknair Law, Estate & Probate Division, we’ve helped hundreds of families in Covington and across St. Tammany Parish navigate successions with clarity and peace of mind.
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