When a loved one passes away in Gretna, their estate doesn’t automatically transfer to the family. In Louisiana, we call the probate process succession—and it’s handled through the 24th Judicial District Court located right here in Gretna. This process ensures that the deceased person’s assets are legally transferred to their rightful heirs, whether or not a will was left behind.
If you’ve never been through this process before, here’s what you can expect from probate in Gretna—and how to avoid common mistakes along the way.
Step 1: Determine If a Succession Is Required
Not every estate must go through a full court-supervised process. In some cases, small succession affidavits can be used to transfer limited assets without a formal court filing. However, if there’s real estate involved or the estate exceeds $125,000 in value, you will likely need to open a formal succession.
At Scott | Vicknair Law, Estate & Probate Division, we help you determine which path is right based on the size and structure of the estate.
Step 2: File in the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna
For residents of Gretna and surrounding areas of Jefferson Parish, probate cases are filed in the 24th Judicial District Court. This courthouse is familiar territory for our legal team. We prepare all required documents and manage communication with the court to keep your case moving efficiently.
Step 3: Appoint a Personal Representative
If the deceased had a will, it likely names an executor. If there’s no will, the court will appoint an administrator, typically a family member. This person is legally responsible for managing the estate, paying off debts, and distributing remaining assets.
We guide you through this process and handle the necessary court pleadings to formalize the appointment.
Step 4: Inventory, Value, and Settle the Estate
After appointment, the representative must:
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Locate and value assets
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Notify creditors
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Pay outstanding debts and taxes
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Maintain real estate or business property
We help gather necessary documents like titles, bank records, and appraisals, and ensure proper legal procedures are followed.
Step 5: Distribute Assets and Close the Succession
Once debts are settled, the court issues a judgment of possession, which officially transfers assets to heirs. This is often the final step, but doing it improperly can create title issues down the line.
We ensure the succession is closed cleanly and your family is legally protected.
Get Professional Probate Help in Gretna
Probate can be complicated—but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether your case is simple or complex, our team has helped hundreds of families right here in Gretna.
📞 We’re here to help — call our or book your consultation online. Contact information is provided below.
