If someone dies without a will in Louisiana, they are considered to have died intestate—and their assets are distributed according to Louisiana intestate succession laws. For residents of Gretna, this process is managed through the 24th Judicial District Court in Jefferson Parish.
Here’s what happens when there’s no will—and how to protect your family if you’re facing this situation.
Who Inherits When There’s No Will?
Louisiana law outlines a specific hierarchy of heirs:
- If the deceased had children: The children inherit everything. If there’s a surviving spouse, they may receive a usufruct (right to use) over the community property.
- If there are no children: Parents, siblings, nieces/nephews, or more distant relatives may inherit, depending on the family structure.
- No family at all: The property may escheat (revert) to the State of Louisiana.
This system can create unexpected outcomes—and even conflict among family members.
The Role of the Court
The succession still must go through the court system. The court will:
- Appoint an administrator (usually a family member)
- Require inventory of the estate
- Monitor the payment of debts
- Authorize the final distribution of assets
Our firm handles all the necessary filings and court communications to simplify this process.
Risks of Not Having a Will
Without a will:
- You lose control over who receives your assets
- Delays and court involvement are more likely
- Unintended heirs (such as estranged family members) may inherit
- Family conflict is more common
In one recent Gretna case, siblings disputed a parent’s estate due to unclear heirship. The legal fees and delays could have been avoided with basic planning.
Facing a Succession Without a Will in Gretna?
We can help. Our team handles intestate successions across Jefferson Parish and can step in as professional administrators when needed.
đź“ž Call us today or schedule a strategy session to protect your rights and move forward. Contact information is provided below.
