Lafayette Estate Planning Lawyer

Estate Planning Attorney in Lafayette, LA

It’s always recommended that you plan ahead when you have a considerable estate. The last thing you want is for your estate to be divided in accordance with Louisiana’s intestate succession laws. Having an estate plan in place can help avoid uncomfortable questions and complex scenarios when the time comes to pass on and leave something behind for your loved ones. A skilled Lafayette estate planning lawyer can help you prepare a solid and viable estate plan.

The Gauthier & Granger legal team understands how complicated an estate planning case can become, especially if you have not yet developed one. It’s understandable to be confused about where to begin.

Your estate may be of a considerable size, and you should know how Louisiana’s estate planning laws can impact your intentions. Just as an experienced Lafayette real estate lawyer protects your property transactions, an estate attorney ensures those properties transition smoothly to the next generation.

Elements of a Sound Louisiana Estate Plan

Any estate planning case in Lafayette, including a succession or trust administration, will be held at the 15th Judicial District Court in Lafayette Parish, which can be found on Buchanan Street. This is the court that generally handles all estate planning needs in the parish.

The median property value in Louisiana in 2024 was $216,500, while the median household income for a family of four in Louisiana was $98,041 in 2025. Having an estate plan can make succession easier.

It’s important to consider every element of a sound Louisiana estate plan before you sit down with an attorney and start drafting yours. If this is the first time you’ve chosen to put something like this together, you need to know what your options are, what the total value of your estate truly is, and who specifically you have chosen to be represented in your estate plan.

Here are some of the most important elements that every estate plan should have:

• Last will and testament. A will may be the most important element of an estate plan. It explains asset distribution, lists the designated beneficiaries, and protects your assets from anyone trying to claim that they’re owed something. A recent poll revealed that more than 50% of Americans don’t have a will. Without a will, the succession process can become chaotic.
• Trusts. Including a trust in your estate plan can make it easier for your loved ones to honor your intentions. Trusts can help you avoid the entire succession, or probate, process, provide enhanced privacy for your estate, and give you the opportunity to protect certain assets. An irrevocable trust can protect assets from creditors and even divorcing spouses. Setting one up early can give you time to properly fund it.
• Power of attorney. In the unfortunate event that you become medically incapacitated, you can list someone in your estate plan who can carry out your wishes and make financial or legal decisions on your behalf. This person will have the power of attorney over your estate while you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Make sure this is someone you trust implicitly, like a family member or lifelong friend.
• Healthcare directives. It’s always important for your loved ones to know your exact medical wishes, including your wishes for certain treatments or lack thereof. Appointing a healthcare agent to make sure your medical wishes are respected can be vital to your plan.
• Asset list. One of the most important things that your appointed executor will have to do is inventory every asset contained in your estate plan. It may be wise for you to have a prepared list on hand. Make sure you include all property, real estate, bank accounts, investments, and outstanding debts.

FAQs

How Much Do Estate Planning Lawyers Charge Per Hour?

An estate planning lawyer charges different rates depending on the situation. Every estate planning case is different. Each instance requires a careful and considered approach, and your Lafayette lawyer’s fee reflects what they’ve had to do for your case. Some of the common contributing factors to an estate planning lawyer’s fee include the complexity of your case, the location of the lawyer’s practice, and their past experience with cases like yours.

Who Is the Ideal Person to Give Power of Attorney To?

The ideal person to give power of attorney to is someone you would trust wholeheartedly with your life, because that’s essentially what you’re doing. It should be someone you’ve known and trusted for years, not a recent friend you’ve made. It’s usually the grantor’s spouse, adult child, sibling, or very close friend.

Ultimately, it’s your decision to make. Your lawyer can recommend whom you should choose. That person has a lot of power and significant responsibility.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid in Estate Planning?

There are many common mistakes to avoid when developing an estate plan in Louisiana. You don’t want to leave someone out of your will or give the wrong person power of attorney. One of the most common, yet not immediately obvious, mistakes is not having an estate plan at all. Many people pass away without a firm plan in place for their assets, which leads to confusion and disappointment. Make sure you have a solid plan.

Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire an estate planning lawyer. Generally, when people start considering an estate plan, they are really considering their own mortality for the first time. That’s a lot to put on your head all at once. An estate planning lawyer can shoulder some of the burden and focus on building out your plan, giving you time to talk to your family about your wishes and get everything in place.

Reach Out to an Estate Planning Lawyer Today

Choosing the right estate planning lawyer is a very important decision. Christopher D. Granger has considerable experience helping clients with their estate planning, among other legal needs. He can provide you with much-needed help. Contact us to speak with someone on our team who knows what you need.