Dedicated & Diligent Advocacy

Effective Estate Planning And Succession Representation

Creating a basic estate plan can save your family the burden of making important decisions should you become incapacitated or after you pass away. Having a plan in place now offers you the best chance of ensuring that your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets or medical care will be followed.

At The Schwab Law Firm, we help individuals and families in Terrebonne Parish and throughout southeastern Louisiana take steps today for peace of mind tomorrow. We will help you create a plan that fits your needs, and we can be your trusted legal guide through the succession process after a family member or any other loved one has passed away.

To schedule a consultation to discuss your estate planning or succession concerns, or other legal matters, call 985-262-3778 or contact us online.

Creating The Right Estate Plan For You

When it comes to planning for tomorrow, we understand that every person has different needs and goals. Our attorneys will take the time to understand the goals you want to achieve and tailor the documents necessary to achieve them, including:

  • A will allows you to specify your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets after you die. If you have minor-aged children, you can also express your wishes for a guardian for them in your will for the court’s consideration in case of your premature death.
  • A living will lets you declare your wishes regarding whether you want life-sustaining measures to be taken if you become incapacitated. No one can decide to stop life-sustaining treatment without a living will in place.
  • If you have a minor heir, we can put your assets into a trust to be administered by a trustee until the child is old enough to handle his or her own finances. Establishing a living trust may allow your loved ones to avoid the lengthy succession or probate process.
  • General and durable powers of attorney let you name people to make your financial or medical decisions for you. You can specify the scope of the authority and the timing of when it takes effect. It is important to note that, unlike a living will, medical power of attorney does not grant authority to end life-sustaining measures if you become incapacitated. It allows another person to act on your behalf for matters like access to medical records, authorization for medical treatment and handling insurance claims.

Our goal is to help you understand your estate planning options to feel comfortable and confident about the choices you make. The right estate plan can help your loved ones avoid probate and save them the difficult task of dividing your property, other assets, and debts.

Guiding You Through The Succession Process

Louisiana has specific succession laws that require a succession to be opened within nine months of a person’s death. Our attorneys assist executors and administrators through the succession process, helping them understand their obligations and rights. We guide them in carrying out their duties properly, including:

  • Paying off outstanding debt
  • Transferring title
  • Distributing assets to beneficiaries and heirs
  • Preparing and filing any accounting required by the court

After a loved one’s death, it is important to promptly and diligently tend to these matters. Often, families who wait to encounter bigger problems down the road, such as title disputes when trying to sell real estate formerly owned by the deceased party. We know that it can be difficult, and we will do everything we can to reduce the stress and confusion involved in the succession process.

Schedule An Appointment With An Experienced Lawyer

Work with an attorney dedicated to providing your family with trustworthy guidance. Call 985-262-3778 or contact us online to discuss your basic estate planning or succession concerns.

Our office is located in downtown Houma, one block away from the courthouse. We are available between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, and meetings at other times are available by appointment. Our office is closed between noon and 1 p.m. daily for lunch.