Louisiana is the ONLY US state operating under a civil law (Napoleonic Code) system. Forced heirship rules prohibit disinheriting children under 24 or disabled children. Community property system. Unique terminology: succession, tutorship, interdiction, usufruct, judgment of possession.
| Case Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple succession (descriptive) | 2–4 months | Descriptive inventory; judgment of possession; no formal hearing if uncontested |
| Formal succession administration | 6–12 months | Administrator appointment; creditor notice; inventory; account |
| Complex succession (forced heirship) | 12–24 months | Forced heir claims; usufruct disputes; business interest valuation |
| Contested succession | 24–60+ months | Full civil discovery; jury possible; La. CCP procedure |
| Tutorship (ongoing) | Indefinite | Annual accounting; court review |
| Estate Value | Attorney Fees | Executor Fees | Total Est. Cost | % of Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $10,000–$22,000 (est. reasonable) | $10,000–$22,000 (est.) | $22,000–$50,000+ | 4.4%–10.0% |
| $2,000,000 | $25,000–$65,000 (est.) | $30,000–$80,000 (est.) | $60,000–$155,000+ | 3.0%–7.75% |
| $10,000,000 | $75,000–$250,000+ | $100,000–$500,000+ | $180,000–$800,000+ | 1.8%–8.0% |
* Estimates based on Probate Insider Reference Series 2026. Actual costs vary. Not legal advice.