Knowledgeable Louisiana Attorney Assists Clients in Estate Planning
Gretna law firm helps clients draft wills and other documents
Established in Gretna in 1973, the firm of Bill Cherbonnier Attorney At Law has helped numerous individuals throughout Southeastern Louisiana develop solid estate plans that clearly document their wishes for the distribution of their property and other matters. Our attorney drafts wills, trusts and advance directives that include living wills. He provides experienced advice regarding all facets of estate planning. When you need sound legal guidance to safeguard your assets and your family’s financial future, you can trust our firm to deliver it.
Wills and other elements of an estate plan
A critical part of any estate plan is a last will and testament that documents how you wish your assets to be dispersed upon your death. The will names your beneficiaries and helps ensure that your assets go to the people you want to have them. Without a will, your assets and property will be distributed through intestate succession, which basically groups surviving relatives in priority order to allocate property in which you had an ownership interest. It may also be appropriate for your situation to place assets in a trust or trusts for beneficiaries. Other crucial elements of an estate plan include living wills and other advanced directives that allow you to appoint an agent to act on your behalf and to document the medical treatment you want if you are unable to communicate for yourself. Every person’s needs are different. Once our attorney understands your situation, he will guide you in developing an estate plan that satisfies your needs and those of your family.
What are living wills and advance directives in Louisiana?
There are three types of advance directives in Louisiana. They include the following:
- A living will, which documents wishes for end-of-life care. It tells doctors what type of life-sustaining treatment you wish to have or not have when death is imminent.
- A healthcare power of attorney, in which you authorize a trusted person to make healthcare decisions for you if you are incapacitated and cannot make them for yourself.
- The Louisiana Physician Order for Scope of Treatment (LaPost) form that directs physicians about medical treatment when a person is faced with a “life-limiting and irreversible condition.”
We can explain exactly how each of these documents can help protect your healthcare priorities in the future and draft the necessary legal instruments.
Understanding estate taxes in Louisiana
Many people wonder about tax issues when making their estate plans. Louisiana does not impose an estate tax regardless of its value. However, if you have a high-value estate, you may be subject to federal estate taxes. The current federal estate tax applies to estates with assets over $12.06 million. Our attorney can advise you about estate and gift tax planning for your financial situation.
Contact a responsive Gretna attorney for help with your estate plan
For nearly 50 years, Bill Cherbonnier Attorney At Law in Gretna has assisted Southeastern Louisiana residents with their legal needs, including the development of sound estate plans to protect their futures and the financial security of their families. To schedule a free consultation, call our firm at (504) 309-3304 or contact us online.
