Estate Planning & Administration

Whether you have lost a loved one and do not know what your next steps are moving forward, or you want to plan how to care for your family after you have passed away, we want to ensure the process is as seamless as possible. We’re dedicated to catering to your family’s unique needs by providing guidance on a variety of estate planning concerns including taxation, nursing home eligibility, care for minor children, and blended family dynamics.

Estate Planning

Regardless of your age, wealth, stage of life, or family circumstances, estate planning is an important tool to protect your assets for your loved ones and to control who makes decisions on your behalf in the event of incapacity or death.  Estate planning is a very personal process, and we understand there is no one-size-fits-all solution; therefore, we aim to counsel you through each step to tailor a plan that is best for you and your family. If you have minor children, children with specialized needs, or you just want to ensure your assets remain in the bloodline, we will discuss the arrangements necessary to ease these concerns and any others you may face.

Estate Administration

In Louisiana, the process of settling an estate and ensuring proper distribution to the deceased’s heirs or legatees is known as a “succession.”  A succession involves the court appointing an individual with the power to manage the deceased’s assets, pay off debts, and disburse inheritances. Without having dealt with a succession in the past, the process can seem overwhelming. At Erlingson Banks, we seek to make the court process simple and understandable, while assisting you with handling the affairs of your loved one’s estate in a timely and efficient manner.

Services

Estate Planning

• Drafting Wills
• Forming Trusts and retitling your property into the name of the Trust
• Assisting with incapacity planning including powers of attorney and life support directives
• Forming specialized trusts for minor children, children with special needs, and nursing home eligibility
• Providing guidance on the best methods for leaving your estate to your loved ones after you have passed away

Estate Administration

• Probating Wills with the appropriate court and appointing an executor
• Appointing an administrator when a loved one has passed away without a Will
• Assisting with the distribution of assets and preparing all necessary documents to complete the court process
• Recording various documents with the necessary Clerk of Court offices to ensure clear title of property
• Guidance on the distribution of trust assets when a trust has terminated