Probate/SuccessionDocument Checklist
In Louisiana, heirs must open a Succession to acquire possession of a decedent’sestate. As you begin the process of arranging to meet with a Probate/Successions Attorney there are papers you can put together for your first meeting. Your attorney will use this list of items to properly prepare the Succession paperwork.
◊ Death Certificate
◊ Social Security Card
◊ Last Will and Testament (if one exists)
◊ Marriage License or Copy of Divorce Judgment
◊ A list of the deceased person’s child(ren)
• Name
• Address
• Date of Birth and Date of Death if child predeceased parent
• If a child not of the marriage: Acknowledgement of Paternity, Adoption Papers, or Birth Certificate
◊ Act of Sale or Deed for the deceased person’s home and any other property
◊ Appraisal of Real Estate (most recent available)
◊ Vehicle Titles (cars, trucks, boats, etc.)
◊ Bank Account Information
◊ Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds or Certificates of Deposit
◊ Safety Box Information
◊ Pension or Retirement Plan Information
◊ List of Funeral and Cemetery Costs
◊ List of Debts owed by deceased at time of death:
• Mortgages
• Car Notes
• Other Loans
• Credit Cards
• Income Taxes
• Medical Bills
The deceased may also have a Life Insurance policy or Retirement Account. However, these items fall outside the “estate” classification. As a result, the designated beneficiary is entitled to those funds.