Wills and Trusts in Louisiana: What You Need to Know (2026)

By The Baringer Law Firm, LLC

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Estate Planning

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Last Modified on Jan 30, 2026

If you are seriously considering estate planning for the first time in your life, you may have a lot of questions about the most effective way to consolidate your assets and leave them to your beneficiaries. There are multiple options at your disposal, and choosing the right one can be an ordeal if you don’t have legal help. You should know all there is to know about wills and trusts in Louisiana before making a decision about your assets.

One of the most important things is to have an experienced Baton Rouge estate planning lawyer by your side. You do not want to write up paperwork that is determined to be invalid when the time comes, because you didn’t confer with a legal professional who understands Louisiana will laws. Having assistance from an attorney who understands the state’s trust laws can be greatly beneficial and can result in a stronger, more reliable estate plan.

Wills and Trusts in Louisiana: What You Need to Know

There is a lot you need to know about wills and trusts in Louisiana before you commit to anything. It is vital to be aware of your options before choosing one, and an experienced wills and/or trusts lawyer can assist you in weighing your options and deciding on the most effective way to move forward with your assets.

In Louisiana, there are two main types of wills. Notarial wills are typed or printed, and signed before a notary and two witnesses who will not benefit from the will. Olographic wills are entirely handwritten, dated, and signed by the testator themselves. For a will to be valid in Louisiana, it must be voluntarily drafted without duress or undue influence, the language of the will must be clear and concise, and it is recommended that a lawyer help you draft it.

A trust is another possible option for your assets. Trusts can help you avoid probate entirely, manage your assets in the event that you become medically incapacitated, and allow for a more controlled distribution of your assets to your beneficiaries. To create a trust, the documents must be signed in the presence of a notary and two witnesses. A revocable trust can be changed, but an irrevocable trust cannot. Make sure you know what kind of trust you are creating.

Hire a Wills Lawyer

There are many important reasons why you should hire a wills lawyer. Above all, it is important to have the right kind of experienced legal help by your side when you are trying to develop a viable estate plan. Having consistent legal aid from someone who can help determine the right tools for your estate plan can only benefit you. At The Baringer Law Firm, LLC, Dale R. Baringer has nearly 40 years of experience helping individuals like you.

It may be important for you to understand the income statistics of your state, if only to appreciate your own position. According to recent data from the Department of Justice, the median household income for a family of four in Louisiana was roughly $98,000 a year as of 2025. The median property value in the state was roughly $208,000 as of 2023.

Nationwide, only 24% of Americans have a will in place. It is important that you consult a lawyer for your own estate plan so that clear directions for the distribution of your assets are in place.

If you are thinking about estate planning, wills, and trusts, you may have reached a time in your life when you are considering your own mortality. It is understandable to feel worried about your family’s future. You should sit them down and talk about your fears and concerns. After all, they deserve to know your intentions. To help facilitate this discussion, you may want to reach out to a local grief support group like GriefShare or Coping with Grief. They can even lead the conversation.

FAQs

Is It Better to Have a Will or a Trust in Louisiana?

Neither a will nor a trust is considered better than the other. Everyone has different estate planning needs. For some, a will may be the desired route. For others, they may want a trust for more stability in their asset distribution. Generally, trusts offer more control and privacy, and they allow you to avoid probate. A will may be the right option for a simpler estate, while trusts are often better for more complex situations.

What Is the Biggest Mistake with Wills?

In many cases, the biggest mistake one can make with a will is not having one at all. If you should pass away without a will in place, your estate will likely be divided in accordance with the state’s intestate succession laws, and that may be completely against your wishes. Other big mistakes with wills include failing to update it after significant life events, forgetting to name a backup executor, and being too vague in the will’s language.

What Are the Requirements for a Will to Be Valid in Louisiana?

The requirements for a will to be valid in Louisiana are quite strict. A valid will needs to be presented in writing, signed by the individual drafting the will, signed by two witnesses who don’t seek to benefit from the will, and properly notarized. This is generally the case for both notarial wills and olographic wills, though the latter may not need to be notarized.

What Should You Know About Wills and Trusts?

You should know as much as you can about wills and trusts before you make any major decisions. It’s recommended to have an experienced estate planning lawyer walk you through your options and assist you in choosing the right path for your estate. A will can be good for simpler situations, while a trust can be good for larger estates. Ultimately, it is your decision, and you should discuss what is most suitable for you with an estate planning attorney.

Reach Out to a Lawyer Today

At The Baringer Law Firm, LLC, we can help you decide the most effective way to distribute your assets to your loved ones. Contact us to speak to someone on our team who can help.