What to Do When Someone Dies in Louisiana
A complete guide to death certificates, probate, estate taxes, and funeral costs in Louisiana. Everything you need to know about handling a death in the state of Louisiana.
Quick Facts: Louisiana
Death Certificates in Louisiana
Cost Per Certified Copy
The first certified copy costs $15. Additional copies cost $10 each.
How Many to Order
We recommend ordering 10 to 15 copies. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, the DMV, employers, and other institutions typically require original certified copies. Ordering extras upfront saves time and money compared to requesting more later. Ten copies in Louisiana would cost approximately $105.
Where to Order
Death certificates in Louisiana are issued by the Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry. Your funeral home will typically order the initial copies for you as part of their services.
Visit Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records RegistryFiling Deadline
In Louisiana, a death must be registered within 5 days. The funeral home or attending physician typically handles the filing.
Probate in Louisiana
Small Estate Threshold
Estates valued under $75,000 may qualify for simplified probate or a small estate affidavit. Small successions under $75,000 may use simplified process; estates of any size can use independent administration if authorized.
Probate Court
Probate in Louisiana is handled by the District Court (Succession).
Visit District Court (Succession) websiteTypical Timeline
Probate in Louisiana typically takes 6-18 months. The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether anyone contests the will, and the court's caseload.
Small Estate Affidavit
If the estate is valued below the small estate threshold of $75,000, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit instead of going through formal probate. This is a simplified process that allows heirs to collect assets by presenting a sworn statement to banks and other institutions. Waiting periods and specific requirements vary, so check with the District Court (Succession) in your county for exact procedures.
Key Things to Know in Louisiana
Community Property State
Louisiana is a community property state. This means most assets acquired during the marriage are owned equally by both spouses, regardless of whose name is on the title. When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse automatically owns their half of community property. Only the deceased spouse's half passes through the will or probate. This can simplify estate settlement for married couples but may complicate matters if assets were commingled with separate property.
State-Specific Notes
Louisiana uses a civil law system based on the Napoleonic Code, making its probate process ("succession") unlike any other state. Louisiana calls the process a "succession" rather than "probate." The state also has forced heirship rules that require a portion of the estate to go to children under 24 or permanently disabled children of any age.
No State Death Taxes
Louisiana does not have a state estate tax or inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax applies, and it only affects estates exceeding $13.61 million.
Funeral Costs in Louisiana
These are median costs in Louisiana. Actual costs vary significantly based on the funeral home, location within the state, and services selected. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide itemized pricing when you ask. You are not required to purchase a package and can choose individual services.
Major Cities in Louisiana
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Probate Guide
How probate works, when you can skip it, and what it costs in your state.
Estate Tax
Federal and state estate tax thresholds, exemptions, and filing deadlines.
Funeral Costs
Average funeral costs by type and practical ways to reduce expenses.
Master Checklist
Track every task from day one through closing the estate.