Intestate Succession in Louisiana
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Louisiana's civil law system grants forced heirship rights to children and descendants, limiting testamentary freedom even without a will.
How Louisiana treats Intestate Succession
Children and descendants have a legal right to inherit a portion of the estate regardless of the deceased's wishes, reflecting Louisiana's civil law heritage. A surviving spouse receives a usufruct (right to use and enjoy) of community property and may inherit additional separate property. The distribution depends on the number of children and whether community or separate property is involved, with detailed statutory formulas governing each scenario.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.