Wills, Trusts & Estates
Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for your family. The Rhodes Law Firm helps Louisiana clients protect their legacy and provide for the people they love — with tailored plans that reflect their values and Louisiana's unique legal framework.
Louisiana's Civil Code — rooted in French and Spanish legal tradition — governs estate planning in ways that are fundamentally different from most other states. Concepts like forced heirship, usufruct, and naked ownership are unique to Louisiana law and require an attorney with deep knowledge of the Civil Code. At The Rhodes Law Firm, we combine that expertise with practical, personalized counsel that reflects your goals and your family's needs.
Last Will & Testament
A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. In Louisiana, a valid will must be either an olographic testament (entirely handwritten, dated, and signed by the testator) or a notarial testament (executed before a notary and witnesses in a specific form). Louisiana also recognizes the concept of forced heirship — certain children have a reserved portion of the estate that cannot be completely disinherited under most circumstances. We help clients draft wills that maximize their testamentary freedom within Louisiana's legal framework.
Trusts
Trusts are a powerful tool for asset protection, probate avoidance, tax planning, and providing for loved ones with special needs. Louisiana's Trust Code provides a robust framework for creating revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, spendthrift trusts, and more. We help clients determine whether a trust fits their estate plan and draft trust instruments that are clear, enforceable, and aligned with their wishes.
Powers of Attorney & Advance Directives
A comprehensive estate plan also addresses what happens if you become incapacitated. A durable power of attorney designates someone to manage your financial affairs. A healthcare proxy or advance directive (living will) ensures that your medical wishes are known and followed. These documents are as important as a will — and we make sure they are properly drafted and executed under Louisiana law.
Authoritative Resources
- Louisiana Civil Code Arts. 1570–1641 – Successions & Testaments (Louisiana Legislature) ↗
- Louisiana Trust Code – R.S. 9:1721 et seq. (Louisiana Legislature) ↗
- Louisiana R.S. 9:2952 – Statutory Power of Attorney (Louisiana Legislature) ↗
- Louisiana R.S. 40:1151 et seq. – Louisiana Natural Death Act / Advance Directives (Louisiana Legislature) ↗
- AARP – Louisiana Estate Planning Guide ↗
- LawHelp Louisiana – Wills & Estate Planning ↗
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