Shreveport Successions & Wills Attorney

Helping Shreveport Families Navigate Successions & Estate Planning

Clear steps for wills, probate, and succession filings under Louisiana law

Losing a loved one or planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when legal requirements are involved. Whether you’re handling a succession after a family member’s passing or preparing your own will to protect the people you care about, you deserve clear guidance and steady support.

At the Mark Miciotto Law Office, we help individuals and families throughout Shreveport, Bossier City, and Northwest Louisiana understand the estate process and make informed decisions. Our approach is straightforward, practical, and focused on giving you peace of mind.

Successions and wills are more than just legal documents—they are about protecting your family, securing assets, and making sure your wishes are honored.

We regularly help clients with:

• Louisiana successions (including small succession affidavits and judicial successions)
• Wills and updates to existing wills
• Powers of attorney
• Medical directives/living wills
• Tutorship designations for minor children
• Understanding Successions in Louisiana

Louisiana uses a unique legal system, and its rules for succession differ from those of most other states. A succession (similar to probate elsewhere) is the legal process of transferring a deceased person’s property to their heirs.

There are two major types:

Small Estate Affidavits

Used when the estate qualifies under Louisiana’s small succession rules. This can be a faster, more cost-effective option.

Judicial Successions

Required for larger estates or when there is no will. This process involves filing documents with the court and formally appointing a representative to manage the estate.

A succession may be:

• Testate — the person left a valid will
• Intestate — there was no will, and Louisiana law decides who inherits

We help families determine which type applies, navigate the required steps, gather documents, and bring the succession to completion as efficiently as possible.

How We Help With Louisiana Successions

Every family’s situation is unique. We assist with all aspects of the succession process, including:

• Reviewing the will (if one exists)
• Determining required filings
• Preparing and submitting court documents
• Identifying heirs and assets
• Transferring property titles
• Working with financial institutions
• Resolving questions about debts, taxes, or disputes

Many families feel overwhelmed by deadlines and legal terminology during a difficult time. Our goal is to simplify the process and bring clarity to every step.

Preparing Wills & Essential Estate Planning Documents

A well-written will protects your assets, provides direction, and prevents family confusion. Even simple estates benefit from clear instructions.

We help clients prepare:

Last Will & Testament

Outlining how property should be distributed and who will serve as executor.

Powers of Attorney

Allowing someone you trust to manage financial or legal matters if you become unable to do so.

Medical Directives / Living Wills

Providing guidance for healthcare decisions if you cannot speak for yourself.

Tutorship (Guardianship) Designations

Choosing who will care for minor children if something happens to you.

You don’t need significant wealth to benefit from an estate plan—just a desire to make things easier for the people you love.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Preparing a will or completing important estate documents can help your family:

• Avoid unnecessary delays in court
• Prevent confusion or disputes
• Protect minor children
• Safeguard family property
• Ensure your wishes are legally clear
• Reduce stress during an already difficult time

A little planning today can prevent major challenges later.

Why Families Choose Our Firm

Clients trust the Mark Miciotto Law Office for succession and estate planning because we provide:

Clear explanations

We break down Louisiana’s unique laws in easy-to-understand terms.

Steady communication

You always know where things stand.

Local experience

We understand how successions move through Caddo and Bossier Parish courts.

Practical solutions

We focus on completing the process efficiently and correctly.

Compassionate support

We handle sensitive matters with respect and care.

Serving Families Throughout Northwest Louisiana

We assist clients in:
Shreveport, Bossier City, Haughton, Stonewall, Minden, Keithville, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Louisiana succession?

A succession is the legal process of transferring a person’s property to heirs after death. Louisiana’s rules differ from those of many other states.

What’s the difference between a small succession affidavit and a judicial succession?

Some estates qualify for a small succession process that may be faster and less expensive. Other situations require a judicial succession filed through the court.

What happens if someone dies without a will in Louisiana?

When there is no will, Louisiana intestate law determines who inherits. The right process depends on the family and the assets involved.

Do I need a lawyer for a succession?

Many families choose legal guidance to avoid delays, handle filings correctly, and reduce stress during a difficult time.

What documents should I gather to get started?

Helpful documents can include the death certificate, a copy of the will (if any), and information about assets such as bank accounts, real estate, and vehicle titles.