Maro Petkovich, Jr. has been Elected to the Board of Directors of the Croatian American Society: Bowes, Petkovich & Palmer, LLC is pleased to announce that the membership of the Croatian American Society has elected Maro Petkovich, Jr. to its Board of Directors.  Maro’s term will begin January 1, 2025, and he will serve a two-year term before being up for reelection. Maro Petkovich, Jr. is a current resident of Belle Chasse and lifelong resident of Plaquemines Parish.  He is the son of Maro Petkovich and grandson of Josip and Mirjana Petkovich of Dubrovnik.  He is the father of Eli Josip Petkovich

Enforceability of Non-Compete Agreements in Louisiana: Non-compete agreements, also known as restrictive covenants, are used by employers all over the country to stop workers who leave or who are fired from working for a rival company or launching a rival venture.  Non-compete clauses are intended to assist businesses in preventing former managers, staff members, or other individuals with a unique connection to the business from engaging in business competition. Because non-compete clauses often prohibit someone from “exercising a lawful profession, trade, or business of any kind,” they are discouraged in Louisiana.  As a result, unless they fall under one of

Five-Star Review! “We were recommended to the firm of Bowes, Petkovich & Palmer, LLC for wills, general and health power of attorney and small succession affidavit. Our attorney is Brady Smith. He is very knowledgeable of the law. Mr. Smith was able to answer all of our family concerns. He is very patient and kind. Our family is very happy with the support given and highly recommend Bowes, Petkovich & Palmer, LLC.“ Louisiana Estate Planning Attorneys: We are a Gretna law firm that has served the New Orleans area since 1980.  Our estate planning lawyers are highly experienced at drafting wills, powers of attorney, living

New Orleans Estate and Trust Lawyers: A trust lawyer is an estate planning attorney who specializes in assisting trustees, settlors, beneficiaries, and heirs in obtaining and preserving their inheritance through probate, trust administration, trust disputes, and various estate planning situations.  An experienced trust attorney is needed to advise which type of trust is best suited for an individual’s needs.  As a result, a trust lawyer can help you navigate local, state, and federal regulations as well as additional legal and tax ramifications based on your assets and wishes. During the initial appointment, a Louisiana trust lawyer will talk over your

Five-Star Review! “Brady Smith is knowledgeable, professional and a pleasure to work with.“ Louisiana Succession Attorneys: We are a Gretna law firm that has served the New Orleans area since 1980.  Our succession lawyers are highly experienced at handling all types of probate and successions including administrations, simple possessions, and small successions.  We take pride in offering a personal and trusted experience.  Call us today for a free consultation and find out why so many of our clients come back to us. Call us today for a free telephone consultation with a succession attorney. 504-368-2700

Probate and Succession Checklist – What You Will Need: It can be emotionally difficult to deal with the probate process after a loved one passes.  You will find yourself organizing all your loved one’s belongings, reading numerous forms, signing documents, and perhaps taking care of new pets.  In Louisiana, understanding the key steps involved in estate administration and distribution is crucial after losing a loved one. What is Probate? Louisiana probate, also known as succession, is the formal, court-supervised process of administering and settling a decedent’s estate.  La. Civ. Code art. 871.  This may include carrying out one’s final wishes

Name Change Process in Louisiana: A legal name change is the process of changing one’s given name to a different name of their choice.  This can include their first name, last name, or both.  People change their names for all sorts of reasons.  This may include religious reasons, safety, privacy, divorce, adoption, or simply because they don’t like their names.  However, avoiding creditors or criminal prosecution will be cause to deny a name change.  Who Can Change Their Name? Anyone who is at least 18 years old can petition to change their name.  Minors can also change their names, but

Five-Star Review! “They are amazing and make all my business needs and family estate tasks a breeze. Thank you everyone.“ Louisiana Business Law Attorneys: We are a Gretna law firm that has served the New Orleans area since 1980.  Our business law attorneys are highly experienced at handling many types of business law matters including formation, document drafting, contract review and negotiation, and commercial litigation.  We take pride in offering a personal and trusted experience.  Call us today for a free consultation and find out why so many of our clients come back to us. Call us today for a free

Pre-Bankruptcy Judgment Liens in Louisiana: One of the most important tools in any creditor’s chest is the judgment lien.  When recorded in the mortgage records, the judgment acts as a lien on any immovable or real property owned in the parish where recorded.  Judgment liens often sit for years when an account is otherwise uncollectible.  That is until the creditor’s attorney receives the coveted payoff request from a title company. When a debtor tries to sell or refinance the property, the title company is obligated to do a title abstract that will reveal the judgment lien which must be paid

Inheriting a Reverse Mortgage in Louisiana: For homeowners who are 62 years of age or older, a reverse mortgage harnesses their home equity to provide cash.  With a reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), homeowners can borrow money against the value of their house and get it back as a line of credit, a lump sum, or a fixed monthly payment. When an heir inherits a home with a reverse mortgage, they inherit not just the property but also the responsibility to pay this loan.  If a home still has a traditional mortgage, the heirs