Five-Star Review! “Attorney Brady Smith was very helpful, patient, professional and knowledgeable. My initial phone call was to inquire about a living trust. He took a considerable amount of time explaining to me all the ins and outs of a living trust as well as advantages and disadvantages. I was surprised and pleased because at the time he didn’t know whether or not I was going to ask him to be my attorney. My husband and I were 100% satisfied with our very pleasant experience with Attorney Brady Smith.“ Louisiana Estate Planning Attorneys: We are a Gretna law firm that

Louisiana Advance Directives Explained: An advance directive or “living will” is a legally binding document that gives instructions for health care at the end of life.  It comes into play when you are no longer able to make or communicate those decisions yourself.  It is used when your condition is terminal and irreversible.  It is a good idea to speak with immediate family when preparing an advance directive to let them know the decisions that you have made. In Louisiana, an advance directive is only used to indicate a desire to withhold certain life-supporting medical treatments.  There are various types

Five-Star Review! “I have nothing but good things to say about my experience. Brady Smith helped me with my last will and testament and did a great job. I had a lot of questions and he was very patient with me and took his time and was extremely thorough. I highly recommend him.“ 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 wills, trusts, and donations.  We take pride in offering a personal and trusted experience.  Call us today for a free consultation

Louisiana Small Succession Affidavits Explained: Usually, the transfer of estate property involves the probate process, which can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor.  A small succession affidavit stands as a viable alternative, allowing heirs to avoid the probate process entirely. A small succession affidavit is a legal document that efficiently transfers estate assets to the rightful heirs outside of the judicial process.  While it is certainly a favorable alternative, it is only available in very narrow circumstances. Which Estates Qualify for Small Successions? Per La. Code of Civ. Proc. art 3421, an estate can qualify as a small succession if

Five-Star Review! “Very professional and gets the job done in timely manner. They explained the process and the timeline very clearly and accurately. Thank you guys for your help!!!!“ Louisiana Family Law Attorneys: We are a Gretna law firm that has served the New Orleans area since 1980.  Our family law attorneys are highly experienced at handling divorces, custody, child support, alimony, property divisions, pre-nups, paternity, adoptions, protective orders, tutorship, interdictions, and more.  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

Important Changes to Child Custody Laws Regarding Evaluations and Parent Courses at the Election of the Court: The last legislative session produced a number of changes in this area of the law.  These changes could affect your case or future case when it comes to child custody determinations.  It is important that you confer with knowledgeable legal counsel so that you can explore the ins and outs of these new changes in the law, to assist your case.   Changes to Child Custody Laws: La. R.S. 9:331. Custody or visitation proceeding; evaluation by licensed mental health professional A.  The court may order an

Succession Executors and Administrators Explained: Administration of an estate is sometimes required when there are issues that need attention before the heirs or legatees can be put in possession of estate assets.  Some of the issues that may necessitate an administration include providing for debts or claims, liquidating investments, selling real estate, or providing an allowance for a surviving spouse.  If there is no need an administration, then the heirs or legatees can be put into possession of the estate assets without administration, which saves time and costs. When an administration is necessary, the estate will need a succession representative

Five-Star Review! “Maro Petkovich and his team were true professionals in the handling of my dear brother’s estate. Outstanding service, discretion, professionalism and communication. Everything you would want in a firm.“ 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

Five-Star Review! “The patience, attention and level of communication I received while working with Brady and Rebecca was extremely satisfying. They made the process of divorce so simple and they made sure to explain everything thoroughly to ensure I knew all possible outcomes. Highly recommend!“ Louisiana Family Law Attorneys: We are a Gretna law firm that has served the New Orleans area since 1980.  Our family law attorneys are highly experienced at handling divorces, custody, child support, alimony, property divisions, pre-nups, paternity, adoptions, protective orders, tutorship, interdictions, and more.  We take pride in offering a personal and trusted experience.  Call us today for a free consultation and find out why so many of

Louisiana Simple Successions Explained: A succession is the process of transferring property from a deceased person to their heirs (intestate) or legatees (testate).  Other states refer to this as “probate” and in Louisiana the terms are often used interchangeably.  Successions can be simple, or they can be very complex, depending on the circumstances of the estate and the level of cooperation among the heirs or legatees. There are two types of judicial successions: successions under administration and simple successions.  Simple successions are also commonly referred to as “simple possession” or “putting in possession.”  The selection of which type of succession