
common questions, trusted guidance

-
Uncertainty About Paying for Long-Term Care
“How will I afford home care, assisted living, or a nursing home without losing everything I’ve worked for?”
Solution: We help you develop long-term care strategies, including Medicaid planning and the use of legal tools like irrevocable trusts, to protect your assets while qualifying for care benefits.
Lack of an Updated Estate Plan for Senior Needs
“I have a will, but I’m not sure it fits my needs now that I’m older.”
Solution: We review and update estate planning documents with a focus on elder-specific concerns like incapacity, health care directives, and retirement income distributions with tax considerations.
Overwhelmed Family Caregivers
“I’m caring for an aging parent and don’t know what legal steps to take or what resources are available.”
Solution: We act as a legal and practical guide for families, helping caregivers with decision-making tools (like powers of attorney), benefit applications, and care planning, so they can focus on their loved one.
Risk of Incapacity Without Legal Protections
“What happens if me or my spouse can’t make decisions anymore?”
Solution: We prepare legal safeguards like powers of attorney and health care proxies to ensure that trusted individuals can legally step in and act on your behalf.
-
No Estate Plan in Place
“I don’t have a will, trust, or any legal documents to protect my family or assets.”
Solution: We offer personalized estate planning packages—from basic to comprehensive—that make sure your assets are protected and your loved ones are cared for according to your wishes. No matter where you’re starting, taking that first step is the most important move you can make. We’ll help you move forward with confidence and create a plan that brings peace of mind for the future.
Worry About Incapacity or Sudden Illness
“What happens if I become disabled and can’t make decisions for myself?”
Solution: Our disability planning includes powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that trusted individuals can step in and manage your medical and financial affairs if needed.
Outdated Legal Documents
“I made a plan years ago, but my life and the laws have changed.”
Solution: We can review your existing documents and bring them up to date, ensuring they reflect your current wishes, comply with the latest laws, and provide the protection your family needs now and in the future. Our annual review and maintenance program ensures your documents stay updated and legally effective, no matter how your circumstances evolve,
Concern About Affordability
“I want a solid plan but I’m worried about the cost.”
Solution: We offer flat rate, tiered planning options that fit a range of budgets, ensuring every client can access essential protections. Payment plans available.
-
Legal Capacity Issues When a Child with Special Needs Turns 18
“My child is about to turn 18, but they are not capable of making legal or financial decisions on their own.”
Solution: We assist with curatorship or continuing tutorship proceedings (Louisiana’s version of legal guardianship) to ensure someone you trust has the legal authority to make decisions and act in their best interest as an adult.
Risk of Losing SSI or Medicaid Due to Inheritance
“I want to leave money to my disabled child, but I’m afraid it will disqualify them from government benefits.”
Solution: We create third-party special needs trusts to hold inheritances and gifts on behalf of your loved one. This allows them to continue receiving vital benefits like SSI and Medicaid, while still having access to funds for extra care, education, and quality-of-life needs.
Disabled Individual Receives a Settlement or Inheritance Directly
“My child with special needs received a legal settlement — now they’re in danger of losing their government assistance.”
Solution: We establish first-party special needs trusts [also known as d(4)(a) trusts] to protect lump-sum assets that belong to the beneficiary, such as from a personal injury case or direct inheritance, while preserving eligibility for means-tested programs. Also available are ABLEs account (Achieving a Better Life Experience) which are a special savings account designed for qualified individuals with disabilities. ABLE accounts offer flexibility and independence. They’re ideal for managing smaller amounts of money without needing a trust, and they complement special needs trusts by allowing the beneficiary to control funds for everyday use while keeping more substantial assets protected.
Uncertainty About Financial Resources After You’re Gone
“How can I make sure my child with special needs is financially cared for when I’m no longer here?”
Solution: We help you structure your estate plan to provide long-term financial support, including using tools like life insurance policies payable to the special needs trust, ensuring your loved one has a secure future without benefit disruption.
-
Overwhelmed by the Succession / Probate Process
“I just lost a loved one and have no idea how to begin handling their estate.”
Solution: We guide you through successions from start to finish, managing the legal process and paperwork so you can focus on your family and healing.
Need to Transfer Property Legally
“I need to transfer my parent’s home or assets, but I’m unsure what legal steps are required.”
Solution: You’re not alone—many families feel overwhelmed after the loss of a loved one, especially when it comes to sorting out what needs to be done. Different types of assets—like homes, vehicles, bank accounts, or retirement funds—may be handled in different ways under Louisiana law, and not all require the same legal process. We're here to help you understand what applies in your situation and guide you through each step with clarity and care.
Confusion About Which Succession Option Applies
“Do I need a simple succession, an administered one, or an affidavit?”
Solution: We evaluate your situation and recommend the most efficient, legally sound path forward — saving you time, stress, and unnecessary legal costs.
Estate Without Conflicts But Still Needs Legal Resolution
“Everything is agreed upon among heirs — do we still need to go to court?”
Solution: Yes, but we can help resolve uncontested successions efficiently, minimizing court involvement and maximizing peace of mind for families who are on the same page.
Dispute Over a Will or Trust
“I believe the will or trust is invalid, or that my loved one was unduly influenced — what can I do?”
Solution: We represent clients in contested successions, helping you challenge or defend wills and trusts to ensure your loved one’s true intentions are honored and your rights are protected.