Overview
Acadia Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 57,000. The 15th Judicial District Court handles all probate and estate matters (known as "successions" in Louisiana) for decedents who were domiciled in the parish at the time of death.
Louisiana probate is governed by the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure (Book VI). The process begins with filing a Petition for Possession or Petition for Probate of Testament to admit the will and appoint a succession representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Louisiana offers a simplified procedure known as a Small Succession Affidavit (Affidavit of Small Succession) for estates valued at $125,000 or less, or if the decedent has been deceased for more than 20 years. This allows heirs to transfer property without a formal court administration.
Note that Louisiana has a unique fee structure where the Clerk of Court charges an advance deposit for costs. Statutory fees for attorneys and executors may also apply, often calculated as a percentage of the estate value (typically 2.5% to 5%).
This guide provides an informational overview of the Acadia Parish probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Acadia Parish Clerk of Court
Probate matters in Acadia Parish are handled at the Acadia Parish Courthouse.
Address: 500 NE Court Circle, Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8881 (Civil Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court's office is located on the first floor of the courthouse. The 15th Judicial District Court serves Acadia, Lafayette, and Vermilion Parishes, but filings for Acadia residents should be made in Crowley.
Parking and Access
The courthouse is located on the court circle in downtown Crowley. Street parking is available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets. Public access is through the main entrance; security screening may be required.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate (succession) is required:
- Small Succession Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $125,000 or less (or the decedent died over 20 years ago), you may be able to file an affidavit instead of opening a judicial succession.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Possession (if simple) or Petition for Administration with the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
- Filing fee (advance deposit)
- Detailed Descriptive List of Assets and Liabilities
E-filing is available through services like Clerk Connect or eClerksLA for participating parishes.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and legatees as required by the Code of Civil Procedure.
- Publish notice in the official journal if applying for appointment as administrator, typically once in the The Crowley Post-Signal.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For simple possession judgments, a hearing may not be required; the judge may sign the Judgment of Possession in chambers. For contested matters or administration appointments, a hearing will be scheduled.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the succession representative must:
- Notify creditors and resolve claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets
- Pay valid debts and taxes
- Distribute assets to heirs or legatees
- File a Petition for Discharge to close the succession
Local Requirements
Acadia Parish-Specific Procedures
- Advance Deposits: Acadia Parish requires an advance deposit for court costs at the time of filing. The Clerk draws from this deposit as fees accrue.
- Official Journal: Legal notices must be published in The Crowley Post-Signal.
- Local Court Rules: The 15th Judicial District has specific rules regarding the format of pleadings and courtroom conduct.
- Curator Ad Hoc: If heirs cannot be located, the court may appoint an attorney as a curator ad hoc to represent their interests.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Acadia Parish)
- Succession (Probate) Filing: approximately $350.00 (Advance Deposit)
- Small Succession Affidavit: approximately $100-$150 (Recording fee varies by page count)
- Certified copies: approximately $10-$20 per document
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the length of the notice
- Jury Fund/Stenographer Fees: May apply if a hearing is required
Louisiana law allows for reasonable compensation for succession representatives (executors/administrators), typically 2.5% of the estate value, unless the will states otherwise or heirs agree to a different amount.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple Possession (Uncontested): 1-3 months
- Administration (Average estate): 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
Timelines depend heavily on whether the estate requires administration (paying debts, selling property) or if heirs can be put directly into possession.
Local Resources
Acadia Parish Court Resources
- Court Website: acadiaparishclerk.com
- Probate Self-Help: LouisianaLawHelp.org
- Louisiana Probate Forms: LASC LibGuides
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Acadia Parish Bar Association: Contact local listings
- Acadiana Legal Service Corporation: (337) 237-4320 — Provides legal aid to low-income residents
- Louisiana State Bar Lawyer Referral: lsba.org
Publication
- The Crowley Post-Signal: (337) 783-3450 — Official Journal
- Rayne Acadian-Tribune: (337) 334-3186