Overview
Beauregard Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 36,700. The 36th 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 often begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Testament (if there is a will) or a Petition for Possession (if intestate) to admit the will and/or appoint a personal representative (Succession Representative). The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates requiring administration.
Louisiana offers a Small Succession Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $125,000 or less. This allows heirs to transfer property without opening a formal court proceeding, provided the decedent died intestate (or testate in specific circumstances) and owned relatively simple assets.
Note that Louisiana uses an advance deposit system for filing fees rather than flat fees. The Clerk of Court requires a deposit at the time of filing, from which costs are deducted as the case proceeds.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Beauregard 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
36th Judicial District Court
Probate matters in Beauregard Parish are handled by the Beauregard Parish Clerk of Court.
Address: 200 West Second Street, DeRidder, LA 70634
Phone: (337) 463-8595 (Probate/Succession Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court's office is located in the parish courthouse in DeRidder. The office maintains all succession records and processes filings for the 36th Judicial District Court.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets. There is a security checkpoint at the entrance to the courthouse building.
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 and meets statutory requirements, you may file an affidavit instead of opening a judicial succession.
- Usufruct: Surviving spouses often have a legal usufruct (right to use) over community property, which can simplify transfers without full administration.
- 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 Probate or Petition for Possession with the 36th Judicial District Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate/Possession
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Advance deposit (approx. $300–$400)
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
E-filing is available via the Clerk Connect system for registered users.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and beneficiaries as required by the Code of Civil Procedure (often handled via waivers in simple cases).
- Publish notice in the official journal if an administration is opened and the representative seeks to sell property or pay debts (Tableau of Distribution).
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many Louisiana successions are handled "ex parte" (without a hearing) if all documents are in order and uncontested. If a hearing is required, the court will schedule it typically 2 to 4 weeks after filing.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters or a Judgment of Possession, the representative must:
- Notify creditors (if an administration is opened)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets (Sworn Descriptive List) within the statutory timeframe
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Petition for Discharge to close the succession
Local Requirements
Beauregard Parish-Specific Procedures
- Advance Deposits: The Clerk requires an advance deposit (approx. $300-$400) rather than a flat filing fee. Costs are deducted as incurred.
- Attorney Representation: While not strictly required, Louisiana succession law is complex (Napoleonic Code), and the Clerk's office strongly recommends hiring an attorney.
- Sworn Descriptive List: A detailed inventory of assets and debts (Sworn Descriptive List) must be filed in lieu of a formal inventory by a notary in most cases.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Beauregard Parish (e.g., Beauregard Daily News) for creditor notices or property sales.
Always check with the Clerk of Court for the most current local rules and deposit schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Beauregard Parish)
- Succession (Intestate): approximately $300.00 (Advance Deposit)
- Succession (Testate): approximately $400.00 (Advance Deposit)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $10.00 per certified copy + copy fees
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Recording Fees: $105 for the first 1-5 pages
Fees are deducted from the advance deposit. If costs exceed the deposit, additional funds will be requested.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Credit card payments may incur a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Possession without administration): 2-4 months
- Average estates: 4-9 months
- Complex or contested estates: 9 months to 2 years
Timelines depend heavily on whether an administration is necessary or if heirs can be put directly into possession.
Local Resources
Beauregard Parish Court Resources
- Court Website: beauregardclerk.org
- Probate Self-Help: Louisiana Law Help
- Louisiana State Bar: lsba.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Louisiana State Bar Association: (504) 561-1600 — Attorney referral service
- Acadiana Legal Service: (337) 237-4320 — Legal aid for qualifying residents
- LSBA Lawyer Referral: lsba.org
Publication
- Beauregard Daily News: (337) 462-0616 — Official Journal
- DeRidder News Leader: (337) 462-0616 — Local Newspaper