Overview
Bossier Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 131,102. The 26th 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 Probate of Testament and Confirmation of Executor (for wills) or a Petition for Administration (if no will) to admit the will and appoint a personal 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). This is available if the decedent died intestate (without a will) and the gross value of the estate in Louisiana is $125,000 or less, or if the decedent has been deceased for at least 20 years regardless of value. Recent laws also allow this for testate estates in limited circumstances (no immovable property disputes).
Louisiana law provides for a default executor/administrator fee of 2.5% of the inventory value of the estate, unless the will specifies otherwise or the court adjusts it. Attorney fees are typically negotiated separately and must be reasonable.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Bossier 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
26th Judicial District Court
Probate matters in Bossier Parish are handled by the Clerk of Court at the Bossier Parish Courthouse.
Address: 204 Burt Blvd., Benton, LA 71006
Phone: (318) 965-2336 (Probate/Succession Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court's office is located on the third floor of the courthouse. The 26th Judicial District Court serves both Bossier and Webster Parishes, but filings for Bossier residents are made in Benton.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot directly in front of the courthouse on Burt Blvd. Visitors must pass through security screening at the main entrance. Mobile phones may be restricted in courtrooms.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal succession is required:
- Small Succession Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $125,000 or less (or death occurred >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.
- Direct transfers: Assets with beneficiary designations (life insurance, retirement accounts) bypass probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate (or Administration) with the 26th Judicial District Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (deposit)
- Oath of Executor/Administrator
E-filing is available through the Clerk Connect system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and legatees. In Louisiana, formal notice requirements vary by the type of administration (simple vs. administered), but generally, heirs must be notified of the application for appointment.
- Publish notice in the Bossier Press-Tribune if the court requires the Table of Heirs to be published or if applying for authority to sell property.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For many uncontested successions, a formal hearing is not required if all documents are in order ("Simple Putting in Possession"). If the succession is "Administered" (requires paying debts, selling assets), the judge will sign Orders appointing the representative and issuing Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and pay valid claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets (a Detailed Descriptive List is often used in lieu of a formal notary inventory)
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Petition the court for authority to distribute assets (Judgment of Possession)
- File a final account (Tableau of Distribution) if the estate was under administration
Local Requirements
Bossier Parish-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Bossier Parish utilizes Clerk Connect (eClerksLA) for electronic filing of succession documents.
- Bond requirements: Administrators are generally required to post a bond exceeding 125% of the estate value, unless the will waives it or all heirs agree to waive it.
- Detailed Descriptive List: In Bossier Parish, a sworn Detailed Descriptive List of Assets and Liabilities is commonly accepted in place of a formal inventory by a court-appointed notary.
- Publication: Legal notices are published in the Bossier Press-Tribune.
Consult the 26th Judicial District Court Rules for specific formatting requirements (e.g., margins, font size).
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Bossier Parish)
- Succession (Advance Deposit): approximately $350.00
- Small Succession Affidavit (Recording): approximately $105.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $10-$20 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the length of the notice
- Curator Fees: If an attorney is appointed for absent heirs, fees typically start around $250+
Louisiana law sets a standard executor fee of 2.5% of the estate inventory, though this is often waived by family members or altered by the will.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, credit/debit cards (with processing fee), money orders, and cashier's checks. Personal checks may not be accepted for new filings.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Possession without Administration): 1-3 months
- Average estates (Administered): 6-9 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Timelines depend heavily on whether the estate is "Simple" (heirs accept assets and debts immediately) or "Administered" (executor manages estate to pay debts first).
Local Resources
Bossier Parish Court Resources
- Court Website: bossierclerk.com
- Probate Self-Help: Louisiana Law Help
- Clerk Connect Portal (E-Filing & Records): clerkconnect.com
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Shreveport Bar Association: (318) 222-3643 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Aid of North Louisiana: (318) 222-7186 — Low-income assistance
- Louisiana State Bar Association: lsba.org
Publication
- Bossier Press-Tribune: (318) 747-7900 — Official Journal