Overview
Caddo Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 224,893. The First Judicial District Court handles all probate and estate matters 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 (if the estate is simple and solvent) or a Petition for Administration (if administration is necessary) 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 for estates valued at $125,000 or less (or if the decedent has been deceased for at least 20 years). This allows heirs to transfer property without a formal court opening if specific conditions are met.
Note that Louisiana has a unique fee structure where court costs are often paid as an advance deposit. The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court requires a deposit for successions, from which actual costs are deducted.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Caddo 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
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
Probate matters in Caddo Parish are handled at the Caddo Parish Courthouse.
Address: 501 Texas Street, Room 103, Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone: (318) 226-6776 (Civil Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of Court's Civil Department is located on the first floor. This department processes all succession filings for the First Judicial District Court.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in downtown Shreveport near the courthouse. There are metered street spots and paid parking lots/garages nearby. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the courthouse.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate 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 or Petition for Administration with the First Judicial District Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
- Certified death certificate
- Advance deposit for filing fees (approx. $450.00)
- Sworn Descriptive List of Assets and Liabilities
E-filing is available for civil matters in Caddo Parish through the Clerk's website.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and beneficiaries as required by law (specifically for administrators).
- Publish notice in the official journal (The Caddo Citizen) if applying for administration, typically requiring notice of the application for authority.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For simple "put in possession" cases, a hearing may not be required; the judge may sign the Judgment of Possession based on the pleadings. If administration is contested or complex, a hearing will be scheduled.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and pay valid claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Petition the court for authority to sell or distribute assets
- File a Tableau of Distribution and Final Account
- Petition for discharge upon completion
Local Requirements
Caddo Parish-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Caddo Parish offers e-filing for civil suits, including successions, via the Clerk's "Clerk Connect" or direct e-filing portal.
- Advance Deposits: Unlike some jurisdictions with flat fees, Caddo Parish operates on an advance deposit system. The initial deposit covers the clerk's accrued costs; any unused balance is refunded after the Judgment of Possession.
- Official Journal: Legal notices must be published in The Caddo Citizen (or The Shreveport Times if applicable for general circulation).
- Local Court Rules: The First Judicial District Court has specific rules regarding the format of pleadings and the assignment of divisions.
Consult the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court's Civil Department for the most current local rules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Caddo Parish)
- Succession Deposit (Large & Small): $450.00 (Advance Deposit)
- Certified Copies: $5.00 per document + copies
- Copies: $1.00 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the length of the notice
- Recording Fees: Deducted from the deposit for recording the Judgment of Possession
Louisiana law sets executor commissions (typically 2.5% of the estate inventory) and attorney fees are often based on a percentage or hourly rate, subject to court approval.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a convenience fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple Succession (Possession only): 2-6 weeks
- Average Administration: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Timelines depend heavily on whether the estate is "simple" (heirs put in possession immediately) or "under administration" (executor appointed to pay debts/sell property).
Local Resources
Caddo Parish Court Resources
- Court Website: https://www.caddoclerk.com/
- Civil Forms: https://www.caddoclerk.com/civilforms.htm
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Shreveport Bar Association: (318) 222-3643 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Aid of North Louisiana: (318) 222-7186 — Low-income legal assistance
- Louisiana State Bar Association: https://www.lsba.org
Publication
- The Caddo Citizen: (318) 309-1111 — Official Journal
- The Shreveport Times: (318) 459-3200 — General Circulation