Overview
Cameron Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 4,678. The 38th 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 Probate of Testament (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 (or Letters of Independent Executorship) for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Louisiana offers a simplified procedure known as the Small Succession Affidavit for estates valued at $125,000 or less, or for any estate where the decedent has been deceased for at least 20 years. This allows for the transfer of assets without full court administration.
Note that Louisiana has a unique fee structure; the Cameron Parish Clerk of Court typically requires an advance deposit for filing successions. Statutory attorney fees are not fixed by a percentage schedule but must be reasonable; executor fees are generally set at 2.5% of the estate inventory value unless the will specifies otherwise.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Cameron 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
38th Judicial District Court
Probate matters in Cameron Parish are handled at the Cameron Parish Clerk of Court.
Address: 119 Smith Circle, Room 21, Cameron, LA 70631
Phone: (337) 775-5316 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court's office is located in the Cameron Parish Courthouse. The 38th Judicial District Court presides over succession cases.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse complex. The building is accessible to the public during business hours with standard security screening at the entrance.
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 at least 20 years ago), you may be able to file an affidavit instead of opening a judicial succession.
- Non-probate transfers: Assets with beneficiary designations (like life insurance or retirement accounts) or assets held in trust generally do not require probate.
- 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 38th Judicial District Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
- Filing fee deposit (typically around $400.00)
- Proposed Order and Letters
E-filing may be available through the Clerk of Court's approved vendors; check with the Clerk's office for current digital submission options.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and legatees as required by the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure.
- Publish notice in the Cameron Parish Pilot if the court requires advertisement for the appointment of an administrator or sale of property.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many uncontested successions in Louisiana are handled "ex parte" (without a hearing) upon review of the pleadings. If a hearing is required (e.g., for a contested will or appointment), the court will schedule it. Upon approval, the judge signs the Judgment of Possession or issues Letters.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the succession representative must:
- Notify creditors and pay valid claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets (a Sworn Descriptive List is often used)
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries/heirs via a Judgment of Possession
- File a Petition for Discharge to close the succession once administration is complete
Local Requirements
Cameron Parish-Specific Procedures
- Advance Deposit: The Clerk of Court typically requires an advance deposit (approx. $400) to open a succession record.
- Recording: All judgments and affidavits affecting real estate (immovable property) must be recorded in the conveyance records.
- Curator Ad Hoc: If heirs cannot be located, the court may appoint an attorney as a curator ad hoc to represent their interests.
- Publication: Legal notices are published in the Cameron Parish Pilot, the official journal of Cameron Parish.
Always check with the Clerk of Court for the most up-to-date local court rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Cameron Parish)
- Succession/Probate Deposit: approximately $400.00
- Small Succession Affidavit: Recording fees vary by page count (typically $100+ for the first 1-5 pages)
- Certified copies: approximately $10-$20 depending on page count
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the length of the notice
- Portal Fees: Additional fees may apply for online access or e-recording
Louisiana law generally provides for an executor's fee of 2.5% of the inventory value, though this can be waived or altered by the will.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (often with a convenience fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple Succession (Possession without Administration): 1-3 months
- Average Administration: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years or more
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
Cameron Parish Court Resources
- Court Website: cameronparishclerk.com
- Probate Self-Help: Louisiana Law Help
- Louisiana Probate Forms: Louisiana State Bar Association Self-Help Services
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Louisiana State Bar Association: (504) 561-1600 — Attorney referral service
- Acadiana Legal Service Corporation: (337) 237-4320 — Legal aid for qualifying residents
- LSBA Lawyer Referral: lsba.org
Publication
- Cameron Parish Pilot: (337) 786-8004 — Official journal for legal notices
- Southwest Daily News: (337) 527-7075 — Regional newspaper