Overview
East Feliciana Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 19,100. The 20th 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 (for intestate estates) or a Petition for Probate of Testament (for testate estates) to recognize heirs or legatees and place them in possession of the estate. The court then issues a Judgment of Possession or appoints a succession representative who receives Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
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 at least 20 years. This allows property to transfer without a formal court proceeding.
Attorney fees in Louisiana are not set by a statutory percentage but must be reasonable based on the services performed. Executors (Succession Representatives) are entitled to a fee of 2.5% of the inventory value unless the will specifies otherwise or the heirs agree to a different amount.
This guide provides an informational overview of the East Feliciana 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
20th Judicial District Court
Probate matters in East Feliciana Parish are handled at the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse.
Address: 12305 St. Helena St, Clinton, LA 70722
Phone: (225) 683-5145 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court's office serves as the filing location for all succession documents. The 20th Judicial District also covers West Feliciana Parish, but filings for East Feliciana must be made in Clinton.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Clinton. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.
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 (gross value) and the decedent died intestate (or testate in specific circumstances), or if the decedent died more than 20 years ago, you may be able to file an affidavit instead of opening a court case.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
- Direct transfers: Assets with named beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts) typically bypass probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Possession or Petition for Probate of Testament with the 20th Judicial District Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $400.00)
- Detailed Descriptive List of Assets and Liabilities (sworn inventory)
E-filing is available through the Clerk Connect / eClerks LA portal for registered users.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Notify heirs and legatees: All interested parties must be served or sign a waiver of service.
- Publish notice: If an administration is required (i.e., an administrator is appointed), notice of the application for appointment must be published in the official journal, The Watchman.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many Louisiana successions are "simple" and handled ex parte (without a hearing) if all heirs agree and documents are in order. If the succession is contested or requires administration, the court will schedule a hearing. The judge reviews the petition and issues a Judgment of Possession or appoints a representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
If an administration is opened, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and resolve claims
- Manage and preserve estate assets
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- File a Tableau of Distribution (proposal for paying debts)
- Distribute assets to heirs/legatees after court approval
- File a petition for discharge to close the succession
Local Requirements
East Feliciana Parish-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: The Clerk of Court accepts e-filings via the Clerk Connect / eClerks LA system.
- Recording Fees: If using the Small Succession Affidavit, you do not pay the full $400 filing fee; instead, you pay recording fees based on page count (e.g., $110 for 1-5 pages).
- Official Journal: Legal notices must be published in The Watchman.
- Curator: If heirs cannot be located, the court may appoint a Curator Ad Hoc, which requires an additional deposit (approx. $825.00).
Always check with the Clerk of Court for the most current local rules and fee schedules before filing.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (East Feliciana Parish)
- Succession (New Suit): approximately $400.00
- Small Succession Affidavit (Recording): $110 (1-5 pages), $210 (6-25 pages)
- Certified copies: approximately $10-$20 depending on page count
- Publication costs: Varies by length, payable to The Watchman
- Curator Ad Hoc (if needed): approximately $825.00
Louisiana law provides for an executor's fee of 2.5% of the estate inventory, though this is often waived in family successions.
Payment Methods
The Clerk of Court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (with a processing fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple Possession (uncontested, no administration): 2-8 weeks
- Administered Succession: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
Timelines depend heavily on whether all heirs agree and if a formal administration is necessary to pay debts or sell property.
Local Resources
East Feliciana Parish Court Resources
- Clerk of Court Website: eastfelicianaclerk.org
- Probate Self-Help: LouisianaLawHelp.org
- Louisiana Legal Forms: LASC Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Louisiana State Bar Association: (504) 561-1600 — Attorney Search
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (225) 448-0080 — Free legal aid for qualifying low-income residents
- LSBA Lawyer Referral: lsba.org
Publication
- The Watchman: (225) 683-5131 — Official Journal for East Feliciana Parish