Overview
Jefferson Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 427,253. The 24th 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. The process begins with filing a Petition for Possession or Petition for Administration to admit the will and appoint a personal representative (Succession 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 for any estate where the decedent has been deceased for at least 20 years. This allows heirs to transfer property without full court administration.
Louisiana law provides for a statutory fee schedule for executors (typically 2.5% of the estate value) and attorneys (often based on a percentage or hourly rate), though these can be adjusted by the will or agreement.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Jefferson 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
24th Judicial District Court
Probate matters in Jefferson Parish are handled at the Thomas F. Donelon Courthouse (General Government Center).
Address: 200 Derbigny St, Gretna, LA 70053
Phone: (504) 364-2900 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The 24th Judicial District Court has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters in the parish, including successions. The Clerk of Court's office is located in the same building complex.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the parking garage adjacent to the courthouse on Derbigny Street. Security screening is required for entry into the building; cell phones and electronic devices may be restricted.
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 (or the decedent died >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 transfer assets: Life insurance policies and retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries pass outside of probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Possession (Simple Putting in Possession) or Petition for Administration with the 24th Judicial District Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate of Testament (if there is a will)
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
- Filing fee ($200 for small successions under $125,000; $400 for large successions $125,000 or more)
- Detailed Descriptive List of Assets and Liabilities
E-filing is available through the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court's "JeffNet" system. As of January 1, 2026, fax filing is no longer accepted. Attorneys must file in person or electronically via JeffNet; non-attorneys may file by mail, courier, in person, or through JeffNet.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and legatees as required by law.
- Publish notice in the official journal (The New Orleans Advocate / Times-Picayune) if the court requires an administration or if the whereabouts of heirs are unknown.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For simple successions (putting in possession), a hearing may not be required if all documents are in order and all heirs agree. For administrations or contested matters, the court will schedule a hearing.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, the representative must:
- Notify creditors and pay valid claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries/heirs
- File a Petition for Discharge to close the succession
Local Requirements
Jefferson Parish-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court offers e-filing via JeffNet. As of January 1, 2026, fax filing is no longer accepted for civil or criminal matters.
- Detailed Descriptive List: Louisiana practice often allows a Sworn Detailed Descriptive List of Assets in lieu of a formal inventory by a notary and appraisers, unless requested by an heir or creditor.
- Publication: Notices, when required, are typically published in The New Orleans Advocate (official journal).
- Court Rules: The 24th JDC has specific local rules regarding the allotment of cases to divisions.
Consult the Clerk of Court's Civil Department for the most current checklist of required documents.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Jefferson Parish)
- Succession (Opening): $200 (small successions under $125,000) - $400 (large successions $125,000 or more)
- Small Succession Affidavit: approximately $200
- Certified copies: approximately $10 - $20 per document
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the length of the notice
- Recording fees: Varies by page count (typically $100+ for first page, $25+ for additional pages)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks (business/personal with ID), money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a convenience fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Possession without Administration): 2-4 months
- Average estates: 6-12 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 "under administration" (executor manages assets/debts).
Local Resources
Jefferson Parish Court Resources
- Court Website: 24th Judicial District Court
- Clerk of Court: Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
- Probate Self-Help: Louisiana Law Help
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Jefferson Bar Association: (504) 364-3990 — Professional association for local attorneys
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (504) 529-1000 — Free legal aid for low-income residents
- Louisiana State Bar Association: lsba.org
Publication
- The New Orleans Advocate / Times-Picayune: (504) 636-7400 — Official Journal