Overview
Livingston Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 157,518. The 21st 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 simple acceptance) or a Petition for Administration (if an executor/administrator is needed) to admit the will and appoint a succession representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Louisiana offers a Small Succession Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $125,000 or less (gross value) or if the decedent has been deceased for at least 20 years. This allows property to transfer without a full judicial opening of succession.
Note that Louisiana has a unique "forced heirship" law and community property rules that differ significantly from other states. Statutory fees for succession representatives are generally 2.5% of the inventory value unless otherwise specified by the will or court.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Livingston 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
21st Judicial District Court
Probate matters in Livingston Parish are handled at the Livingston Parish Courthouse.
Address: 20300 Government Blvd., Livingston, LA 70754
Phone: (225) 686-2216 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court's Civil Department processes all succession filings. The 21st Judicial District also covers Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes, but filings for Livingston residents should be made at the Livingston location.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse on Government Blvd. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entry; cell phones and electronic devices 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 the decedent died >20 years ago) and includes no immovable property (real estate) requiring administration, you may be able to file an affidavit instead of opening court proceedings. Note: Recent laws allow the affidavit for immovable property in many small estate cases.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal succession is needed, file a Petition for Possession or Petition for Administration with the 21st Judicial District Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
- Certified death certificate
- Advance deposit for court costs (contact Clerk for current amount)
- Sworn Descriptive List of Assets and Liabilities
E-filing is available through the Clerk of Court's approved vendors.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and beneficiaries if required by the type of administration (e.g., application for appointment as administrator).
- Publish notice in the Livingston Parish News if applying for administration or selling estate property.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For simple possession, a hearing may not be required; the judge may sign the Judgment of Possession in chambers. If administration is contested or required, the court will schedule a hearing.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the succession 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 assets or pay debts (if under court administration)
- File a Tableau of Distribution and Final Account
- Distribute assets to heirs/legatees and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Livingston Parish-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: The Livingston Parish Clerk of Court accepts e-filings via approved providers (e.g., Cott Systems/Clerk Connect).
- Advance Deposits: Livingston Parish requires an advance deposit for all civil suits, including successions. This deposit is drawn down as costs accrue.
- Local Court Rules: The 21st JDC has specific rules regarding the format of pleadings and courtroom conduct.
- Publication: Legal notices must be published in the Livingston Parish News, the official journal of the parish.
Consult the Clerk's Civil Department for the most up-to-date fee schedule and procedural checklists.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Livingston Parish)
- Advance Deposit (Succession): Contact Clerk (typically $300-$500 range to start)
- Small Succession Affidavit Recording: ~$105+ (varies by page count)
- Certified copies of Letters/Judgment: ~$10.00 per document + copy fees
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the length of the notice
- Recording Fees: $105 for the first 1-5 pages, $205 for 6-25 pages (for recording Judgment of Possession in mortgage records)
Louisiana law provides for a standard executor's fee of 2.5% of the estate inventory, though this can be waived or adjusted 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 Possession (uncontested): 1-3 months
- Administered Succession: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Timelines depend heavily on whether the estate is "independent" (less court oversight) or "court-administered."
Local Resources
Livingston Parish Court Resources
- Court Website: livclerk.org
- Probate Self-Help: Louisiana Law Help
- Louisiana Supreme Court: lasc.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- 21st Judicial District Bar Association: (225) 686-2216 — Contact Clerk for local bar info
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (225) 448-0080 — Free legal aid for qualifying residents
- Louisiana State Bar Lawyer Referral: lsba.org
Publication
- Livingston Parish News: (225) 665-5176 — Official Journal