Overview
Plaquemines Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 23,515. The 25th 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 (for intestate estates) or a Petition for Probate of Testament (for testate estates) 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, provided the decedent died intestate (or testate in specific circumstances) and other conditions are met. This allows property to transfer without full court administration.
Louisiana law provides for reasonable compensation for succession representatives, typically 2.5% of the value of the estate, unless the will specifies otherwise or an agreement is reached.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Plaquemines 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
25th Judicial District Court
Probate matters in Plaquemines Parish are handled by the Clerk of Court at the Plaquemines Parish Courthouse.
Physical Address: 18055 Hwy. 15, Pointe-a-la-Hache, LA 70082
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 40, Belle Chasse, LA 70037-0040
Phone: (504) 934-6610 (Clerk of Court)
Hours:
- Pointe-a-la-Hache Courthouse: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Belle Chasse Annex: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court maintains a satellite office in Belle Chasse at 301 Main St., Suite 108, but the main courthouse is in Pointe-a-la-Hache. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm where to file specific documents.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available at both the Pointe-a-la-Hache courthouse and the Belle Chasse annex. Security screening is required for entry into court buildings.
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 and the decedent died intestate (or testate under certain conditions), 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 Probate with the 25th Judicial District Court. Include:
- Petition for Possession/Probate
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
- Filing fee (deposit)
- Sworn Detailed List of Assets and Liabilities
E-filing may be available for certain civil matters; check with the Clerk's office for current protocols.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and legatees as required by the Code of Civil Procedure.
- Publish notice in the official journal if the court requires the appointment of an administrator and notice to creditors is necessary.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many uncontested successions in Louisiana are handled "ex parte" (without a hearing) if all documents are in order. However, if there are disputes or if the judge requires it, a hearing will be scheduled.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, the representative must:
- Open an estate bank account
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- File a Tableau of Distribution (if required) to propose paying debts
- Distribute assets to heirs/legatees via a Judgment of Possession
- File a final account and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Plaquemines Parish-Specific Procedures
- Mailing Address: Note that the Clerk of Court prefers mail be sent to the Belle Chasse P.O. Box rather than the physical address in Pointe-a-la-Hache.
- Curator Ad Hoc: If heirs cannot be located, the court may require the appointment of a Curator Ad Hoc to represent their interests.
- Publication: Legal notices, when required, are published in The Plaquemines Gazette.
Always check with the Clerk of Court's office for the most up-to-date local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Plaquemines Parish)
- Succession (Probate) Deposit: approximately $500.00
- Small Succession Affidavit Filing: Fees vary based on page count (typically $30+ per document)
- Certified Copies: approximately $10.00 + per page fees
- Publication costs: Varies by length, payable to The Plaquemines Gazette
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple Succession (Uncontested, no administration): 1-3 months
- Administered Succession: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
Timelines depend heavily on whether the estate is "simple" (heirs accept immediately) or "administered" (requires an executor to pay debts/taxes first).
Local Resources
Plaquemines Parish Court Resources
- Clerk of Court Website: clerk25th.com
- 25th JDC Website: 25thcourtsonline.com
- Louisiana Legal Navigator: louisianalegalnavigator.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Louisiana State Bar Association: (504) 561-1600 — Attorney Search
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (504) 529-1000 — Free legal aid for qualifying residents
Publication
- The Plaquemines Gazette: (504) 392-1619 — Official Journal