Overview
St. Helena Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 10,920. 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. The process begins with filing a Petition for Possession or a Petition for Probate of Testament 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 if the decedent has been deceased for at least 20 years regardless of value. This allows heirs to transfer property without opening a formal court proceeding.
Louisiana law sets statutory fees for succession representatives (typically 2.5% of the estate value) and attorneys, though these can be negotiated or set by the will.
This guide provides an informational overview of the St. Helena 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
St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court
Probate matters in St. Helena Parish are filed with the St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court for the 21st Judicial District.
Address: 369 Sitman St. #101, Greensburg, LA 70441
Phone: (225) 222-4514 (Civil Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court's office is located in the parish courthouse in Greensburg. The Civil Department handles all succession filings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is generally available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets. Security screening may be required upon entry.
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 a court petition.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
- Direct transfer: Assets with named beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts) bypass probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Possession (if all heirs agree and no administration is needed) or a Petition for Administration with the St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
- Detailed Descriptive List of Assets and Liabilities
- Filing fee (typically $300-$500 depending on the petition type)
E-filing may be available via Clerk Connect; check with the clerk for current participation.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries.
- Publish notice in the official journal (The St. Helena Echo) if the court requires the appointment of an administrator or if notice to creditors is necessary.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many Louisiana successions are handled "ex parte" (without a hearing) if all documents are in order and uncontested. If a hearing is required, the judge will review the petition and issue a Judgment of Possession or appoint an administrator.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
If an administration is opened, the representative must:
- Publish notice to creditors
- Inventory and appraise assets
- Pay valid debts and taxes
- File a Tableau of Distribution (proposal for paying debts)
- Distribute remaining assets to heirs/legatees
- File a petition for discharge
Local Requirements
St. Helena Parish-Specific Procedures
- Official Journal: Legal notices are typically published in The St. Helena Echo.
- Court Rules: The 21st Judicial District Court rules apply.
- Filing Method: Documents are filed with the Clerk of Court in Greensburg. Verify if "Clerk Connect" is accepted for initial succession filings.
- Curator Ad Hoc: If an heir cannot be located, the court may require the appointment of an attorney (Curator Ad Hoc) to represent their interests.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (St. Helena Parish)
- Succession (Probate) Filing: approximately $350-$550 (varies by page count and service required)
- Small Succession Affidavit: approximately $150-$250
- Certified Copies: approximately $10-$20 per document
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the length of the notice
- Recording Fees: Fees apply for recording the Judgment of Possession in land records.
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk's office at (225) 222-4514 for the exact amount before filing.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, business checks, money orders, and credit cards (with a processing fee). Personal checks may not be accepted for new filings.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple Possession (no administration): 2-6 weeks
- Small Succession Affidavit: 1-2 weeks
- Administered Succession: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
Local Resources
St. Helena Parish Court Resources
- Clerk of Court Website: sthelenaclerk.org
- Online Records: Clerk Connect
- Louisiana Legal Navigator: louisianalegalnavigator.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Louisiana State Bar Association: (504) 561-1600 — lsba.org
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (225) 448-0080 — slls.org
Publication
- The St. Helena Echo: (225) 222-4333 — Official Journal