Overview
St. Tammany Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 277,615. The 22nd 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 Notice of Application for Appointment (for administration) to admit the will and appoint a personal 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, or if the decedent has been deceased for at least 20 years. This allows heirs to transfer property without a formal court opening if specific criteria are met.
Executors and administrators in Louisiana are generally entitled to a reasonable fee, typically 2.5% of the value of the estate, unless the will specifies otherwise or the heirs agree to a different amount.
This guide provides an informational overview of the St. Tammany 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
22nd Judicial District Court
Probate matters in St. Tammany Parish are handled at the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center.
Address: 701 N. Columbia St., Covington, LA 70433
Phone: (985) 809-8700 (Clerk of Court - Probate/Successions)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court also maintains a satellite office at the Slidell Annex (520 Old Spanish Trail, 5th Floor, Slidell, LA), but most probate filings are processed through the main Justice Center in Covington.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available at the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center in the parking garage located adjacent to the courthouse. Security screening is required for entry into the building.
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 over 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.
- Usufruct: Surviving spouses may have automatic rights (usufruct) over community property, which can simplify the transfer process.
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 22nd Judicial District Court. Include:
- Petition for Possession/Administration
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Death Certificate
- Affidavit of Death, Domicile, and Heirship
- Sworn Detailed Descriptive List of Assets and Liabilities
- Advance Deposit for filing fees (approx. $400-$600)
E-filing is available through the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court's website.
Step 3: Provide Notice
If applying for administration (not simple possession), you must:
- Mail notice of the application to heirs and interested parties.
- Publish notice in the parish official journal (St. Tammany Farmer) if the court requires it for the appointment of an administrator.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For simple possession, a hearing is often not required; the judge may sign the Judgment of Possession in chambers. For administration or contested matters, a hearing will be scheduled.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Identify and collect assets
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets
- Pay valid debts and expenses (Louisiana does not have a strict "creditor claim period" like other states, but debts must be resolved)
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries via a Judgment of Possession
- File a petition for discharge if an administration was opened
Local Requirements
St. Tammany Parish-Specific Procedures
- Advance Deposit: The Clerk of Court operates on an advance deposit system. You must deposit funds (approx. $400-$600) at the time of filing, from which fees are deducted as the case progresses.
- Attorney Representation: While not legally required, the 22nd JDC strongly recommends retaining an attorney due to the unique nature of Louisiana Civil Law successions.
- Publication: Notices, when required, are published in the St. Tammany Farmer.
- E-Filing: The parish utilizes an e-filing system which can expedite the processing of documents.
Always check the latest "Civil Fee Schedule" on the Clerk's website for exact deposit requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (St. Tammany Parish)
- Succession (Advance Deposit): approximately $400-$600 (varies by complexity)
- Small Succession Affidavit (Recording): approximately $105 for the first page + additional per page
- Certified copies of Letters/Judgment: approximately $10-$20 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper and length
- Jury Fee (if applicable): Additional deposits required for jury trials
Louisiana law allows for a statutory executor's fee of 2.5% of the estate inventory value, unless otherwise stated in the will.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, credit/debit cards, checks, and money orders. Convenience fees apply for credit card transactions.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Possession only): 1-3 months
- Average estates (Administration): 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year to several years
Timelines depend heavily on whether the heirs are in agreement (uncontested) or if there are disputes requiring court hearings.
Local Resources
St. Tammany Parish Court Resources
- Court Website: sttammanyclerk.org
- Probate Self-Help: Louisiana Law Help
- Louisiana Probate Forms: LASC District Court Rules
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- 22nd Judicial District Bar Association: (985) 893-1368 — Local bar association resources
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (985) 893-0076 — Legal aid for qualifying low-income residents
- Louisiana State Bar Lawyer Referral: lsba.org
Publication
- St. Tammany Farmer: (985) 892-2323 — Official journal for notices
- The Advocate: (504) 636-7400 — Regional newspaper