Overview
Tangipahoa Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 139,823. The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of 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 simple possession) or a Petition for Administration (if an administration is necessary) 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 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 property to transfer without a formal court opening if specific conditions are met.
Note that Louisiana has a unique fee structure where filing fees often include an "advance deposit" that covers initial court costs. Attorney fees are not set by statute but must be reasonable; executors may be entitled to a fee of 2.5% of the estate inventory value unless the will specifies otherwise.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Tangipahoa 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
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
Probate matters in Tangipahoa Parish are handled at the Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse.
Address: 110 N Bay Street, Ste. 100, Amite, LA 70422
Phone: (985) 748-4146 (Main Office) | (985) 284-2610 (Civil Department)
Hours: Contact the Clerk's office for current hours
The Clerk of Court's office is located on the first floor of the courthouse in Amite. The Civil Department processes all succession filings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in lots surrounding the courthouse and along nearby streets in downtown Amite. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the courthouse 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 >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 and retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries bypass probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Possession or Petition for Administration with the Tangipahoa 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 (Advance Deposit)
Electronic filing is available and encouraged for attorneys.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and beneficiaries as required by law.
- Publish notice in the official journal if an administration is opened and the administrator needs to sell property or file a tableau of distribution.
Step 4: Court Review and Judgment
For simple possession (no administration), the judge reviews the pleadings and, if correct, signs a Judgment of Possession without a hearing. If administration is required, the court will issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration authorizing the representative to act.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
If an administration is opened, the personal representative must:
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- File an annual accounting if the estate remains open
- Petition the court for authority to distribute assets
- File a final account and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Tangipahoa Parish-Specific Procedures
- Advance Deposits: Tangipahoa requires an advance deposit for court costs at the time of filing. The Clerk deducts actual costs from this balance as the case progresses.
- Small Succession Recording: Small Succession Affidavits are recorded in the conveyance records rather than opened as a civil suit, unless a judge's signature is required for specific assets.
- Publication: Legal notices, when required (e.g., for the sale of immovable property), are typically published in The Daily Star.
Consult the Clerk of Court's Civil Department for the most current local rules regarding e-filing and document formatting.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Tangipahoa Parish)
- Succession (Completed): approximately $410.50 (includes recording 6-25 pages)
- Succession (Incomplete/Open): approximately $250.00 (advance deposit)
- Small Succession (Completed): approximately $335.50 (includes recording 6-25 pages)
- Certified Copies: $10.00 per document + $1.00 per page
- Recording Fees: $110.50 (1-5 pages), $210.50 (6-25 pages)
Fees are subject to change. "Completed" fees typically cover the initial petition through the Judgment of Possession for simple estates.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple Possession (no disputes): 2-8 weeks
- Average Administration: 6-12 months
- Complex or Contested Estates: 1 year or more
Simple successions where all heirs agree can be completed relatively quickly once the Judgment of Possession is signed.
Local Resources
Tangipahoa Parish Court Resources
- Clerk of Court Website: tangiclerk.org
- Civil Department Fees: Civil Fees Info
- Louisiana Supreme Court: lasc.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Louisiana State Bar Association: (504) 561-1600 — lsba.org
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (985) 345-2130 — slls.org
Publication
- The Daily Star: (985) 254-7827 — hammondstar.com
- The Advocate: (225) 383-1111 — theadvocate.com