Overview
Terrebonne Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 109,580. The 32nd 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 simple possession) or a Petition for Administration (if 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 (gross value) if the decedent died intestate, or died testate and domiciled in Louisiana (under certain conditions). This allows heirs to transfer property without a formal court opening.
Note that Louisiana has a unique fee structure where the Clerk of Court requires an advance deposit (often called "advance costs") at the time of filing, rather than a flat filing fee. Costs are deducted from this deposit as the case progresses.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Terrebonne 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
Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court
Probate matters in Terrebonne Parish are handled at the Terrebonne Parish Courthouse.
Address: 7856 Main St., Houma, LA 70360
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1569, Houma, LA 70361-1569
Phone: (985) 868-5660 (Civil Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court's Civil Department accepts filings for successions. It is located in the main courthouse building in downtown Houma.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and in nearby designated lots. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the courthouse.
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/domiciled in LA), 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 (if no administration needed) or Petition for Administration with the Terrebonne 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
- Advance deposit for court costs (typically $400–$500)
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and beneficiaries as required by law.
- Publish notice in the official journal (The Courier) if applying for administration or if the court requires notice to creditors.
Step 4: Court Review and Judgment
For simple possession, the judge may sign the Judgment of Possession without a hearing if all documents are in order and all heirs consent. If administration is required, the court will issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration to the personal representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
If an administrator is appointed, they must:
- Inventory and appraise estate assets
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- File an annual accounting (if administration is prolonged)
- Petition the court for a Judgment of Possession to distribute assets and close the succession
Local Requirements
Terrebonne Parish-Specific Procedures
- Advance Deposits: Terrebonne Parish operates on an advance deposit system. You must pay an estimated amount upfront (e.g., $400–$500), and the Clerk draws from this for filing, service, and copies. Any unused balance is refunded at the end of the case.
- Official Journal: Notices must be published in The Courier (Houma Courier), which serves as the official journal for Terrebonne Parish.
- Local Rules: The 32nd Judicial District Court may have specific rules regarding the format of pleadings and courtesy copies for the judge.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Terrebonne Parish)
- Advance Deposit (New Succession): approximately $400–$500 (varies based on number of pages and service requests)
- Small Succession Affidavit Filing: approximately $100–$150 (recording fee varies by page count)
- Certified Copies: approximately $10–$20 per document
- Publication costs: approximately $100–$200 depending on the length of the notice
Payment Methods
The Clerk of Court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple Possession (Uncontested): 2–4 months
- Administration (Average Estate): 6–12 months
- Complex or Contested Estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Timeline factors include the sale of real estate, creditor claims, and tax clearance.
Local Resources
Terrebonne Parish Court Resources
- Clerk of Court Website: terrebonneclerk.org
- Civil Department: terrebonneclerk.org/civil-processing
- Louisiana Legal Navigator: louisianalegalnavigator.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Terrebonne Parish Bar Association: Local attorney listings
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (985) 851-5687 — Provides free legal aid to eligible low-income residents
- Louisiana State Bar Association: lsba.org
Publication
- The Courier: (985) 850-1100 — Official journal for legal notices