Overview
Union Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 20,617. The 3rd Judicial District Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the parish at the time of death.
Louisiana probate, officially known as "succession," is governed by the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Testament (if there is a will) or a Petition for Possession (if intestate) to open the succession. The court then issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration to the succession representative.
Small Successions: Louisiana offers a simplified process for estates valued at $125,000 or less. If the decedent died intestate (or testate under specific conditions) and the estate meets the value threshold, a Small Succession Affidavit can often be used to transfer property without full court administration.
Fees: Louisiana does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys or executors; fees must be reasonable. Executors (Succession Representatives) are entitled to a fee of 2.5% of the estate inventory value unless the will states otherwise or the heirs agree to a different amount.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Union 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
Union Parish Clerk of Court
Probate matters in Union Parish are handled at the Union Parish Courthouse.
Main Address: 100 East Bayou Street, Suite 105, Farmerville, LA 71241
Temporary Civil/Probate Location: 207 East Bayou Street, Farmerville, LA 71241
Phone: (318) 368-3055 (Civil Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Civil, Probate, Juvenile, Protective Orders and Non-Support Departments have temporarily moved to 207 East Bayou Street, Farmerville, LA 71241. The Civil Department accepts all succession filings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets. There is a security checkpoint at the main entrance; visitors should be prepared for screening.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal succession is required:
- Small Succession Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $125,000 or less and meets statutory requirements, 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 with named beneficiaries (like life insurance or payable-on-death accounts) bypass probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal succession is needed, file a Petition for Probate or Petition for Possession with the Union 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 (approximately $425-$500, depending on filing type)
Union Parish accepts e-filings through the eClerks LA portal.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Notify heirs and legatees: All interested parties must be notified of the succession opening.
- Publish notice: If the estate is under administration, the administrator may need to publish notice in the parish's official journal, The Gazette, before selling immovable property or paying debts.
Step 4: Court Review and Judgment
For simple "unadministered" successions (Petition for Possession), the judge may sign a Judgment of Possession without a hearing if all documents are in order and all heirs agree. For "administered" successions, the court will issue Letters Testamentary/Administration, granting the representative authority to manage assets.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
If the estate is under administration, the representative must:
- Open an estate bank account
- Inventory and appraise assets
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- File a Tableau of Distribution for court approval to pay debts
- Distribute remaining assets to heirs/legatees
- File a petition for discharge to close the succession
Local Requirements
Union Parish-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Union Parish accepts e-filings through the eClerks LA portal.
- Curator Ad Hoc: If an heir cannot be located, the court may require the appointment of a Curator Ad Hoc to represent their interests, which incurs additional fees.
- Detailed Descriptive List: A sworn Detailed Descriptive List of Assets and Liabilities is typically accepted in lieu of a formal inventory by a notary and appraisers, unless requested otherwise.
- Publication: Legal notices are published in The Gazette, the official journal of Union Parish.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Union Parish)
- Succession (Intestate/Testate): approximately $425-$500 depending on filing type (fees are calculated based on page count and service required)
- Small Succession Affidavit: approximately $250 (varies by recording length)
- Certified Copies: approximately $10 - $20 depending on page count
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 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 (no administration): 2-6 weeks
- Administered Succession: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
Timelines depend heavily on whether all heirs agree and if the estate must remain open to pay creditors or sell property.
Local Resources
Union Parish Court Resources
- Clerk of Court Website: upclerk.com
- E-Filing Portal: eClerks LA
- Louisiana Legal Navigator: louisianalegalnavigator.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Louisiana State Bar Association: (504) 561-1600 — lsba.org
- Acadiana Legal Service Corp (North LA): (318) 323-8851 — Provides free legal aid to eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- The Gazette: (318) 368-9732 — Official journal for legal notices in Union Parish.