Overview
Washington Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 45,463. 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 (CCP) Art. 2811 et seq. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate to admit the will and appoint a personal representative (executor or administrator). The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Small Successions: Louisiana offers a simplified "Small Succession" procedure for estates valued at $125,000 or less (gross value), or for any estate where the decedent has been deceased for at least 20 years. This is often handled via a Small Succession Affidavit without the need for full court administration.
Attorney Fees: Louisiana does not have a statutory percentage fee schedule for attorneys. Fees are typically reasonable and agreed upon between the attorney and the client, often based on an hourly rate or a flat fee for simple matters. Executors are entitled to a reasonable fee (typically 2.5% of the estate value) unless the will states otherwise.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Washington 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
Washington Parish Clerk of Court
Probate matters in Washington Parish are handled at the Washington Parish Courthouse.
Address: 908-B Washington St, Franklinton, LA 70438
Phone: (985) 839-4663 (Civil Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court's office is located in the main courthouse building in Franklinton. The Civil Department accepts filings for successions, wills, and other probate-related documents.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available along the streets surrounding the Washington Parish Courthouse. There are also public parking areas nearby. 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) and includes no immovable property (real estate) requiring administration, 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 transfers: Assets with named beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts) bypass probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate (or Petition for Possession) with the Washington 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 $200–$450 depending on complexity)
Note: Louisiana allows for "Succession without Administration" (Simple Putting in Possession) if the estate is solvent and all heirs agree.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Notify heirs and legatees: All interested parties must be served or sign a waiver of service.
- Publish notice: If an administration is required, the administrator may need to publish notice in the official journal, The Era-Leader, to alert creditors.
Step 4: Court Review and Judgment
For simple possessions, the judge may sign a Judgment of Possession without a hearing if all documents are in order. 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 the estate requires administration (not just simple possession), the representative must:
- Gather and secure assets
- Pay valid debts and taxes
- File an inventory or sworn descriptive list
- Distribute remaining assets to heirs/legatees
- File a petition for discharge to close the succession
Local Requirements
Washington Parish-Specific Procedures
- Filing Fees: Fees are payable to the "Washington Parish Clerk of Court." It is recommended to call the Civil Department at (985) 839-4663 to verify the exact amount before filing, as fees can vary based on the number of pages and parties.
- Official Journal: Legal notices (if required) are published in The Era-Leader.
- Local Rules: The 22nd Judicial District Court may have specific local rules regarding the format of pleadings and scheduling of hearings.
- E-Recording: The Clerk of Court offers e-recording services for certain documents; check with the office for eligibility of probate filings.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Washington Parish)
- Small Succession (Affidavit only): approximately $150–$250 (recording fees vary by page count)
- Regular Succession (Simple Possession): approximately $250–$400
- Succession with Administration: approximately $400–$500+
- Certified Copies: approximately $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee
- Publication costs: Varies by length, payable directly to The Era-Leader
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (subject to convenience fees).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple Possession (uncontested): 2–6 weeks
- Small Succession Affidavit: 1–2 weeks (recording time)
- Succession with Administration: 6–12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
Note: Louisiana does not have a strict "probate" timeline like some states; simple estates can be closed very quickly via a Judgment of Possession.
Local Resources
Washington Parish Court Resources
- Clerk of Court Website: washingtonparishclerk.org
- 22nd Judicial District Court: online.22ndjdc.org
- Louisiana Legal Navigator: louisianalegalnavigator.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Louisiana State Bar Association: (504) 561-1600 — lsba.org
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (985) 893-0076 — slls.org
Publication
- The Era-Leader: (985) 839-9077 — Official Journal for Washington Parish