Overview
West Feliciana Parish is located in Louisiana with a population of approximately 15,300. The 20th 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 needed) 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 heirs to transfer property without a full court proceeding.
Note that Louisiana has a unique fee structure; filing fees are often paid as an "advance deposit" to the Clerk of Court. Statutory attorney fees are not fixed by percentage but must be reasonable; however, executors may be entitled to a fee of 2.5% of the estate inventory value unless the will states otherwise.
This guide provides an informational overview of the West Feliciana 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
West Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court
Probate matters in West Feliciana Parish are handled at the West Feliciana Parish Courthouse.
Address: 4785 Prosperity St., St. Francisville, LA 70775
Phone: (225) 635-3794 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Clerk of Court's office serves the 20th Judicial District Court. The office is responsible for recording and maintaining all succession records.
Parking and Access
Parking is generally available on the surrounding streets and in the courthouse parking lot located at the corner of Prosperity Street and Royal Street. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.
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 (or the decedent died more than 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.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Possession or Petition for Administration with the 20th Judicial District 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 may be available via Tybera eFiling; check with the Clerk's office for specific registration requirements.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and legatees as required by the Code of Civil Procedure.
- Publish notice in the official journal if the estate is under administration and the administrator needs to sell property or take other significant actions.
Step 4: Court Review or Hearing
For simple possession, the judge may sign the 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 to the representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
If the estate is under administration, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and resolve claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets
- Pay valid debts and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Tableau of Distribution and petition for discharge once the estate is closed
Local Requirements
West Feliciana Parish-Specific Procedures
- Advance Deposits: The Clerk of Court typically requires an advance deposit for court costs rather than a flat filing fee. Costs are deducted from this deposit as the case progresses.
- Official Journal: Publication, when required, should be made in The St. Francisville Democrat.
- Tybera eFiling: The parish participates in the Tybera eFiling system for online records access and e-recording.
Always check with the Clerk's office for the most current local rules regarding document formatting and number of copies required.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (West Feliciana Parish)
- Succession (Probate) Filing: approximately $400.00 (Advance Deposit)
- Recording Fees: approximately $105 for the first page + additional per-page fees
- Certified Copies: approximately $10-$20 depending on page count
- Publication costs: Varies by length, payable directly to The St. Francisville Democrat
Executors in Louisiana are generally entitled to a fee of 2.5% of the inventory value of the estate, unless the will specifies otherwise or the executor waives the fee.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (often with a convenience fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple Possession (uncontested): 2-4 months
- Administration (Average estates): 6-9 months
- Complex or contested estates: 9 months to 2 years
Timelines depend heavily on whether the estate requires administration (paying debts, selling assets) or if heirs can be put directly into possession.
Local Resources
West Feliciana Parish Court Resources
- Clerk of Court Website: westfelicianaclerkofcourt.org
- Louisiana Legal Help: louisianalawhelp.org
- Louisiana State Bar Association: lsba.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Louisiana State Bar Attorney Search: lsba.org/Public/FindLegalHelp/FindAttorney.aspx
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (225) 448-0080 — Provides free legal aid to low-income individuals.
Publication
- The St. Francisville Democrat: (225) 635-3364 — Official journal for legal notices.