A new year always brings a fresh list of goals: clean out the closets, eat better, finally organize the garage… and somewhere on that list, for many people in Louisiana, sits “Start an estate plan.”
If that’s you heading into 2026, you’re not alone. I hear from families in Metairie, New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and across Louisiana who all say the same thing:
“I know I need an estate plan, but I don’t know where to start.”
The good news? Starting is simpler than you think. And you don’t need to have everything perfectly figured out before calling an estate planning attorney. You just need a few key pieces of information and a willingness to talk through your goals.
Let’s walk through what you’ll want to have ready as you begin creating your estate plan.
You don’t need to have everything perfectly figured out before calling an estate planning attorney. You just need a few key pieces of information and a willingness to talk through your goals.
A 529 plan is a special type of savings account designed just for educational expenses. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals used for qualified education costs aren’t taxed either. Best of all, as the account owner, you stay in control, even though the funds are earmarked for your grandchild.
1. Make a list of the people who matter most
Your estate plan is really about protecting the people you love. Before we talk documents, start with relationships.
Ask yourself:
- Who do you trust to make medical decisions for you
- Who should handle financial decisions if you can’t
- Who should inherit your property or belongings?
- Who would you want to care for your children if something happened to you?
This list doesn’t need to be perfect; it’s simply a starting point. Your answers guide everything else in the process.
LOCAL TIP: In Louisiana, family relationships and community ties often run deep. Your choices here can help avoid conflict later and ensure your wishes follow Louisiana’s unique inheritance laws.
2. Think about your assets… and don’t overthink it
Many people delay estate planning because they think they must gather every document first. Not true.
Just take inventory of the basics:
- Your home or other real estate
- Vehicles
- Bank accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Life insurance
- Family heirlooms or sentimental items
- Any business interests
You don’t need exact values or perfect spreadsheets. A simple overview helps us determine whether you need a basic will, a trust, or additional protections specific to Louisiana’s civil law system.
3. Decide who you trust with important roles
Louisiana estate plans rely on people you trust to act on your behalf.
You’ll want to identify:
- Your Medical Power of Attorney
The person you trust to make healthcare decisions if you cannot. - Your Financial Power of Attorney
Someone responsible, organized, and capable. In Louisiana, a Durable Power of Attorney can prevent the need for court intervention if you’re ever incapacitated. - Your Executor (or “Independent Executor”)
This person carries out the directions in your will. - A Guardian for Minor Children
If you have children, this is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
You don’t need to tell these individuals yet. Just having names in mind is helpful.
4. Gather key documents if you have them
You don’t need a full binder before coming in, but it’s helpful to gather:
- Your current will (if you have one)
- Marriage certificates or divorce judgments
- Life insurance policies
- Deeds to any property
- Beneficiary statements
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
If you can’t find something, that’s perfectly fine. We can work around it.
5. Think about your goals
This part is simple: what do you want your estate plan to do?
Some common goals I hear from Louisiana families include:
- Making things as easy as possible for children
- Avoiding unnecessary court involvement
- Passing down property without confusion
- Protecting a family home
- Keeping family land in the family
- Ensuring a spouse is taken care of
- Keeping peace between siblings
When I know your goals, I can build a plan that actually supports them.
6. Schedule a conversation… the easiest step
The biggest hurdle in estate planning is getting started. Once you schedule a meeting, the rest becomes much clearer.
Whether you’re just beginning or starting over after a major life event, I’ll walk you through every step patiently, clearly, and with the same care I’d want for my own family.
Let’s make 2026 the year you finally check “estate plan” off your list.
Ready to get started? I’m here to help.
From Metairie to New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, Kenner, and beyond, I help Louisiana families protect what matters most.
Let’s build your estate plan with clarity, confidence, and care, and put your Family First.
