Free Louisiana Small Estate Affidavit

In Louisiana, the Small Succession Affidavit covers estates valued at $200,000 or less, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.

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Your Information

The Louisiana affidavit identifies the claiming successor and the basis of entitlement.

State Where the Property Is Collected*

The decedent's state. Only states where this tool prepares the affidavit are listed.

Your Full Legal Name*

The successor signing the affidavit.

Your Entitlement to the Property*

Street Address*

City*

State

ZIP Code*

Telephone

Email Address*

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No. Louisiana publishes no statewide form; the affidavit is prepared to the statute, which lists 9 statements the affidavit must contain.

In Louisiana, estates valued at $200,000 or less skip probate with the Small Succession Affidavit. Real property counts toward the limit. Louisiana sets the limit by the decedent's date of death; an earlier death may be measured against a lower figure. An estate over the limit does not qualify, and no affidavit is prepared for it.

The receipt of the persons named in the affidavit as heirs, legatees, or surviving spouse in community constitutes a full release and discharge for the payment or delivery, and no creditor, heir, legatee, succession representative, or other person has a right or cause of action against the payer/deliverer on account of it (art. 3434(B)).

The Small Succession Affidavit is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. The holder of the property: a multiple original or certified copy of the affidavit is full and sufficient authority for any federally insured depository institution, financial institution, trust company, warehouseman, depositary, domestic or foreign corporation, or any person having the property in his possession or under his control to pay money or deliver property of the deceased to the heirs, legatees, and surviving spouse in community in the percentages listed (art. 3434(A)).

The Louisiana affidavit is signed before a notary.

Small Estate Collection in Louisiana

Louisiana publishes no statewide form; the affidavit is prepared to the statute. The statute lists 9 statements the affidavit must contain. Louisiana's name for the procedure is “Small Succession Affidavit”, and it collects the decedent's property from whoever holds it without a probate case being opened.

The ceiling is $200,000; an estate over it does not qualify. Real estate counts toward the ceiling. The ceiling is set by the decedent's date of death, so an earlier death may be measured against a lower figure. Louisiana sets no waiting period after the death.

Louisiana says who may sign: Intestate affidavit (art. 3432): at least two persons, including the surviving spouse (if any) and one or more heirs of the deceased (art. 3432(A)); if there is no surviving spouse the affidavit is signed by at least two heirs, and if there is no surviving spouse and only one heir, a second person who has actual knowledge of the matters stated also signs (art. 3432(B)). The affiant signs it before a notary.

Who receives it: The holder of the property: a multiple original or certified copy of the affidavit is full and sufficient authority for any federally insured depository institution, financial institution, trust company, warehouseman, depositary, domestic or foreign corporation, or any person having the property in his possession or under his control to pay money or deliver property of the deceased to the heirs, legatees, and surviving spouse in community in the percentages listed (art. 3434(A)).

The effect on the holder and on the successor: The receipt of the persons named in the affidavit as heirs, legatees, or surviving spouse in community constitutes a full release and discharge for the payment or delivery, and no creditor, heir, legatee, succession representative, or other person has a right or cause of action against the payer/deliverer on account of it (art. 3434(B)).

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated September 8, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Louisiana statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Free Louisiana Small Estate Affidavit

In Louisiana, the Small Succession Affidavit covers estates valued at $200,000 or less, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.

Progress0%

Small Estate Collection in Louisiana

Free Louisiana Small Estate Affidavit

Your Information

Is this your situation?

Named as Executor

Death of a Parent

Loss of a Spouse

Forms for Settling an Estate in Louisiana

Renunciation of Executor

Estate Inventory

Estate Closing

Letter of Instruction

Digital Assets Recovery Letter

Tools for Settling an Estate in Louisiana

How Much Can an Executor Charge?

Can I Self-File Probate?

How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?

What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?

What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?

How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?

What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?

Hire a Louisiana Probate Attorney

Your kids shouldn't have to do this.

Louisiana Estate Settlement Resources

Free Louisiana Small Estate Affidavit

Your Information