What to Do When Someone Dies in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
Probate in East Baton Rouge Parish runs through the District Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in East Baton Rouge Parish, settling their estate runs through the District Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
District Court
East Baton Rouge Parish · 19th Judicial District
Address
222 Saint Louis StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone
Fax
225-389-5594
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Birth Certificates close at 4:00 PM; Marriage Licenses and Passports stop accepting new applications at 3:30 PM)
Paper filing availableE-filing optional
Louisiana uses "succession" instead of "probate" (civil law tradition). Mailing address: P.O. Box 1991, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-1991. 19th JDC courthouse: 300 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801. Airline Highway branch office: 9050 Airline Hwy, Suite 100, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. Downtown archives: 444 St. Louis Street (basement of West River Center Parking Garage).
Verified June 2, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in East Baton Rouge Parish
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Baton Rouge, probate runs through the District Court at 222 Saint Louis Street, Baton Rouge. The court sits in the 19th Judicial District.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Louisiana intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Louisiana estates take 6 monthsLa. C.C.P. arts. 3302Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 12 monthsLa. C.C.P. arts. 3302Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to move through this process. The 3 monthsLa. C.C.P. art. 3302Verified Jun 19, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What Probate Costs in East Baton Rouge Parish
What probate costs in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the District Court at 222 Saint Louis Street, Baton Rouge. The court is part of the 19th Judicial District.
Local procedures at this court: Probate proceedings are the sole case type that the civil suit records department still maintains as paper files; Original wills and original notes must be physically submitted to the Clerk of Court; Probate (succession) advance costs are set by the Suit Accounting Department fee schedule. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
Louisiana charges $300La. R.S. 13:841; La. CCP Art. 3421-3422; Acts 2024, No. 90, §1 (SB 32)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The District Court accepts e-filing. Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Louisiana are negotiated, typically 2%La. C.C.P. art. 3351.1 (limits dual-role compensation; attorney fees reasonable per court discretion)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 4%La. C.C.P. art. 3351.1 (limits dual-role compensation; attorney fees reasonable per court discretion)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation runs 2.5%La. C.C.P. art. 3351 (2.5% of inventory default; court may increase if inadequate)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 2.5%La. C.C.P. art. 3351 (2.5% of inventory default; court may increase if inadequate)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of estate value, based on reasonable pay for time and effort. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Louisiana requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%La. C.C.P. art. 3151Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Louisiana typically runs 6 monthsLa. C.C.P. arts. 3302Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 12 monthsLa. C.C.P. arts. 3302Verified Jun 19, 2026View source, and costs accrue throughout. The 3 monthsLa. C.C.P. art. 3302Verified Jun 19, 2026View source creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
How to File Probate at the District Court
Probate documents in East Baton Rouge Parish can be filed in person at the District Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the 19th Judicial District.
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the District Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the East Baton Rouge Parish Self-Filing Assessment.
East Baton Rouge Parish Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Document Requirements
Original wills and original notes must be physically submitted to the Clerk of Court.
The Clerk maintains the paper version of original notes and foreign judgments; upon case completion, original notes are returned to the filer.
SourceRecords Access
Probate proceedings are the sole case type that the civil suit records department still maintains as paper files.
Effective October 1, 2020, the civil suit records department no longer maintains paper files except for probate proceedings.
SourceWhat to Bring
To file at the District Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Transferring Property in East Baton Rouge Parish
Clearing title to real estate after a death—recording a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order—happens at the Clerk of Court.
Recording Office Record
Clerk of Court
East Baton Rouge Parish · J. Douglas "Doug" Welborn
Address
222 St. Louis StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone
Fax
225-389-5594
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
E-recording
Available via ClerkConnect / eClerksLA
Recording fees
| Base recording fee | $50 |
| Per additional page | $5 |
First page fee is $50.00; each additional page is $5.00 (La. R.S. 13:844(A)). Some parishes may charge an additional technology fee of up to $5.00 per filing (La. R.S. 13:844.1). Effective January 1, 2026, fax filings are no longer accepted statewide per La. R.S. 13:850 (Act 694 of 2024).
La. R.S. 13:844(A)
Transfer tax
No state transfer tax. Louisiana does not impose a documentary stamp tax, conveyance tax, or deed tax on real property transfers.. Transfer-on-death deeds are generally exempt (Louisiana has no transfer tax. Additionally, no consideration is exchanged at the time of recording a TOD deed.). Louisiana is one of the states that does not impose any form of real estate transfer tax.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 1991, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-1991. Administration: 225-389-7642. Recording dept: 225-389-3985. Airline branch: 9050 Airline Hwy, Ste 100, recording/indexing 225-295-4780.
Verified June 3, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in East Baton Rouge Parish without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Louisiana are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2%La. C.C.P. art. 3351.1 (limits dual-role compensation; attorney fees reasonable per court discretion)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 4%La. C.C.P. art. 3351.1 (limits dual-role compensation; attorney fees reasonable per court discretion)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a East Baton Rouge Parish firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the District Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Baton Rouge Firms
Field Law Firm LLC
FirmBaton Rouge firm serving clients across Louisiana, including out-of-state heirs with Louisiana estate matters. Limits its practice to estate planning and successions — testate, intestate, small-estate, and ancillary successions, plus succession litigation such as contested wills and petitions to remove an executor. Offers free consultations and flat-fee representation.
Location
6161 Perkins Rd., Suite 1BBaton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone
(225) 341-5270
Service Area
3 counties
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsPowers Of AttorneyElder LawMedicaid PlanningBusiness Succession
Free consultationVisit site
Kallio Law Firm, LLC
Solo PracticeBased in Prairieville, Kallio Law Firm serves Ascension Parish and the Greater Baton Rouge area. The practice handles Louisiana succession proceedings, wills and trusts, mandates (powers of attorney), and interdiction, alongside Medicaid and elder-care planning. Attorney Eric Kallio leads the firm.
Location
16094 Hwy 73, Suite 202Prairieville, LA 70769
Phone
(225) 210-3653
Service Area
4 counties
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsElder LawMedicaid PlanningSpecial Needs PlanningTax Planning
Free consultationVisit site
Leger Law Group, LLC
FirmBaton Rouge estate planning firm led by attorney Siobhan Leger, practicing in estate planning, estate administration, probate, succession matters, Medicaid and Veterans Aid & Attendance planning.
Location
4983 Bluebonnet Blvd, Suite BBaton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone
(225) 522-4996
Service Area
1 county
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsMedicaid PlanningElder Law
Free consultationVisit site
Losavio & DeJean, LLC
FirmBaton Rouge elder law and estate firm serving East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes in the Capital Region since 1976. The practice handles Louisiana successions and probate alongside estate planning and Medicaid planning, drawing on four decades of succession experience. Led by Peter J. Losavio, Jr., a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA).
Location
8414 Bluebonnet Blvd, Suite 110Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Phone
(225) 769-4200
Established
1976
Service Area
2 counties
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningElder LawMedicaid Planning
Visit site
Magnolia Law
FirmBaton Rouge firm handling family law and estate matters including wills, trusts, probate, and power of attorney.
Location
4701 Bluebonnet Blvd, Suite ABaton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone
(225) 263-6713
Service Area
1 county
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningWills Trusts
Visit site
Progeny Law Firm
FirmBaton Rouge firm serving East Baton Rouge Parish families through the Louisiana succession process. Handles succession administration and probate, will contests, testamentary-capacity and undue-influence claims, heirship disputes, and executor and administrator accountability matters. Led by attorney Myrna E. Arroyo, a member of the Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Location
4459 Bluebonnet Blvd, Building 1 Suite ABaton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone
(225) 465-1090
Established
2002
Service Area
1 county
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningElder LawMedicaid PlanningAsset Protection
Free consultationVisit site
The Baringer Law Firm, L.L.C.
FirmWith nearly 40 years of experience, The Baringer Law Firm provides estate planning services throughout Louisiana including Baton Rouge, Plaquemine, and surrounding communities. Their attorneys hold LLM degrees in tax law, enabling sophisticated tax planning and succession strategies.
Location
201 St. Charles StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone
(225) 383-9953
Service Area
6 counties
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsTax PlanningBusiness SuccessionSuccession Litigation
Visit site
The Law Offices of Ossie Brown
FirmBaton Rouge firm serving East Baton Rouge Parish and the surrounding region since 1984. Handles Louisiana successions and probate administration, drafting of wills and durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and probate-related disputes. The estate group works alongside the firm's broader civil practice.
Location
123 St. Ferdinand StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone
(225) 343-1111
Established
1984
Service Area
1 county
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsPowers Of AttorneyProbate
Free consultationVisit site
Statewide Practices
Haik, Minvielle, Grubbs & D'Albor, LLP
FirmNew Iberia firm with attorneys handling wills, successions, estate planning, and real estate transactions throughout Louisiana. Licensed to practice in all Federal and State Courts with a satellite office in New Orleans.
Location
1101 East Admiral Doyle Drive, Suite 503New Iberia, LA 70560
Phone
(337) 365-5486
Service Area
Statewide
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsEstate Litigation
Visit site
Jones Walker LLP
FirmEstablished in 1937, Jones Walker is the largest law firm in New Orleans with more than 150 attorneys. The Estate Planning & Administration team advises clients on wills, trusts, estate and gift tax planning, asset valuations, and business succession planning. Multiple attorneys are board-certified Estate Planning and Administration Specialists.
Location
201 Saint Charles AvenueNew Orleans, LA 70170
Phone
(504) 582-8000
Established
1937
Service Area
Statewide
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsTax PlanningBusiness SuccessionTrust AdministrationEstate Litigation
Visit site
Legacy Estate & Elder Law of Louisiana, LLC
FirmBaton Rouge estate and elder law firm, with New Orleans and Lake Charles offices, handling Louisiana successions across the Capital Region courts. Work covers simple and administered successions, small-succession affidavits, estate settlement, and contested successions involving intestacy and capacity or undue-influence claims. Led by board-certified specialist Linda S. Melancon.
Location
3956 Government StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone
(225) 744-0027
Service Area
Statewide
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningElder LawMedicaid PlanningSpecial Needs PlanningGuardianshipBusiness SuccessionTax Planning
Visit site
The Succession Center
FirmSpecializes exclusively in estate planning and settlement with over 18 years of experience. Serves all of Louisiana with flat-fee pricing, free initial consultations, and document completion within three business days.
Location
11863 Marketplace Blvd.Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone
(225) 278-6010
Service Area
Statewide
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsPowers Of Attorney
Free consultationVisit site
Wiener, Weiss & Madison, APC
FirmShreveport firm, with a Baton Rouge office, representing executors and heirs in successions across Caddo, Bossier, and the Capital Region. Handles succession administration, asset inventory and distribution, and ancillary successions for out-of-state owners of Louisiana property and mineral interests, plus estate tax matters. Armand Roos is board-certified in estate administration.
Location
330 Marshall St, Suite 1000Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone
(318) 226-9100
Service Area
Statewide
Succession AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsTax Planning
Visit site
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Legal Sources
- La. C.C.P. art. 3151
- La. C.C.P. art. 3302
- La. C.C.P. art. 3351 (2.5% of inventory default; court may increase if inadequate)
- La. C.C.P. art. 3351.1 (limits dual-role compensation; attorney fees reasonable per court discretion)
- La. C.C.P. arts. 3302
- La. R.S. 13:841; La. CCP Art. 3421-3422; Acts 2024, No. 90, §1 (SB 32)
Data sourced from Louisiana statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($300). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For East Baton Rouge Parish, that means filing fees ($300 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
Yes. The District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Louisiana self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
A simple Louisiana probate typically closes in 3–6 months; average estates run 6–12 months. The mandatory creditor-claim period accounts for much of that, so even uncontested estates rarely close quickly.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of East Baton Rouge Parish probate.
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