How Much Does Probate Cost in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Jefferson Parish can expect.
What probate costs in Jefferson 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 200 Derbigny Street, Suite 2400, Gretna. The court is part of the 24th Judicial District.
Local procedures at this court: Succession advance deposit: $200.00 for a small succession (under $125,000), $400.00 for a large succession ($125,000 and over); Original wills cannot be e-filed and must be physically submitted; Sensitive personal data must be redacted from filings. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
The District Court charges $300La. R.S. 13:841; La. CCP Art. 3421-3422; Acts 2024, No. 90, §1 (SB 32)Verified May 31, 2026 to open a probate case. 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 May 31, 2026 to 4%La. C.C.P. art. 3351.1 (limits dual-role compensation; attorney fees reasonable per court discretion)Verified May 31, 2026 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 May 31, 2026 to 2.5%La. C.C.P. art. 3351 (2.5% of inventory default; court may increase if inadequate)Verified May 31, 2026 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 May 31, 2026 of estate value annually.
Probate in Louisiana typically runs 6 monthsLa. C.C.P. arts. 3302Verified May 31, 2026 to 12 monthsLa. C.C.P. arts. 3302Verified May 31, 2026, and costs accrue throughout. The 3 monthsLa. C.C.P. art. 3302Verified May 31, 2026 creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
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
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Jefferson Parish, that means filing fees (about $400 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs about $400 in Jefferson Parish. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Louisiana uses "reasonable fees" — usually hourly billing or a percentage of the estate. Typical range is 2%–4% of estate value, negotiable based on complexity.
Louisiana allows "reasonable" executor compensation, typically 1–5% of estate value depending on complexity. Family executors often waive fees because the fee is taxable income while an inheritance is not.
Yes. Louisiana estates under $125,000 can use a Small Succession and avoid most probate costs. Check the Louisiana self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
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 Jefferson Parish probate.
Jefferson Parish Payment Requirements
This county has specific payment deadlines and requirements. Missing these can delay your filing.
Payment & Fees
Succession advance deposit: $200.00 for a small succession (under $125,000), $400.00 for a large succession ($125,000 and over).
Subsequent filings $7.00 first page, $5.00 each additional page; NSF fee $25.00; certified copy $5.00 plus copy costs.
SourceDistrict Court
Jefferson Parish
200 Derbigny Street, Suite 2400
Gretna, LA 70053
Phone:
504-364-2900Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
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