Probate in Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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
Lafayette Parish · 15th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
Louisiana uses "succession" instead of "probate" (civil law tradition). Mailing address: P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502. 15th JDC also includes Acadia and Vermilion Parishes. The Civil Department handles successions and all related matters; the main fax (337-291-6392) is the administration line, the Civil Department direct fax is 337-291-6480.
Verified July 3, 2026 · Source
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 Lafayette Parish, probate runs through the District Court at 800 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette. The court sits in the 15th Judicial District. Lafayette Parish shares the 15th Judicial District with Acadia and Vermilion.
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 months to 12 months to move through this process. The 3 monthsLa. C.C.P. art. 3302Verified Sep 8, 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 Lafayette 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 800 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette. The court is part of the 15th Judicial District.
Local procedures at this court that affect cost: Succession advance deposit required at filing. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
The District Court charges $300 - $400 (based on estate value)La. R.S. 13:841; La. CCP Art. 3421-3422; Acts 2026, No. 293, §1 (HB 215); Acts 2024, No. 90, §1 (SB 32)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source 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 1.9%La. C.C.P. arts. 3301, 3303 (attorney fees are an administration expense — La. Civ. Code art. 1415 — payable only on court authorization); art. 3351.1 (dual-role limit)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3%La. C.C.P. arts. 3301, 3303 (attorney fees are an administration expense — La. Civ. Code art. 1415 — payable only on court authorization); art. 3351.1 (dual-role limit)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is set by statute at 2.5%La. C.C.P. art. 3351 (2.5% of inventory default; court may increase if inadequate)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%La. C.C.P. arts. 3151 (administrator security, 1.25x inventory), 3153 (testator-named executor not required to furnish security), 3154-3155 (forced heirs, surviving spouse, or creditor may compel), 3396.14 (independent administrator not required to provide security)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Louisiana typically runs 6 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
Probate documents in Lafayette 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 15th Judicial District.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing 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 Lafayette Parish Self-Filing Assessment.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Original documents deposited for recording are not returned.
Documents deposited with the Clerk of the District Court and Ex-Officio Recorder become part of the parish archives and are not returned to the sender.
SourceTo 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.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the Clerk of Court.
Deeds and other real property documents for Lafayette Parish are recorded with the Clerk of Court, led by Louis J. Perret, at 800 South Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. Phone: 337-291-6400. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 2009, Lafayette, LA 70502.
The Clerk of Court charges $100 for 1-5 pages, $200 for 6-25 pages, $300 for 26-50 pages, $300 plus $5 for each page beyond 50.
Lafayette Parish accepts electronic recording through CSC / ePN / Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Lafayette Parish · Louis J. Perret
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| 1-5 pages | $100 |
| 6-25 pages | $200 |
| 26-50 pages | $300 |
| 51+ pages | $300 |
| Louisiana Clerks' Remote Access Authority (LCRAA) portal feeRequired with most deeds | $5 |
| Court Modernization and Technology Fund feeRequired with most deeds | $5 |
La. R.S. 13:844(A)(1)
Verified September 5, 2026 · Source
Louisiana uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Lafayette Parish — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Louisiana are based on reasonable compensation — typically 1.9%La. C.C.P. arts. 3301, 3303 (attorney fees are an administration expense — La. Civ. Code art. 1415 — payable only on court authorization); art. 3351.1 (dual-role limit)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3%La. C.C.P. arts. 3301, 3303 (attorney fees are an administration expense — La. Civ. Code art. 1415 — payable only on court authorization); art. 3351.1 (dual-role limit)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Lafayette 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.
FirmLafayette, LA
Lafayette firm with over 173 years of combined experience specializing in high-stakes succession disputes, will contests, and probate litigation.
PracticesProbate LitigationEstate DisputesSuccession Litigation
FirmLafayette, LA
Keaty & Tilly, LLC has handled hundreds of estate planning and succession cases throughout Acadiana since 2012. The firm provides attentive representation for adoptions, successions, and everything in between.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateCivil Litigation
Solo PracticeLafayette, LA
Since 2011, Attorney Joshua S. Guillory has helped clients in and around Lafayette with estate planning, succession, and family law matters. Serves clients throughout the Acadiana region including Jefferson Davis Parish.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateWills Trusts
FirmLafayette, LA
LeJeune & Associates provides personalized estate planning services to families across Acadiana. Their services include wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and succession and probate planning, serving clients in Abbeville, Crowley, Lafayette, New Iberia, Jennings, Opelousas, and surrounding areas.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbatePowers Of AttorneyWills Trusts
FirmLafayette, LA
Lafayette firm guiding administrators and executors across Acadiana from probate of a will through distribution. Handles asset valuation and estate tax minimization, represents both executors and will challengers in contested matters, and handles tutorships when a decedent leaves minor children. William P. Stubbs, Jr. is board certified in tax law.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationTax Planningand 2 more
FirmLake Charles, LA
Lake Charles firm serving Calcasieu Parish and Southwest Louisiana, with a second office in New Iberia. Handles Louisiana successions and probate, including small succession affidavits and estate administration, plus wills and powers of attorney. Offers free initial consultations, in person or virtual.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbatePowers Of AttorneyWills Trusts
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.
Data sourced from Louisiana statutes and official state code. How we research.
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Vehicles, jewelry, collectibles, etc.
Mortgages, credit cards, loans, etc.
Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
Select your state and enter an estate value to see a detailed cost estimate.
Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Total probate assets (exclude beneficiary-designated accounts)
Enter your state and estate value to get a personalized recommendation with estimated cost savings.
Score-based assessment with reasoning
Cost comparison vs. hiring an attorney
This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Step-by-step tools for families in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana.
Get a personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
Get a personalized plan for settling a trust after the grantor passes away. Covers beneficiary notification, asset transfers, creditor handling, taxes, and distributions.
Get a score-based recommendation on whether self-filing probate is right for your situation. See estimated savings vs. hiring an attorney and get a step-by-step checklist.
Browse vetted Louisiana attorneys handling probate matters.
