Estate Planning & Probate in St. James Parish, Louisiana
Most St. James Parish estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the District Court.
The Probate Process in St. James 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 St. James Parish, probate runs through the District Court at 5800 LA Hwy 44, 2nd Floor, Convent. The court sits in the 23rd Judicial District. St. James Parish shares the 23rd Judicial District with Ascension and Assumption.
Full St. James Parishprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
St. James Parish · 23rd Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Clerk of Court
St. James Parish · Shane LeBlanc
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$100 for 1-5 pages, $200 for 6-25 pages, $300 for 26-50 pages, $300 plus $5 for each page beyond 50; transfer tax may need separate review.
Full recording details →Verified September 5, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the District Court
Effective August 1, 2025. All amounts are based on one service; each additional service is $100.00.
Louisiana Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in St. James Parish.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
