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Home→Tools→Executor Duties Checklist→Louisiana

What Are My Duties as Executor in Louisiana?

Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

An executor (or personal representative) in Louisiana is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

The probate petition filing fee in Louisiana starts at approximately $300.La. C.C.P. arts. 3302, 3303, 3304, 3351, 3351.1, 3396.2, 3421, 3431, 3434, 2891, 3151, 3153 (verified on legis.la.gov, May 2026). Art. 2891 amended by Acts 2025, No. 30 (SB 49, eff. 8/1/2025) — no-proof rule now expressly tied to Art. 2887(A) compliance; substance unchanged.Verified May 31, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.

Louisiana requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 3 months to file claims.La. C.C.P. arts. 3302, 3303, 3304, 3351, 3351.1, 3396.2, 3421, 3431, 3434, 2891, 3151, 3153 (verified on legis.la.gov, May 2026). Art. 2891 amended by Acts 2025, No. 30 (SB 49, eff. 8/1/2025) — no-proof rule now expressly tied to Art. 2887(A) compliance; substance unchanged.Verified May 31, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.

Louisiana allows estates valued at $125,000 or less to use a Small Succession.La. C.C.P. arts. 3302, 3303, 3304, 3351, 3351.1, 3396.2, 3421, 3431, 3434, 2891, 3151, 3153 (verified on legis.la.gov, May 2026). Art. 2891 amended by Acts 2025, No. 30 (SB 49, eff. 8/1/2025) — no-proof rule now expressly tied to Art. 2887(A) compliance; substance unchanged.Verified May 31, 2026 The waiting period is 0 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.

Louisiana allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.La. C.C.P. art. 3351 (2.5% of inventory default; court may increase if inadequate)Verified May 31, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2.5% to 2.5% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Louisiana executor fee calculator.

Probate costs in Louisiana include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Louisiana probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.

Executor Duties in Louisiana

The first step as executor in Louisiana is filing the will and petition for probate with the court. Filing fees start at $300La. R.S. 13:841; La. CCP Art. 3421-3422; Acts 2024, No. 90, §1 (SB 32)Verified May 31, 2026. Once appointed, the court issues letters testamentary (or letters of administration if there is no will), which authorize the executor to act on behalf of the estate.

Louisiana requires 3 monthsLa. C.C.P. art. 3302Verified May 31, 2026 for creditors to file claims. During this period, the executor inventories assets, pays valid debts, and manages estate property. Estates under $125,000La. C.C.P. arts. 3302Verified May 31, 2026 may qualify for streamlined procedures that reduce both time and expense.

Executor compensation in Louisiana typically ranges from 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 the estate value. Courts evaluate fees based on estate complexity and time spent. The Louisiana executor fee calculator provides a detailed estimate.

The probate timeline in Louisiana starts at 3 monthsLa. C.C.P. arts. 3302Verified May 31, 2026 for straightforward estates. A revocable living trust avoids this timeline altogether — assets transfer to beneficiaries without court involvement. For estates in probate, the Louisiana creditor claims guide outlines key deadlines.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 31, 2026

Legal Sources

  • 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. 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.

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Louisiana Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Louisiana probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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