Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Louisiana

Re: Time limit on wills transferings into house deeds

If the succession is opened without mention of a will, then a will must be probated within 5 years from the date of the opening of the succession. If no succession is opened at all, then the period does not begin to run. Please note that "ownership" of inherited property transfers "immediately" upon death of the owner, whether a succession is actually opened or not. However, 3rd parties are not affected until the public records are properly updated. If you know of the existence of a will and purposely keep that fact a secret and it damages the testamentary legatees, then you and any other person who keep the secret may be liable for monetary damages. Additionally, your use of another's property is covered under the criminal law and referred to as either "theft" or "unauthorized use of property."