Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Louisiana

My grandmother passed away (grandfather is also deceased). She had three children, two of which are still living with kids of their own. My mother passed away many years ago. I'm pretty sure we're not in any will because the whole family is ashamed that we even exist (mother ran away from home at 16 due to abuse, her side of the family was never a part of our lives). This is a really hootie-tootie Old South-type family.

Under Louisiana law, are we entitled to any portion of the state? Is it possible our grandparents could have disinherited us or our mother?


Asked on 11/08/09, 12:18 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

This question is a bit involved. When your grandfather died, was his succession opened? Did he have a will? When your mother passed, was her succession opened? When your grandmother died, was or is a succession opened? Do you know if she had a will? If she died recently, she could disinherit any child over the age of 23 who was not mentally challenged. However, your mother's children would be entitled to whatever inheritance she was entitled to if she was not properly disinherited. And, even if she was disinherited, you MAY be entitled to something anyway, but there are certain circumstances that must exist. You should invest a couple hundred bucks in an attorney if you think you might be entitled to something substantial. If your mom was not cut out of the inheritance, then she might have been entitled to 1/3 of her dad's (your grandfather's) and then 1/3 of her mom's (your grandmother's) estate. You would then be entitled to your share of your mom's estate, even if she predeceased her father or mother or both. Your zip code indicates you live in or around Baton Rouge, so I know there are plenty of attorneys who would be happy to look into your case, and might accept it without any money or minimum money up front.

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Answered on 11/13/09, 8:49 pm


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