At Buhrer Law Firm, we help individuals and families in Metairie create structured estate plans that reflect their goals and account for Louisiana’s unique legal system. Whether you are putting a plan in place for the first time or updating existing documents, we work with you to create a clear, enforceable approach that fits your circumstances.
Why Clients Choose Buhrer Law Firm
Clients across Metairie and the New Orleans area rely on our firm for thoughtful planning and direct guidance.
- Attorney R. Scott Buhrer has more than 35 years of experience handling Louisiana estate and succession matters
- Courts appoint him as a Special Master to evaluate complex legal issues and provide recommendations to judges
- He has earned an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for professional standards and legal ability
- We design estate plans tailored to your goals, including asset protection, family planning, and long-term decision-making
- We draft and structure wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to align with Louisiana law and help reduce complications during succession
What Happens If You Do Not Have an Estate Plan in Louisiana?
Without an estate plan, Louisiana law determines how your property is distributed and who is responsible for handling your affairs. That process may not reflect your preferences and can require court involvement to appoint decision-makers and oversee the transfer of assets.
Creating an estate plan allows you to make these decisions in advance rather than leaving them to statutory rules.
What Documents Are Included in an Estate Plan?
A complete estate plan typically includes several key documents that work together:
- Last will and testament to direct how your property is distributed
- Trusts to manage assets and, in some cases, allow them to pass outside of succession
- Powers of attorney for financial and legal decision-making if you cannot act
- Living wills and healthcare powers of attorney to outline medical preferences and appoint a decision-maker
We help you determine which documents are appropriate based on your assets, family structure, and long-term goals.
Should You Use a Will or a Trust in Louisiana?
The right structure depends on what you want your plan to accomplish.
A will allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint an executor, and designate guardians for minor children. It still requires a succession proceeding.
A trust can allow assets to transfer outside of succession while providing ongoing management. Trusts are often used when:
- You want to control how and when assets are distributed
- Your estate includes real estate or business interests
- You want assets managed over time for minor children or dependents
- You prefer a more private transfer of assets
In many cases, a combination of both is used to balance control, efficiency, and flexibility. We help you evaluate these options and decide what approach fits your situation.
How Can Estate Planning Help Reduce Succession Complications?
Succession can be time-consuming, especially when there are complex assets or disagreements among heirs. Planning in advance can simplify the process.
A well-structured plan can:
- Clarify how assets should be distributed
- Reduce uncertainty for family members
- Limit disputes over roles or responsibilities
- Help streamline administration and reduce delays during succession
We focus on creating clear documents that reduce confusion and help your family move forward more efficiently.
How Louisiana Law Affects Your Estate Plan
Louisiana’s legal system includes rules that directly impact estate planning decisions:
- Forced heirship may require that a portion of your estate be reserved for certain children.
- Community property laws affect how assets acquired during marriage are classified and transferred.
These rules directly affect how your estate plan must be structured to be enforceable and effective. We take these factors into account so your plan aligns with Louisiana law and functions as intended.
How the Estate Planning Process Works
We guide you through each step of the estate planning process so you understand what is being created and why.
- Initial consultation to discuss your goals, assets, and family structure
- Plan design based on your priorities and Louisiana legal requirements
- Drafting documents tailored to your situation
- Review and execution to ensure accuracy and proper signing
- Ongoing updates as your life or financial situation changes
This approach keeps the process clear and focused on your needs.
Start Your Estate Plan With Buhrer Law Firm
The decisions you make now will shape how your assets are handled and how your family moves forward. A clear estate plan gives you control over those outcomes instead of leaving them to default rules and court involvement.
At Buhrer Law Firm, we work with you to create a plan that reflects your goals and holds up under Louisiana law. Contact us to schedule a consultation.