Frequently Asked Questions
3. How long
does it take to complete work on an
estate?
Estates
generally have three phases. Probating the will and confirming
the appointment of an executor or administrator is phase one, and that
generally takes about 2 weeks elapsed time. The administration of the
estate represents the second phase, and can last from one month to
several months depending on what needs to be done. Placing in
possession and close out of the estate is the final phase, and
generally can be completed in one month or so elapsed time, once
administration of the estate is complete.
4. Do you make house calls?
Yes, house calls are
sometimes necessary in situations where
the client is disabled, in poor health, institutionalized, or for other
reasons. The nature of a law practice with elderly clients is such that
counsel is sometimes obligated to meet with the client(s) at the home
of the clients, at a nursing home, at a hospital, or other venues. Such
house calls can be made within the metropolitan New Orleans area and
can be completed with only a modest additional charge for travel time.
5. How much does it cost to handle the estate (called a
succession in Louisiana) for a deceased?
As
always, the cost depends on what legal work needs to be done.
That in turn can depend on the size of the estate; whether the deceased
left a last will and testament; whether there are debts of the estate;
the number of heirs or legatees; whether there are any contested
issues; whether the assets are known or need to be investigated; and
many other issues. However, once the scope of an estate can be known
with some certainty, then a fairly reliable estimate of costs can
usually be provided.
While every
estate undertaken would have to be reviewed and quoted as
to costs, some ranges can be estimated for different levels of estate
work. Small, uncontested estates can generally be completed for fees
and
costs that range between $1,500-2,500. Medium-size estates, or estates
with some complications, generally cost between $2,500-$5,000; Large or
complicated estates can cost $5,000-15,000. Fully contested large
estates, which are rare, cannot be reliably estimated due to the
vagaries and uncertainties of litigation.
Michael Duplantier attorney-at-law
. . . handling
the
problems
of the
elderly.
Contact Information
Michael A. Duplantier
820 Baronne Street
New Orleans, Louisiana
504-524-1071
504-524-2407 FAX