States / Louisiana
After a death in Louisiana
Where to look for a will, who to ask and where to search for money in Louisiana.
The will
Which court handles probate
The district court of the parish where the person lived. Louisiana calls probate a 'succession'.
"A proceeding to open a succession shall be brought in the district court of the parish where the deceased was domiciled"
Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).
What to do with the original will
Anyone who has a paper that claims to be the person's will must present it to the court with a petition to file it in the succession record, even if they doubt it is valid. Presenting it does not mean they vouch for it.
"the person shall present the document to the court with a petition praying that the document be filed"
La. C.C.P. art. 2853. Read the source.
Wills deposited during life
The Louisiana Secretary of State keeps a Will Registry for a $10 fee, but it only records where a will is kept. The will itself is not filed there.
"Please note that the actual will itself is not filed in this office."
La. R.S. 9:2446-7. Read the source.
Opening a safe deposit box
A bank may give access to a succession or estate representative with court-issued letters, and a judgment of possession or small succession affidavit lets it hand contents to the heirs. We did not confirm any special early access just to look for a will.
"a bank may grant access to or allow the transfer of contents of a safety deposit box"
La. R.S. 6:325. Read the source.
Searching for a will or case
The Secretary of State's Will Registry can show where a will was said to be kept, if the person registered it. After the death, anyone with a death certificate, an affidavit of death and heirship, or other satisfactory proof can get a copy for $10.
"a copy can be provided to anyone who presents a death certificate, affidavit of death and heirship or other satisfactory evidence"
Unclaimed money
Louisiana Department of the Treasury
"If you find your name on the list, you can make a claim for free."
Instructions for heirs and estates
Source, checked 2026-10-15.
Small estates
We couldn't check this rule at an official source, so we won't guess. Ask the probate court clerk in the county where they lived.
Death certificates
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First copy $7.00, more copies in the same order $7.00 each. The office lists eligible relatives, beneficiaries, representatives, authorized applicants and financial institutions. Starred categories are served by the central office only. Read the full quoted proof requirements.
Order from the state. Online vendors add fees.
State will and court rules checked 2026-11-06. See how we check facts or report a mistake. This is general information, not legal advice.