Succession & Probate Intake Questionnaire

1 Your Information

Please provide your contact and identifying information. You are the person opening or initiating the succession.

Full Legal Name (required)

Relationship to Decedent

Date of Birth

Driver's License State

Street Address

City

Parish

State

ZIP Code

Cell Phone

Email Address (required)

Preferred Contact Method

Contact Restrictions or Special Instructions

2 Decedent Information

Please provide the decedent's information exactly as it appears on official documents (driver's license, birth certificate, title documents). Name discrepancies can cause delays in court proceedings.

Full Legal Name (required)

Other Names Used (maiden, prior married, aliases)

Date of Birth

Date of Death (required)

Social Security Number (last 4)

Parish of Domicile at Death (required)

State of Domicile

Last Known Address

Place of Death (city, parish, state)

3 Type of Succession Matter

Succession in Louisiana follows different procedures depending on whether there is a will, the size of the estate, and whether court supervision is needed. If you are unsure, select "Not sure" and we will help determine the appropriate type.

What type of succession matter is this?

Testate — decedent left a will Intestate — decedent did NOT leave a will Small Succession — gross estate $125,000 or less, or decedent died 20+ years ago (La. R.S. 9:1561) Succession with Administration — court-supervised Ancillary — decedent domiciled outside LA but owned LA property Not sure — I need guidance

4 The Will

In Louisiana, a will can be "olographic" (entirely in the decedent's handwriting) or "notarial" (signed before a notary and two witnesses). The type of will determines the probate procedure.

Do you have the original will?

Yes No I'm not sure where it is

Type of Will

Date on the Will

Is the will signed?

Yes No Unsure

If notarial: Names of notary and witnesses (if known)

Does the will name an executor?

Yes No Unsure

If yes, executor name

Are there any codicils (amendments to the will)?

Yes No Unsure

Are you aware of any prior wills?

Yes No

Has anyone contested or expressed disagreement with the will?

Yes No

If yes, describe the objection or disagreement:

Does the will authorize independent administration (handling estate without court supervision)?

Yes No Unsure

Does the will create any trusts (e.g., for minor children, special needs beneficiaries)?

Yes No Unsure

Describe the trust provisions (who is the trustee, who benefits, what property is included):

5 Decedent's Marital History

Louisiana is a community property state. Marriage dates and prior marriages directly affect how assets are classified and distributed.

Marital Status at Time of Death

Surviving Spouse Full Name

Surviving Spouse Address

Surviving Spouse Phone

Date of Marriage

Parish of Marriage

Was there a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement?

Deceased Spouse's Full Name

Date of Marriage

Date Spouse Died

Was the prior spouse's succession completed?

Yes No Unsure

Was there a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement?

Former Spouse's Full Name

Date of Divorce Judgment

Was community property fully partitioned?

Yes No Unsure

If community property was never partitioned, the former spouse may still have claims to estate assets.

Does anyone currently have a usufruct (right to use) over any of the decedent's property?

Yes No Unsure

A usufruct is a right to use and enjoy another person's property (common in Louisiana for surviving spouses).

Describe the usufruct (who holds it, over what property, and the source — will, law, or donation):

Any prior marriages?

Yes No

Prior Marriage Details

6 Heirs & Family Members

In Louisiana, children who were 23 or younger at the decedent's death (or children of any age with a permanent mental or physical incapacity) may be "forced heirs" with a guaranteed share of the estate that the will cannot take away. Please provide accurate dates of birth.

Surviving Children?

Yes No

Did any children predecease the decedent?

Yes No

Surviving Parents of Decedent?

Yes, both Yes, one No

Surviving Siblings?

Yes No

Any Other Potential Heirs?

7 Real Property (Immovables)

Include ALL real property — residences, land, rental property, commercial property, mineral interests.

Did the decedent own any real property?

Yes No

Did the decedent own real property in any state other than Louisiana?

Yes No Unsure

Out-of-state property may require separate legal proceedings (ancillary succession) in that state.

Describe the out-of-state property (state, address, approximate value):

8 Movable Property & Financial Accounts

Be as thorough as possible. Assets not listed may be overlooked in the succession proceedings. Note that retirement accounts and life insurance often pass by beneficiary designation, not through the succession.

Bank Accounts

Investment / Brokerage Accounts

Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401k, pension)

Do the retirement accounts have named beneficiaries?

Yes — named beneficiary No / estate is beneficiary Unsure

Accounts with named beneficiaries typically pass outside the succession directly to the beneficiary.

Life Insurance Policies

Do the life insurance policies have named beneficiaries?

Yes — named beneficiary No / estate is beneficiary Unsure

Policies with named beneficiaries typically pass outside the succession directly to the beneficiary.

Vehicles (year, make, model)

Business Interests

Valuable Personal Property (jewelry, art, collections, firearms, etc.)

Mineral Interests (oil, gas, timber, royalties)

Yes No Unsure

Describe mineral interests (location, type, producing or non-producing, approximate value):

Any Other Significant Assets

Did the decedent make any significant gifts during their lifetime?

Yes No Unsure

Significant gifts (donations) made during the decedent's lifetime may affect how the estate is divided among heirs.

Describe the gifts (to whom, what property, approximate value, when):

Approximate Total Value of All Movable Assets

9 Liabilities & Debts

Mortgages (lender and approximate balance)

Credit Card Debt

Personal Loans

Medical Bills

Tax Obligations (federal/state)

Any Pending Lawsuits Against the Decedent?

Yes No

Describe the lawsuit:

Funeral Expenses (paid or outstanding?)

Any Other Debts

Approximate Total Liabilities

10 Prior Legal Actions & Documentation

Has a succession been opened in any court?

Yes No

Death Certificate Obtained?

Yes No Ordered

Number of Certified Copies of Death Certificate

Any Existing Title Abstracts or Property Records?

Yes No

Any Existing Tax Returns for the Decedent or Estate?

Yes No

Has Anyone Been Appointed to Manage the Estate or Pay Bills?

Yes No

11 Conflicts Check

List all persons and entities involved:

Have you previously been a client of Aertker Legal?

Yes No

Any known connections to opposing parties or other heirs?

12 Your Goals & Additional Information

What is the most important outcome for you?

Any Family Disputes or Concerns About the Succession?

Is There Any Urgency?

Yes No

If yes, describe (e.g., property sale pending, creditors pressing, tax deadlines, etc.):

Additional Information

How Did You Hear About Us?

Referred By (name)

13 Acknowledgment & Signature

I certify that the information I have provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this questionnaire does not create an attorney-client relationship until a formal engagement letter has been signed. I understand that Louisiana succession matters involve strict legal requirements, and I authorize Aertker Legal, LLC to use this information to evaluate my matter.

Printed Name

Electronic Signature

Date

Succession & Probate Intake Questionnaire

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