What to Bring to Your Louisiana Will Appointment
A little preparation makes a will appointment faster and more accurate. You do not need to arrive with every account statement you own, but you should know who is involved, what you want the will to accomplish, and whether your circumstances may require attorney advice.
Bring valid identification
Bring a current government-issued photo ID. The name used in the will should match your legal identity. If your name has recently changed or appears differently on important ownership records, mention that before the document is finalized.
Prepare your people list
· Your full legal name and current address
· Your spouse’s full legal name, if applicable
· Names of children, including deceased children and relevant descendants
· Full names of primary and alternate beneficiaries
· Your preferred executor and at least one alternate
· Your preferred guardian and alternate guardian for minor children
· Names of anyone you intentionally wish to omit, so the preparer can identify whether attorney advice is needed
Think through your property
Make a general list of real estate, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, business interests, valuable personal property, and digital assets. You may not need exact balances, but the types of property matter. Note anything located outside Louisiana or owned jointly with another person.
Remember that some assets may pass under beneficiary designations or ownership rules rather than under the will. Life insurance and retirement accounts are common examples. A will appointment is a good prompt to review those designations, even when the will provider is not advising you about them.
Write down your decisions
Decide who should receive the estate, who should receive particular items, and who should inherit if a first-choice beneficiary dies before you. Think about who can responsibly serve as executor. If minor children are involved, consider guardian preferences and whether an attorney should address how inherited funds will be managed.
Bring existing estate documents
Bring any prior will, codicil, trust, power of attorney, prenuptial agreement, or relevant court order. The preparer needs to know whether a new will should revoke an older one and whether another document could conflict with your instructions.
Do not pre-sign the will
A Louisiana notarial testament must be executed with the required participants and formalities. Wait to sign until the scheduled ceremony and follow the notary’s instructions.
NEXT STEP Ready for your appointment? Contact Perkins Road Notary to begin your simple Louisiana will and schedule the signing. We provide the required witnesses, but you should confirm all appointment instructions in advance.
This article provides general information about Louisiana documents and is not legal advice. Laws and individual circumstances vary. A notary cannot give legal advice. Consult a Louisiana attorney about your specific situation.