Wills & Life Planning Self-Help Tools
Learn about your issue
A Living Will Declaration and End of Life Registry Programs
Links to information about living wills from the Louisiana Secretary of State and a living will declaration form. This also includes a link with information to Louisiana Secretary of State's End Of Life Programs. This information cannot take the place of the advice of an attorney, but it may help you.
Small Succession Guided Assistant
This Guided Assistant tool can help you: (1) determine if you qualify for a Small Succession, and if so, (2) complete the paperwork required to file a Louisiana Small Succession Affidavit. This tool is not legal advice. This tool does not not take the place of legal advice from a competent attorney licensed in your state and familiar with the law and facts of your legal issue.
You Should Know: About Your Day in Court
Tips about how to plan for your day in court, especially if you need to go alone without a lawyer.
Issue Guide: Asking the Court for a Fee Delayer Application - In Forma Pauper (IFP)
The law says an "individual who is unable to pay the costs of court because of his poverty and lack of means" may file without paying court costs. This is called filing in forma pauperis (IFP). It is important to know that filing the affidavit with the court does not automatically lead to IFP status.
Lousiana Expungement Eligibility
This app will help you determine whether or not you can get your criminal record expunged under Louisiana law. If you are likely eligible for an expungement, you will find resources for pro bono and private attorneys who can assist you.
Papers in your Civil Court Case: Words You Should Know
You may come across some of these words in court. This presentation is based on a resource created with the Pro Se Subcommittee of the Louisiana State Bar Association's Access to Justice Committee.
People in Your Civil Court Case: Words You Should Know
Watch this presentation to find out about words you need to know describing people in your civil court case. This presentation is based on a resource created with the Pro Se Subcommittee of the Louisiana State Bar Association's Access to Justice Committee.
Places in your Civil Court Case: Words You Should Know
Learn more about words you may come across in state courts in Louisiana. This presentation is based on a resource created with the Pro Se Subcommittee of the Louisiana State Bar Association's Access to Justice Committee.
Procedures in your Civil Court Case: Words You Should Know
You may come across some of these words in court. This presentation is based on a resource created with the Pro Se Subcommittee of the Louisiana State Bar Association's Access to Justice Committee.
Representing Yourself in Court: Your Rights and Responsibilities
Tips if you must handle your legal issue on your own without a lawyer. This document is strictly for informational purposes, it does not include legal advice.
Self Representation: How to Get Ready for Your Day in Court
See this brochure to find out more about what happens in the courtroom, how to behave, and more.
Your Guide to a Louisiana Small Succession Affidavit
A small succession affidavit is for collection of personal property and allows the rightful heir(s) to claim a person’s estate if they did not make a will. A small estate affidavit allows the estate to bypass the probate process which involves going to court to figure out who gets what. If no one objects to the small estate filing, then the filing party will receive the assets and property of the estate, less any debts owed by the person who died (decedent).