Bossier City Estate Planning Attorney

Protect Your Legacy with Trusted Legal Guidance from Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones, your assets, and your wishes. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our experienced Bossier City estate planning lawyers provide strategic, compassionate, and personalized estate planning services tailored to your goals. Whether you need to draft a will, establish a trust, or create a comprehensive plan for your healthcare and financial decisions, we’re here to help you prepare with confidence.

Contact us at (318) 633-0186 to schedule your consultation, where we can discuss your needs and explore your options.

What is an Estate Plan?

An estate plan is a collection of legal documents that outlines how your assets, medical care, and personal affairs should be handled in the event of your death or incapacity. While many people associate estate planning with large estates or significant wealth, the truth is that everyone can benefit from having an estate plan—regardless of age, income, or family size.

Estate planning ensures that:

• Your assets are distributed according to your wishes
• Your minor children are cared for by the guardian you choose
• Your medical and financial decisions are respected if you become unable to make them yourself
• Your loved ones are not burdened with costly and time-consuming court proceedings

What is Included in an Estate Plan?

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we help clients in Bossier City and surrounding areas build estate plans that reflect their unique needs. A comprehensive estate plan may include:

• Last Will and Testament: A will directs how your assets should be distributed and names guardians for any minor children. Without a valid will, Louisiana’s intestacy laws will dictate who inherits your property, which may not align with your wishes.
• Revocable Living Trust: Trusts allow you to transfer assets to beneficiaries without going through probate. A living trust can also provide protections for minors, people with disabilities, or those who might not be prepared to handle a large inheritance.
• Durable Power of Attorney: This document allows someone you trust to manage your finances if you are incapacitated. Without one, your loved ones may have to seek court approval to handle your affairs.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney (Medical Proxy): A medical power of attorney gives someone the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot speak for yourself.
• Living Will (Advance Directive): A living will outlines your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment, such as ventilators or feeding tubes.
• Beneficiary Designations: We ensure your retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other accounts have updated and legally sound beneficiary designations.
• Letter of Intent: While not a legal document, a letter of intent can provide guidance to loved ones and executors about your wishes, funeral arrangements, and personal messages.

Benefits of an Estate Plan

Estate planning is not just about passing on wealth—it's about providing peace of mind, control, and clarity for you and your loved ones. Here are some of the most important benefits:

• Avoid Probate: Probate can be a costly and time-consuming process. A well-drafted estate plan can minimize or eliminate the need for probate entirely.
• Protect Loved Ones: Estate planning helps ensure your family members and dependents are taken care of in the way you choose. It can also prevent family disputes by providing clear instructions.
• Minimize Taxes: An estate planning attorney can help structure your plan in a way that reduces estate taxes and preserves more of your assets for your beneficiaries.
• Plan for Incapacity: With powers of attorney and advance directives, you can make sure your health and finances are managed by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
• Maintain Privacy: Unlike wills, trusts are not public documents. If privacy is a concern, a trust can keep your affairs confidential.
• Peace of Mind: Having an estate plan in place provides reassurance that your affairs will be handled according to your values, goals, and wishes.

FAQs About Estate Planning in Bossier City, LA

Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Louisiana?

While Louisiana law allows individuals to create handwritten (olographic) wills, they must meet strict requirements and are often challenged in court. Working with a Bossier City estate planning attorney ensures your will is valid, legally enforceable, and part of a broader, effective estate plan.

How often should I update my estate plan?

You should review your estate plan every 3–5 years or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring significant assets. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we help clients keep their plans up to date.

What happens if I die without a will in Louisiana?

Louisiana’s intestate succession laws will determine how your property is divided. This could mean your assets go to relatives you never intended to benefit, and the court will appoint a guardian for your children.

Can I disinherit someone in my estate plan?

In most cases, yes. However, Louisiana law protects certain “forced heirs” (typically children under 24 or those with disabilities), who may be entitled to a portion of your estate regardless of your will. We can advise you on your options.

Work with a Trusted Bossier City Estate Planning Lawyer

Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all solution. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we take the time to understand your goals, family dynamics, and financial situation so we can create a plan that works for you today and into the future.

Whether you're starting from scratch or need to revise an existing plan, we are ready to guide you through every step with professionalism and care. Secure your future with help from a dedicated Bossier City estate planning attorney.

Call (318) 633-0186 now or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation. Let us help you protect what matters most.