ProbateUS
Probate Court

St. Martin Parish

Louisiana

337-394-2210

Phone

337-394-2210

Website

Official Site →

Email

laura@smclerkofcourt.com

In St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, you file a probate case with the St. Martin Parish probate court at 415 St. Martin Street, St. Martinville, LA 70582. You can reach the court at 337-394-2210. Below you'll find 3 filing fees, 45 downloadable forms and the office hours.

Court details last updated

Court Location & Contact

Address

415 St. Martin Street, St. Martinville, LA 70582

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

St. Martin Parish, Louisiana

Fee TypeAmount
Succession (Probate) Advance Depositapproximately $500 (fees vary based on the complexity and number of pages)
Small Succession Affidavit Recordingapproximately $105+ (varies by page count)
Certified Copiesapproximately $5 per document plus per-page fees

Probate Forms Library

45 fillable forms. Scroll the list to see them all.

1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload
1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload
1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload
SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload
SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload
Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload
SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload
706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload
SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload
1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload
706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload
FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload
VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload
SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload
FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload
SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload
FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload
8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload
1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload
8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload
56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload
706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload
1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload
I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload
2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload
FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload
706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload
4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload
FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload
SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload
1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload
706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload
706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload
1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload
706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload
706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
Petition to Make Foreign Protective Order Executory in LouisianastateDownload

How Probate Works in St. Martin Parish

Probate in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana

The St. Martin Parish Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in St. Martin Parish, LA, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Louisiana, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Louisiana?

Probate is generally required when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

  • The estate contains assets above Louisiana's small estate threshold

  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors

  • Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in St. Martin Parish

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the St. Martin Parish Probate Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by Louisiana law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Louisiana, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Louisiana does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with St. Martin Parish Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the St. Martin Parish Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Funeral homes near the St. Martin Parish probate court

Additional Notes

The 16th Judicial District Court handles all probate and estate matters (known as successions in Louisiana) for decedents who were domiciled in the parish at the time of death. Legal notices are published in the Teche News. St. Martin Parish typically requires an advance deposit for court costs at the time of filing.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Common Questions

Where do I file for probate in St. Martin Parish, LA?

Probate petitions for estates in St. Martin Parish are filed at the St. Martin Parish Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in St. Martin Parish?

Probate filing fees in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Louisiana?

Probate in Louisiana typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in St. Martin Parish?

While not always legally required in Louisiana, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Louisiana, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The St. Martin Parish Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

The closest we list to this court

John Blackman

Jones Walker

Baton Rouge · 45 mi

General Trust & EstateBusiness Planning+1

Sidney (Sid) Blitzer

Butler Snow LLP

Baton Rouge · 45 mi

Jeffrey (Jeff) Koonce

Bernhard Capital Partners Management

Baton Rouge · 45 mi

Justin Mannino

Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips

Baton Rouge · 45 mi

Business PlanningTestamentary Planning+1

Joseph (Joe) Mengis

Perry, Atkinson, Balhoff, Mengis, Burns & Ellis, LLC

Baton Rouge · 46 mi

See more attorneys near St. Martin Parish→

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