Probate and Recording Deeds in Jefferson Parish (Metairie), Louisiana
Where to file a will or open probate, and where to record a deed, in Jefferson Parish (Metairie) — with the state rules that apply.
Recording deeds
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court - Mortgage & Conveyance
Recording fee: 1-5 pages $105.00; 6-25 pages $205.00; 26-50 pages $305.00; 51 or more pages $305.00 for first 50 pages plus $5.00 per page thereafter Fee schedule
Louisiana rules that apply
| Small estate affidavit | A 'small succession' is the estate of a Louisiana resident whose property had a gross value of $200,000 or less at death (for a non-resident, Louisiana property of $125,000 or less), or of a person who died at least 20 years before the affidavit, regardless of value. No court proceeding is needed if the person died without a will; if there was a will and no Louisiana real estate, the spouse and all heirs and legatees must agree to waive probate. At least two people (including the surviving spouse, if any, and one or more heirs) sign a sworn affidavit listing the heirs, the property (real estate described well enough to transfer), its value, and each heir's share. Heirs who do not sign must be unlocatable or have received 30 days' mailed notice without objecting. Banks and others may pay or deliver property on the affidavit. Real estate is allowed: the affidavit must be recorded in the conveyance records of the parish where the property is located. No waiting period is set. The resident limit was raised to $200,000 by Acts 2026, No. 293 (it had been $125,000). Related articles: https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=111767, https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=111768, https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=111770. |
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| Probate steps | A succession is opened in the district court. A will is probated (a self-proving notarial testament needs no further proof; others are proved by testimony), ex parte unless someone objects. If administration is needed, the court confirms the executor or appoints an administrator, who posts security if required and receives letters. The court may order an inventory, taken by a notary in each parish where the person left property. Debts are paid only with court authorization. Accounts, including the final account, are served on heirs and residuary legatees and may be approved ('homologated') 10 days after service unless opposed. The heirs and legatees are then sent into possession. Related articles: art. 2881 https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=111558; art. 3131 https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=111617; art. 3301 https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=111704; art. 3336 https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=111721. |
| Signing and recording a deed | A transfer of immovable property (real estate) must be made by authentic act or by act under private signature. An authentic act is signed before a notary and two witnesses by each party, each witness, and the notary, with each signer's name typed or printed beneath the signature. A transfer affects third persons only once it is recorded in the conveyance records of the parish where the property is located. Authentic act: https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109072; recording: https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=110389. Parish recording fees and forms vary. |
All Louisiana wills, probate and estate rules · Eviction court and tenant help in Jefferson Parish (Metairie)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.