Wills, Trust & Successions
Lake Charles Estate Planning Lawyers
Enjoy the peace of mind that being prepared brings and know your loved ones will find relief in not having to make crucial decisions at a time when they are least able to do so.
It has been said that nothing is certain in life but death and taxes; nevertheless, many people defer their estate planning almost indefinitely. At Sudduth and Associates, we understand that while scary, wills, probate and trusts are an essential part of life planning.
Areas of Service:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Living Wills
- Durable Powers of Attorney (medical and financial)
- Declarations
- Probate Administration
- Estate Administration
- The Benefits of Estate Planning
One of the primary benefits of estate planning is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your last wishes will be carried out according to your specifications. And knowing that your loved ones will be relieved of the responsibility of making crucial decisions at a time when they are least able to make those kinds of determinations.
Contact us today for a consultation.
Dedicated Team of Estate Planning Attorneys
Wills and Living Wills
The drafting of a simple will is a relatively easy process, and for that reason, it is neither costly, nor time consuming to have one prepared. And yet, the dignity and peace of mind it conveys are priceless.
If for any reason you become unable to make medical or financial decisions for yourself, a living will or physicians directive can provide guidance to caregivers to make certain your wishes are carried out. In addition to communicating with loved ones what your wishes would be under these circumstances, a Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates memorializes your wishes. This document can help prevent confusion and be of great comfort to those who may be called upon to help make such a difficult decision. Below are helpful descriptions of common estate planning documents.
- Will – A Will is a written, legal document that provides details and instructions for the disposition of a decedent’s (deceased person’s) property. This can be used to explain how property is to be allocated and who would be responsible for carrying out your wishes.
- Trust – A Trust is a type of legal entity which is used to hold legal title to property (usually the decedent’s) fro the benefit of one or more persons. This is commonly used in conjunction with a will, so that real or personal property is properly distributed after your passing.
- Living Will – Also called Physicians Directive, this document will direct your medical care in the event you become incapacitated or are unable to communicate your wishers to your health care providers.
- Durable Power of Attorney – This document designates specific people to handle certain tasks on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This can be applied to health care, to designate specific people to administer care or to serve as implied consent; or to property, so that designated people can handle your affairs on your behalf.
Probate and Estate Administration
The primary goal of the probate process is to promote the orderly distribution of an estate. At Sudduth & Associates, we prepare all documents necessary to bring about the orderly distribution of the estate. Our knowledgeable and compassionate lawyers and staff can help you during this important time. Call today for a free initial consultation at 1-833- SUDDUTH.
The Advantage of a Former Prosecutor on Your Side Client Reviews
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"Best team of lawyers to have on your side!!"True professionalism with compassion! Best team of lawyers to have on your side!! Thank you for saving my future and giving back hope when I was feeling hopeless. James Sudduth and Kourtney Kech are my dream team!!- Kari
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"Thank you for saving my future and giving back hope when I was feeling hopeless."Thank you for saving my future and giving back hope when I was feeling hopeless. James Sudduth and Kourtney Kech are my dream team!!- Kari P.
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"Without a doubt, I would recommend James to anybody looking for Lawyer who is looking after their clients best interest."I felt very at ease speaking with James. He listened, took detailed notes and asked for clarification where he felt it was required. Secondly, he gave me some excellent advice regarding my situation, both legal and also mediation.- Former Client
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"He and his associates took on the job with full confidence, transparency, and above all- due diligence."I was at my wits end to find someone in the Calcasieu parish of a professional nature, dedicated to take my case. Mr. Sudduth was the answer. He and his associates took on the job with full confidence, transparency, and above all- due diligence.- Former Client
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"This is a law firm that cares about what they're doing. Highly recommended, and respected."These guys are thorough, competent, confident, knowledgable, and so much more. This is a law firm that cares about what they're doing. Highly recommended, and respected. Thank you!- Dakota J.
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"Keep fighting the Good Fight. I give my absolute highest recommendation!"Upon meeting with Mr. Sudduth for the first time, it was very obvious to me that he was well experienced in his areas of practice. He was very communicative, made himself available to address any concerns or needs and was extremely attentive to the details of my case. As thorough, goal-oriented, hard-working and determined as he and his staff were, one attribute stood out among the rest-they genuinely cared about me and my family. This was my first (and hopefully last) experience dealing with this type of litigation and the trauma it caused us, but James was there every step of the way and he fought for me; he fought for a resolution to the injustice I suffered. He cut straight through all of the nonsense and helped change workplace culture to make it a better place to work for everyone. For that, I am extremely grateful and proud that I made the choice to hire him as my attorney. I pray that many blessings come to the Sudduth and Associates team—Keep fighting the Good Fight. I give my absolute highest recommendation!- Rebecca
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"His passion for helping people sets him apart from any other attorney in this area."Smart, driven, direct, passionate. Amazing man, which makes him an amazing attorney. Treated me and my family as if we were a part of his. I am forever grateful for the hard work and dedication he put into my case.- Sherese
