If you are looking for a Covington Succession & Estate Planning Attorney who will answer the phone and work tirelessly for his clients, Charlton Ogden has spent decades doing exactly that. He helps families across the Northshore protect what they have built, through wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and guiding loved ones through the Louisiana succession process. When you work with Ogden Law, you work directly with Charlton. Not a paralegal, and not a junior associate.
Whether you are in Covington, Mandeville, Madisonville, or elsewhere on the Louisiana Northshore or Greater New Orleans Metro Areas, Ogden Law is here to ensure your legal needs are met with precision.
Why Choose a Trusted Covington Succession & Estate Planning Attorney?
Estate planning and successions are deeply personal matters. We know that you aren’t just dealing with paperwork, you’re protecting your family, your assets, and your peace of mind.
When you work with Ogden Law, you can expect:
One-on-one attention directly from your attorney
Clear explanations in plain English, not legal jargon
Timely communication so you’re never left in the dark
Over a decade of experience with Louisiana estate law
Our goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible, while ensuring your wishes are carried out with precision.
Estate Planning in Louisiana
A proper estate plan gives you control over your future and protects the people you love. At Ogden Law, we help clients build estate plans tailored to their needs.
Wills
- A will allows you to decide who will inherit your property and ensures that your wishes are carried out under Louisiana law.
Trusts
- Trusts can help you avoid probate, protect assets, and provide for children or other loved ones in specific ways.
Powers of Attorney
- General and medical powers of attorney let someone you trust make financial or healthcare decisions if you are unable.
Living Will Declarations
- A living will gives your family and doctors guidance about your medical wishes in end-of-life situations. With the right planning, you can avoid unnecessary costs, delays, and stress for your loved ones.
Explore What We Are Doing Better
At Ogden Law, we leverage our extensive legal expertise to provide clients with personalized, results-driven representation. We pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to understanding each client’s unique needs and crafting tailored solutions to help them achieve their goals.
Experience
“With over a decade of experience as a Covington Succession & Estate Planning Attorney, I have witnessed firsthand how a well-crafted legal strategy can save a family from years of conflict. Our firm doesn’t just fill out forms; we provide the local Northshore expertise required to ensure your legacy is honored in accordance with the Louisiana Civil Code.” — Charlton Ogden
What People Say About Us
Client Testimonials
During the first and subsequent meetings with Mr. Ogden, it became apparent that he was an experienced attorney and knew what needed to be done. His knowledge of procedure and the law made a process that I had been dreading easier.
I was so satisfied with his work on the succession that I had Mr. Ogden prepare additional documents for me. These documents were also prepared in a timely manner and at what I consider a fair price. I now consider Charlton Ogden my attorney and will consult with him for all my legal needs.
Navigating Successions in the 22nd Judicial District Court
Filing a succession in St. Tammany Parish requires a deep understanding of the local rules at the 22nd JDC in Covington. From Madisonville to Slidell, and across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway to Metairie and New Orleans, every legal matter we handle is prepared with the precision required by the local Clerk of Court. Whether you are dealing with a small succession affidavit or a complex estate, Ogden Law provides the local expertise needed to navigate the courthouse efficiently and protect your family’s legacy.
Confused? Not sure where to begin? We've got you covered!
Frequently Asked Questions: Successions & Estate Planning in Covington
What is the difference between a Succession and Probate?
In most states, the court process for settling an estate is called “Probate.” In Louisiana, we call it Succession. While the terms are often used interchangeably by clients, Louisiana’s process is unique due to our Civil Code. As a Covington Succession Attorney, I help families navigate these specific state requirements to ensure a smooth transfer of assets.
Do all estates have to go through a formal succession at the 22nd Judicial District Court?
Not necessarily. If the estate is valued at $125,000 or less and there is no will, we may be able to use a Small Succession Affidavit, which avoids a lengthy court process. However, if there is real estate or a will involved, a formal filing at the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court is typically required to clear the title.
What happens if I die without a Will in Louisiana?
If you die “intestate” (without a will), Louisiana law—not your family—decides who inherits your property. Your spouse does not automatically inherit everything; instead, they often receive a “Usufruct” (the right to use the property), while your children receive “Naked Ownership.” Proper Estate Planning allows you to override these default laws and protect your spouse’s interests.
Can a Trust help my family avoid the Covington courthouse entirely?
Yes. A properly funded Revocable Living Trust allows your assets to pass directly to your beneficiaries without the need for a public succession. This keeps your private family matters out of the public record at the 22nd JDC and often saves your heirs significant time and legal expenses.
What is a "Forced Heir" in Louisiana law?
Louisiana is the only state with “Forced Heirship.” Generally, this means children age 23 or younger, or children of any age with a permanent disability, are legally entitled to a portion of your estate. We specialize in drafting estate plans that respect these laws while maximizing your control over your assets.
Areas Served
Ogden Law LLC: Providing dedicated representation as a Covington Succession & Estate Planning Attorney for clients in Covington, Mandeville, Madisonville, Abita Springs, and across the Northshore & Greater New Orleans Metro Area.
Contact Us
If you have questions or would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact us by phone, e-mail, or through our contact form.
Address
71206 Hendry Ave, Covington, LA 70433