How to handle small estate

[kfdh]

What is the name of your state? Louisiana My mother left very little upon her death - no property, a couple of small life insurance policies and a CD. What there is, is to be split between my brother and myself. There was no will. Do we need to hire an attorney to settle this estate?
I do not know how to handle her income taxes. She apparently did not yet file her 2005 taxes (there was an automatic extension for Katrina victims), and did not keep copies of past tax returns.

 

[seniorjudge]

What is the name of your state? Louisiana My mother left very little upon her death - no property, a couple of small life insurance policies and a CD. What there is, is to be split between my brother and myself. There was no will. Do we need to hire an attorney to settle this estate?
I do not know how to handle her income taxes. She apparently did not yet file her 2005 taxes (there was an automatic extension for Katrina victims), and did not keep copies of past tax returns.

Louisiana: La. Code Civ. Proc. Ann. art. 3421 (West 2003); La. Code Civ. Proc. Ann. art. 3431 (West 2003)

Nonprobate Procedures Maximum Small Estate Value Property Types
Affidavit $50,000 Estate, but no immovable property


http://www.halt.org/legal_information_clearinghouse/small_estates/


The life insurance will not go through probate (unless it is payable to her estate).

Ask the court clerk for the forms for the small estates affidavit.