Retirement Planning Lawyer in Baton Rouge
Plan Your Retirement & Legacy With Confidence
As you approach or move through retirement, you may start to wonder whether your savings, home, and other assets will truly reach the people you intend. In Louisiana, the rules that control what happens after you pass away are different from the rest of the country, and that can make planning feel confusing.
At Law Office of Wendra J. Moran, I focus my practice on Louisiana estate planning and probate work. I help people in and around Baton Rouge build retirement-focused plans that respect both state law and their personal wishes. My goal is to make the process clear, manageable, and tailored to your family, not a generic set of documents.
Call (225) 228-4445 to schedule your retirement planning consultation in Baton Rouge.
Why Retirement Planning Is Different Here
One key concept is forced heirship. In certain circumstances, Louisiana law may require that a portion of your estate go to particular children, known as forced heirs, even if your will says something different. This can affect how you leave property to a surviving spouse, how you treat children from a prior marriage, and how much flexibility you have with gifts.
Another concept that often affects retirement planning is usufruct. A surviving spouse may hold a usufruct over the family home or other assets. This means the spouse can use and enjoy the property, while children or other heirs own the underlying interest. Planning ahead can help you clarify how long that usufruct lasts and what happens when it ends.
Many families here have retirement accounts, pensions, life insurance, and homes in the Baton Rouge area, along with adult children who live nearby or out of state. I help clients understand how these Louisiana rules interact with beneficiary designations, community property, and joint ownership so that their retirement decisions line up with the legal framework that will apply later.
Planning For Your Family & Assets
Many clients find it helpful to think through a few core decisions:
- Who should handle financial and medical decisions for you if you cannot act on your own
- How you want your home and retirement savings divided among your spouse, children, and other loved ones
- Whether there are specific gifts you want to make, such as to grandchildren or a charitable cause
- How to plan for blended families so no one feels overlooked or surprised
- What guidance you want to leave about healthcare, end-of-life care, and staying in your home as long as possible
Flat Fee Planning & Ongoing Support
Cost is a natural concern, especially if you are living on a fixed or carefully planned retirement income. I use a flat-fee structure for retirement-focused estate planning so you know the cost of your plan from the outset. There are no surprise hourly bills for routine questions or meetings within the planning package.
During our first discussion, I explain what the flat fee covers. This typically includes our meetings, review of existing documents, design of your new plan, preparation of all agreed documents, and a signing meeting where we finalize everything. If your needs change or you decide to add more complex elements, we talk about that before any additional work begins.
Good planning continues after the ink is dry. Over time, you may downsize your home, welcome new grandchildren, or see changes in tax or succession laws. I encourage clients to check in when major life events occur or every few years to confirm that their plan still fits. We can then discuss whether formal updates are needed and how best to accomplish them.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start retirement planning in Louisiana?
It is helpful to start planning as you approach retirement, or sooner if you already own a home or have significant savings. The key is to act before a crisis. We can adjust your plan over time, but having a solid foundation in place provides security for you and your family.
How does forced heirship affect my children?
Forced heirship may require that certain children receive a reserved portion of your estate, even if your will says otherwise. Whether it applies depends on their age and health. I explain how the rules apply to your family so you can plan within that framework and reduce surprises.
What does your flat-fee planning include?
My flat fee typically includes our consultations, review of any existing documents, design of your retirement-focused plan, preparation of agreed documents, and a supervised signing. I explain the fee clearly at the beginning so you know what is covered and can budget with confidence.
Can we meet remotely if I live outside town?
Yes, I can often meet by phone or video if you live outside the immediate Baton Rouge area or have mobility concerns. Certain documents must still be signed in accordance with Louisiana requirements. We discuss practical options so the process remains convenient and legally sound.
How often should I update my retirement plan?
It is wise to review your plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, or a significant change in assets. Many clients also check in every few years. I work with you to decide when updates are needed and how to keep your plan current.
Talk With Me About Your Plan
If you would like your retirement and estate plans to reflect both your wishes and Louisiana law, I am here to help. We can sit down, review where you are now, and create a clear path forward so that your spouse, children, and other loved ones are protected.
Call (225) 228-4445 to schedule your retirement planning consultation in Baton Rouge.
