When someone dies in Louisiana, the court needs a clear picture of what they owned. That’s where the asset inventory comes in it’s a required list of everything the deceased person owned at the time of death. Getting this right matters because it affects how debts are paid, taxes are filed, and property is distributed to heirs. If you’re handling a probate case in Louisiana, whether as an executor, administrator, or family member, knowing how to complete asset inventory for Louisiana probate cases correctly can save time, avoid court delays, and prevent disputes.

What exactly is an asset inventory in Louisiana probate?

An asset inventory is a sworn document filed with the parish court that lists all assets owned by the deceased (called the “decedent”) as of their date of death. This includes real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, personal belongings, investments, business interests, and even digital assets like cryptocurrency or online accounts with value. It also notes whether each asset is community property (acquired during marriage) or separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance).

Louisiana law requires this inventory to be filed within 90 days after the succession representative is appointed unless the court grants an extension. The inventory isn’t just a formality; it becomes part of the public record and helps ensure the estate is settled fairly.

How do I find all the assets?

Start by gathering documents: tax returns, bank statements, deeds, vehicle titles, insurance policies, retirement account statements, and safe deposit box records. Talk to the decedent’s accountant, attorney, or financial advisor if possible. Don’t overlook smaller items Louisiana courts expect even household goods and personal effects to be listed, though they can be grouped (e.g., “living room furniture” or “kitchenware”).

For real estate, check parish assessor records. For vehicles, use the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles database. If the decedent owned property in another state, that may need separate handling but it still belongs on the Louisiana inventory.

If you’re unsure what counts as an asset, our guide on Louisiana estate planning asset documentation guidelines walks through common categories and what paperwork supports each one.

What mistakes should I avoid?

• Omitting assets even if they seem minor or jointly owned. If the decedent had any ownership interest, it likely belongs on the list.
• Guessing values use the fair market value as of the date of death. For real estate, a recent appraisal or comparable sales data helps. For cars, Kelley Blue Book (as of the death date) is acceptable.
• Confusing debts with assets debts owed to the decedent (like loans they made) are assets. Debts the decedent owed are liabilities and go on a separate schedule.
• Failing to classify property correctly in Louisiana’s community property system, mislabeling an asset as separate when it’s community (or vice versa) can cause legal issues later.

Do I need to list everything individually?

No. Louisiana allows grouping similar personal items. You can list “men’s clothing,” “books,” or “dining room set” as single line items with estimated total values. But high-value or unique items jewelry, art, collectibles, firearms should be listed separately with descriptions and valuations.

Bank accounts and investment portfolios can be listed by institution and account number, with balances as of the date of death. You don’t need to itemize every stock unless specifically requested.

What forms or procedures are required?

Louisiana doesn’t use a single statewide form, but most parishes follow similar formats. The inventory must be signed under oath (notarized) and filed with the clerk of court in the parish where the succession opened. Some parishes require additional schedules for real estate or community property.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the filing process including which documents accompany the inventory see our detailed outline on Louisiana probate filing documents.

Can I get help if this feels overwhelming?

Yes. Many people work with a Louisiana probate attorney, especially if the estate includes complex assets like businesses, out-of-state property, or disputed claims. Even if you handle the inventory yourself, reviewing the proper procedures for listing assets in Louisiana probate filings can help you avoid common errors.

The Louisiana State Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service if you need professional guidance (find a lawyer).

What happens after I file the inventory?

Once filed, creditors and heirs have a chance to review it. They can object if they believe something is missing, undervalued, or misclassified. If no objections arise, the inventory becomes part of the final accounting. Keep copies of all supporting documents you may need them later during distribution or tax filing.

If you’re preparing the inventory now, double-check your work against the detailed steps for Louisiana probate asset inventory reporting to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Quick checklist before filing:

1. Did you include all real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, and personal property?
2. Are values based on the date of death not today’s market?
3. Did you classify each asset as community or separate property?
4. Are high-value items listed individually with descriptions?
5. Is the document notarized and ready for filing in the correct parish?

If you’ve covered these points, you’re in good shape. When in doubt, refer back to the full resource on how to complete asset inventory for Louisiana probate cases for examples and templates used in actual filings.