Louisiana Catholic Estate Planning

Estate planning is deeply personal, and for many families in Metairie and across Louisiana, faith plays an important role.

Catholic estate planning integrates traditional legal tools with values rooted in stewardship, charity, and respect for life. Below are answers to common questions about Catholic estate planning in Louisiana.

• • What is Catholic estate planning?

• • Catholic estate planning is the process of arranging your affairs in a way that reflects both your legal needs and your faith.

    It includes standard tools such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, but also emphasizes moral considerations, charitable giving, and decisions about health care that align with Catholic teaching.

    The goal is to protect your family, honor your values, and ensure that your legacy reflects your beliefs.

• • How does Louisiana law affect Catholic estate planning?

• • Louisiana’s civil law system is unique compared to other states. Forced heirship rules may require that certain children receive a portion of your estate, regardless of your will. Community property laws also govern how assets are divided between spouses.

    Catholic estate planning must account for these legal requirements while still honoring your faith‑based priorities, such as charitable giving or providing for religious institutions.

• • Can I include charitable gifts to the Church in my estate plan?

• • Yes. Many Catholics choose to support their parish, diocese, or Catholic charities through their estate plan. You can make charitable bequests in your will, designate beneficiaries in retirement accounts, or establish a charitable trust.

    These gifts can provide lasting support for ministries and reflect your commitment to stewardship.

• • How do Catholic values influence health care directives?

• • Health care decisions are a central part of estate planning. A Catholic living will or health care directive can specify that care should be consistent with Church teaching.

    For example, you may direct that ordinary means of care, such as food and hydration, be provided, while extraordinary or disproportionate measures may be declined. Naming a health care agent who understands your faith ensures that decisions are made in line with your values.

• • How does forced heirship interact with Catholic estate planning?

• • Louisiana law requires that certain children, known as forced heirs, receive a portion of your estate. This applies to children under 24 or those permanently disabled.

    Catholic estate planning must respect this legal requirement while still allowing you to direct the remainder of your estate toward charitable causes or other beneficiaries. Proper drafting ensures compliance with law and alignment with your values.

• • Can I create a trust that reflects Catholic principles?

• • Yes. Trusts can be structured to provide for family members while also supporting Catholic charities.

    For example, a trust may allocate income to heirs during their lifetimes, with the remainder passing to a parish or religious organization. Trusts can also include provisions that encourage beneficiaries to use funds responsibly, consistent with Catholic values of stewardship and service.

• • How do I ensure my funeral and burial wishes are respected?

• • Your estate plan can include instructions for funeral and burial arrangements consistent with Catholic tradition. This may involve specifying a Catholic funeral Mass, burial in consecrated ground, or other religious rites.

    Including these instructions in your will or a separate document provides clarity for your family and ensures your wishes are honored.

• • Are retirement accounts and life insurance part of Catholic estate planning?

• • Yes. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies should be coordinated with your overall plan. You may choose to name family members, Catholic charities, or a trust as beneficiaries.

    Aligning these designations with your faith and estate plan prevents conflicts and ensures your intentions are carried out.

• • How often should I review my Catholic estate plan?

• • Review your plan every three to five years, or sooner if circumstances change. Updates may be needed if laws shift, family dynamics evolve, or charitable priorities change. Regular reviews keep your plan effective and aligned with both Louisiana law and Catholic values.

What is the first step?

Begin by reflecting on your goals: protecting family, supporting the Church, and ensuring health care decisions align with your faith.

Then, send us a message or call our Metairie, LA estate planning office at 504-831-2348 to schedule a consultation, and we will work with you to create a plan provides total peace of mind.