Louisiana Probate Appraisers

Can AppraiseItNow handle probate appraisals in Louisiana?

Yes, AppraiseItNow provides probate appraisals for Louisiana successions, supporting executors, administrators, and heirs through the valuation process. We work with qualified appraisers familiar with Louisiana succession law and court requirements.

What types of assets can be appraised for a Louisiana succession?

We appraise a wide range of personal and business assets commonly found in Louisiana estates, including:

• Vehicles and boats
• Jewelry, art, and collectibles
• Livestock and agricultural equipment
• Business interests
• Stocks, bonds, and financial instruments
• Machinery and personal property

Are AppraiseItNow probate appraisals USPAP compliant?

Yes, all appraisals completed through AppraiseItNow follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, which is the nationally recognized standard for credible, defensible valuations. USPAP compliance is essential for reports submitted to Louisiana courts as part of a Sworn Descriptive List or Petition for Possession.

Why would someone in Louisiana need a probate appraisal?

Louisiana uses a succession process rather than traditional probate, and estates with a gross value exceeding $125,000 require a general succession filed with the court. That filing includes a Sworn Descriptive List of Assets and Liabilities with fair market values at the date of death, making accurate appraisals a legal necessity for proper asset distribution and debt settlement.

Can I get a probate appraisal in Louisiana without an in-person visit?

Many asset types can be appraised remotely using photographs, documentation, and supporting records submitted through our online platform. For items requiring physical inspection, we coordinate with local appraisers across Louisiana to keep the process efficient.

How is pricing determined for a Louisiana probate appraisal?

Fees depend on the asset type and scope of the assignment. Visit our pricing page for ranges or contact us directly.

How long does a probate appraisal typically take in Louisiana?

Turnaround times vary by asset type:

• Vehicles: 3 to 5 days
• Personal property and equipment: 7 to 10 days
• Artwork: 5 to 7 days for simple projects, 2 to 3 weeks for complex assignments
• Business valuations: 2 to 4 weeks
• Inventory: 2 to 4 weeks

Who prepares the appraisal report?

Reports are prepared by credentialed appraisers with relevant expertise in the asset category being valued. For Louisiana successions, appraisers hold appropriate state licensing or professional designations that meet court and IRS standards.

Are there specific Louisiana rules that affect how probate appraisals are conducted?

Louisiana's succession framework requires that appraisers valuing assets in general successions hold credentials under the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Law, administered by the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board. Estate administrators are expected to select licensed experts in good faith to produce accurate fair market values that support the court-filed Petition for Possession.

What information do I need to provide to get started?

To begin, it helps to gather:

• A list of assets included in the estate
• Any existing documentation such as titles, account statements, or prior appraisals
• The date of death for valuation purposes
• Any court filings or attorney correspondence related to the succession

Will a Louisiana probate appraisal be accepted by courts, the IRS, or other parties?

AppraiseItNow appraisals are prepared to meet the standards required by Louisiana courts, and for larger estates, they support federal filings such as IRS Form 706. USPAP-compliant reports with proper credentials and methodology are routinely accepted by courts, attorneys, and tax authorities.

What is the $125,000 threshold and how does it affect whether I need an appraisal?

Louisiana allows estates with a gross value of $125,000 or less to use a simplified small succession affidavit, which does not require court filings or formal appraisals. Estates exceeding that threshold require a general succession with a court-filed Sworn Descriptive List, and accurate fair market value appraisals become necessary for assets like personal property, vehicles, and business interests.

What must be included in the Sworn Descriptive List for a Louisiana succession?

The Sworn Descriptive List must account for all assets and liabilities with estimated fair market values at the date of death, covering items such as vehicles, boats, jewelry, livestock, business interests, and financial accounts. Expert appraisals are required for complex or high-value assets to ensure the list is accurate, sworn, and supported by proper documentation.

How does dying without a will in Louisiana affect the need for a probate appraisal?

Intestate estates in Louisiana still require court validation for asset distribution when the estate exceeds $125,000, which triggers the same Sworn Descriptive List and appraisal requirements as testate successions. Smaller intestate estates under the threshold can use a simplified affidavit, but larger ones must have licensed appraisers value assets before a possession judgment is issued.

What role does a probate appraisal play when selling estate property in Louisiana?

In non-independent administrations, the appraised value sets the baseline for marketing and minimum bids, with court approval required before any sale can proceed. Louisiana law generally requires that initial bids reach at least two-thirds of the appraised value, and sales are conducted through a public courthouse auction process with strict earnest money and contract requirements.

Does a Louisiana succession appraisal also satisfy federal estate tax requirements?

For estates approaching or exceeding the federal exemption, currently approximately $13.99 million per person in 2026, a federal estate tax return using IRS Form 706 is due within nine months of death. Succession appraisals completed for Louisiana court purposes can support that filing by providing consistent, documented fair market values across all estate assets.