In Louisiana, many families inherit property “in indivision,” meaning multiple heirs own undivided interests in the same land. While this type of co-ownership is common, it can create confusion, disagreements, and even lost rights if not handled carefully.
Common Challenges for Heirs and Co-Owners
Generations of Heirs: Property often passes through multiple generations, leaving dozens of heirs — many of whom don’t know each other.
Unequal Effort: One heir may have lived on the land for years, paying taxes and maintaining it, while others live out of state.
Mineral Rights: Families may unexpectedly discover they own fractional interests in property producing oil, gas, or other minerals.
What Louisiana Law Says
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 802, each co-owner has equal rights to use and enjoy the property. No one heir may exclude another. At the same time, Civil Code Article 806 allows reimbursement for expenses — such as taxes or necessary repairs — that one co-owner has paid for the benefit of all
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If disagreements arise, Louisiana law provides the absolute right to partition the property. Partition can be in kind (physically dividing the land) or by licitation (court-ordered sale with proceeds divided). Courts strongly favor partition when heirs cannot agree
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How I Help Clients
As a Louisiana attorney with over twenty years of experience in property and succession law, I guide heirs and co-owners through these issues by:
Clarifying Ownership: Determining who owns what share of the property.
Resolving Disputes: Negotiating agreements among heirs before conflicts escalate.
Handling Successions: Opening estates when needed to transfer legal title.
Protecting Mineral Interests: Ensuring rightful payment of royalties and securing ownership rights.
Pursuing Partition: When necessary, filing for voluntary or judicial partition to achieve a fair resolution.
Why This Matters
If left unresolved, co-ownership disputes can drag on for years, causing unnecessary expense and stress. Worse, heirs may lose rights through inaction — for example, if another co-owner claims hostile possession
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Take Action Today
If you have discovered that you are a co-owner of property in Louisiana, don’t wait until the situation becomes a legal battle. With proper guidance, you can protect your interests, preserve family property, and ensure a fair outcome for all heirs.
👉 Contact my office today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll find the best path forward for you and your family.