Updated September 7, 2026. Quick answer: Jefferson Parish charges a $200.00 advance deposit to open a small succession under $125,000, and $400.00 for larger successions.
If a trust could save your estate this fee in Louisiana
A living trust avoids probate entirely in Louisiana, which means the estate skips the $200.00 above along with every other cost the court charges once a case is open. LawDepot builds a state-specific one.
Build a living trust at LawDepot
LawDepot pays us a commission if you buy through this link, it costs you nothing extra. We are not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Affiliate Disclosure.
What Louisiana charges to open probate
The figures here are advance deposits published by the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court as a guide; the exact amount depends on the parish where the succession is opened.
| Small succession deposit, under $125,000 (Jefferson Parish) | $200.00 |
| Large succession deposit, $125,000 and over (Jefferson Parish) | $400.00 |
| Small-succession value threshold | $125,000 |
These figures are advance deposits published by the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court, one of the state’s largest parishes; La. C.C.P. Art. 3422 separately sets court costs for successions valued under $125,000 at one-half the costs of a larger succession.
Where this money goes and who sets it
The authority for this figure is La. C.C.P. Art. 3422 (small-succession threshold); Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court fee schedule. In the source’s own words: “Succession (Small – Under $125,000) [La. C.C.P. Art. 3422] $200.00 Succession (Large – $125,000 and over) $400.00”
What this fee doesn’t cover
Because each parish clerk of court publishes its own deposit, the same estate could cost more or less to open depending on which parish courthouse handles it. Either way, this is the court’s own charge just to open the file and issue letters, separate from what an attorney charges to actually handle the estate and separate from any state estate or inheritance tax the estate itself might owe.
Sources
Source: La. C.C.P. Art. 3422 (small-succession threshold); Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court fee schedule.