Baton Rouge & New Orleans Estate Planning Attorneys
For more than 30 years, Rabalais Martinez has helped individuals and families in South Louisiana plan for the future using Louisiana-specific estate planning strategies.
Our practice is firmly rooted in Baton Rouge, where we have long served clients across the region. We also work with clients in the New Orleans area and surrounding parishes, primarily through secure Zoom-based planning meetings.
Our Primary Service Area
We regularly work with clients located in:
Baton Rouge and surrounding communities
New Orleans metro area
Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Tammany Parishes
Most estate planning meetings are conducted by Zoom, which allows us to serve clients efficiently regardless of location.
In-person signing appointments are scheduled in Baton Rouge and New Orleans on a regular basis.
Louisiana Estate Planning Requires Local Experience
Louisiana’s civil law system makes estate planning meaningfully different from every other state. Families in South Louisiana often need guidance on:
Forced heirship and legitime planning
Usufruct planning for surviving spouses
Community vs. separate property
Wills versus trusts under Louisiana law
Successions and probate alternatives
Our work focuses exclusively on Louisiana estate planning, with solutions tailored to the realities families face here.
How Our Planning Process Works
We begin with a paid estate planning session, conducted by Zoom.
During this meeting, we:
Review your family and financial situation
Explain Louisiana-specific planning options
Identify risks, opportunities, and next steps
This approach allows us to provide clear guidance while respecting your time and avoiding unnecessary follow-up meetings.
Phone & Scheduling Expectations
We are a by-appointment firm.
Phone messages are returned Monday–Thursday
Our office is closed on Fridays (casework and drafting day)
Messages left after Thursday afternoon or on Friday are returned on Monday
If you reach voicemail, please leave:
Your name
Phone number
A brief description of your matter
For new clients, the fastest way to begin is always the Start Here questionnaire.
Existing Clients
If you are an existing client and need assistance with:
An update to your estate plan
A matter already in progress
Please visit the Existing Clients page for the fastest routing.
Why This Works for Clients
Our structure allows us to:
Spend more time preparing and less time rescheduling
Ensure meetings are productive and focused
Provide consistent service across Baton Rouge and New Orleans
By beginning with our intake process, clients receive clearer guidance and a better overall experience.