What concept in Louisiana law allows property owners to dispose of property at will when there are no descendants?

In Louisiana law, the concept that allows property owners to dispose of their property at will when there are no descendants is referred to as having "no forced portion." This principle is part of the state's legal framework governing succession and inheritance.

In Louisiana, the forced portion is a statutory requirement that mandates certain heirs—typically children—must receive a specified share of the deceased's estate, regardless of the deceased's wishes. However, when there are no descendants, the owner has greater freedom to decide how to allocate their property upon death. This absence of the forced portion means the property can be distributed according to the owner's desires, whether through a will or other means.

This aspect of Louisiana law reflects the balance between the rights of heirs and the rights of individuals to control their property. It emphasizes the importance of an owner’s autonomy in the absence of specific heirs who would otherwise have a claim to a portion of the estate.