What term describes the portion of an estate that is passed to someone under the age of 24 in Louisiana law?

The term that describes the portion of an estate that is passed to someone under the age of 24 in Louisiana law is known as the "Forced Portion." In Louisiana's legal framework, particularly under its Napoleonic Code heritage, there are distinctions made regarding the inheritance rights of certain heirs.

The Forced Portion refers specifically to the share of the deceased's estate that is reserved for certain heirs, which includes children and, in some cases, parents. This portion cannot be freely disposed of by the decedent through a will; it must be allocated to these heirs. In Louisiana, if a child is under the age of 24, they are considered a forced heir and are entitled to at least a portion of the estate as mandated by law, reinforcing their right to inherit regardless of any testamentary dispositions that the decedent may have made.

This concept exists to protect the most vulnerable members of the family unit, ensuring that they receive support from the estate, which is especially pertinent for those who may be financially dependent on their deceased parent or guardian. The legal implications surrounding forced heirs and the Forced Portion are essential for understanding how succession works in Louisiana, particularly in the context of ensuring that certain family members are not disinherited.

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