Christie Tournet

With extensive experience in real estate and business management, Christie Tournet & Associates is the consummate business, estate planning, and successions/probate firm. Christie views legal issues through a unique lens and becomes a trusted legal and business adviser.

Loyola University New Orleans

J.D. (2010) | Civil Law

2007 - 2010

Honors: Probate Highest Grade Award, LaNasa-Greco Scholarship

Loyola University New Orleans

B.B.A. (2003) | Economics, International Business, Spanish

1999 - 2003

Honors: Summa Cum Laude

Principal Attorney

Christie Tournet & Associates, LLC

2016 - Current

Associate

Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr Smith, APLC

2011 - 2016

Estate planning, succession, real estate, construction and employment defense

Louisiana New Home Warranty Act & The LREC Disclosure Form

CRES Insurance

January, 2014

Estate Planning, Northshore Kiwanis, mandeville, la

August 1, 2013

Northshore Kiwanis

https://issuu.com/northshorekiwanismandeville/docs/northshore_kiwanis_-_2012-13_award_

Estate Planning, Northshore Kiwanis, mandeville, la

Northshore Kiwanis

https://issuu.com/northshorekiwanismandeville/docs/northshore_kiwanis_-_2012-13_award_

Estate Planning, Northshore Kiwanis, mandeville, la

Northshore Kiwanis

Louisiana Statewide Notary Public Commission

State of Louisiana

The Loyola Law Excellence Award in Probate

Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

2010

Louisiana State Bar Association

Member

2011 - Current

22nd JDC Bar

Member

2011 - Current

American Inns of Court

Member

2011 - Current

North Shore Estate Planning Council

Member

2010 - Current

Louisiana

Since 2011

• Credit Cards Accepted

Q. Definition of surviving spouse for inheritance in Louisiana

February 20, 2025

A: A surviving spouse is the surviving husband or wife of the Decedent. As to non probate assets, such as retirement accounts and life insurance accounts, those should always be paid to a designated beneficiary. In your query, I am not clear if a "company plan" is a type of profit sharing/probate asset. Then, all probate assets and the ultimate transfer depend upon whether the Decedent had a Will,or passed intestate. If intestate, as provided above, then, a child inherits community property subject to a legal usufruct in favor of the surviving spouse. But, a child inherits separate property to the exclusion of a surviving spouse.

Q. Why is the bank stalling on releasing my husband's checking account after we delivered the certified small estafe affida

December 11, 2023

A: You mention a "small estate affidavit," which, in Louisiana is not "signed and sealed" by the court. So, I am not sure how you all proceeded, but if you had an attorney assist with the succession process, then, please, reach out to that attorney to send a notice of representation letter and request to the bank. Many times, a Louisiana bank will accept the Small succession affidavit, but if it is in the wrong form, or the husband's bank account is titled differently than what you anticipated, you may need to judicially open succession, have someone appointed as the succession representative, and then, you should be able to get better answers.

Q. If a parent dies in Louisiana without a will, is their children responsible for medical bills?

June 23, 2023

A: If you accept a succession's assets, then, you must also accept any related, valid debts. Now, you may be able to negotiate unsecured debts, like medical expenses and credit cards, down, but items like mortgages and taxes will have to be paid in full. If there was no Last Will, and your father had community property, then, you inherit your father's share of the community, but subject to a legal usufruct in favor of the surviving spouse. If he had separate property, children inherit that to the exclusion of a spouse. Please consult with counsel local to you to discuss all specifics of your situation.