Property Ownership

A Louisiana property owner dies leaving a will that violates forced heirship by disinheriting a child under 24. The will is:

ACompletely void

BValid but subject to reduction to restore the forced heir's legitime✓ Correct

CValid because testamentary freedom is absolute in Louisiana

DAutomatically reformed by the court to comply

Explanation

Louisiana's forced heirship law protects forced heirs (children under 24 or permanently disabled children) by reserving a legitime (fixed share) of the estate. A will that reduces the forced heir's share below the legitime is subject to a reduction action.

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Key Terms to Know

Fee Simple

The highest and most complete form of property ownership — absolute ownership with the right to use, sell, or pass the property to heirs.

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Tenancy in Common

Co-ownership where two or more people hold undivided interests that need not be equal and pass to each owner's heirs — no right of survivorship.

Deed

A written legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee).