Succession, also known as Probate, is a legal process whereby we transmit title and ownership of a deceased person’s assets to the proper recipients. If the decedent left a Will then the procedure is called a “testate succession” and the Will is probated (i.e., proven). The succession process transfers ownership to the proper recipients (called legatees under the Will). If the decedent did not have a Will, it is called an “intestate succession” and Louisiana law steps in to determine the rightful recipients (called heirs)