Lafayette, LA Wills and Estates Attorney News Archive

A major shakeup is coming to the judicial system in New Orleans, as the Louisiana Senate passed a measure to merge Orleans Parish's separate civil and criminal clerk offices. This consolidation eliminates the current role of clerk Calvin Duncan.

Proponents, including Sen. Jay Morris, argue the merger will create necessary efficiencies for the county. However, critics like Sen. Royce Duplessis warn that the move could introduce significant instability. Opponents are concerned that merging these services risks disrupting complex processes, particularly impacting ongoing civil litigation and criminal defense cases.

The contentious change raises specific worries about record keeping, especially concerning crucial areas like wills and estates. These proposed overhaul changes signal a deep reorganization of New Orleans’ legal infrastructure, impacting everything from property record preservation to the handling of sensitive estate matters.

In New Orleans, former inmates of Angola reflect on a notorious food poisoning incident that occurred nearly two decades ago, rooted in the infamous cornbread dressing. This incident led Warden Burl Cain to remove the dish from the holiday menu, highlighting serious concerns regarding food safety in correctional facilities.

Leah Wang, a senior researcher at the Prison Policy Initiative, emphasizes the systemic issues that compromised food safety during that time. Michael Mosley, who once served as the head cook, shares recollections of the challenges the kitchen faced in maintaining proper meal standards.

Since then, significant changes have been implemented to enhance food preparation processes, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ian Cazenave, a long-term resident of Uptown New Orleans who spent 25 years in prison, now enjoys a newfound sense of relief and safety during holiday meals outside of incarceration.

As the community reflects on these haunting memories, attention is turning towards improving food safety not only in prisons but also within business and corporate practices. This exploration comes alongside a growing awareness of personal injury law and the importance of addressing grievances in such environments.

Emily Basye, a 14-year-old from Independence, Louisiana, is gearing up for an extraordinary trip to Hawaii this fall, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Summer of Wishes campaign. Since being diagnosed with leukemia in 2022 and undergoing more than 36 surgeries, Emily's journey has been one of incredible bravery and resilience.

She has expressed immense gratitude for the support she has received throughout her battle. Organizations like Genentech have been instrumental in her experience, showcasing the profound impact that community collaboration can have in difficult times.

Emily's inspiring story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of charitable initiatives in the health and wellness sector. As families in New Orleans and surrounding areas come together to support causes like these, the strength of compassion during challenging moments is truly highlighted.

Calvin Duncan, a former inmate turned advocate, shares his powerful journey in his newly released autobiography. His story highlights the struggles he faced with wrongful convictions and the failures of the judicial system, particularly for Black men in New Orleans.

With the help of co-author Sophie Cull, Duncan sheds light on the challenges he encountered while educating fellow inmates about their legal rights. He emphasizes the critical role of criminal defense and rehabilitation in creating a better future for those affected by the system.

Duncan hopes his narrative sparks deeper discussions about the systemic biases in the criminal justice system, especially how these issues impact individuals as they reintegrate into society. His story calls for empowerment within the community and urges a re-examination of laws related to post-conviction relief and support for navigating wills and estates after incarceration.

As conversations about justice and equity continue to evolve, Duncan's aim is to keep the hope for change and understanding alive in his hometown of New Orleans.