NOVEMBER 22, 2020
OPEN HOUSE 12-2 See page 4 for details!
Beverly Schilling, Latter & Blum Cell: 337-257-4456 Office: 337-233-9700 Email: bschilling@latterblum.com
204 Zoie Drive Lafayette LA 70507
Always Building 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd • Suite 101 • Lafayette, LA • Main: 337.233.9700 www.latter-blum.com
NEW
501 Deer Meadow Boulevard Deer Meadow Village 3BR/2BA - 1516 LA - $205,000
NEW
NEW
136 Brightwood Drive Grand Pointe 3BR/2.5BA - 2216 LA - $333,500
NEW
NEW
NEW
122 Chemet Road Chemet Park 4BR/3BA - 2414 LA - $315,000
1912 Blake Street North State 3BR/2BA - 1647 LA - $89,000
NEW
NEW
NEW
168 Ridgecrest Drive Ridge Crest 3BR/2.5BA - 3705 LA - $1,000,000
Please visit our open houses this weekend. While attending open houses it’s encouraged that you follow CDC guidelines when entering the homes listed below. Thanks for taking time to visit our open houses and our agents are waiting to assist you.
NEW
OPEN HOUSES 12:00pm - 2:00pm
November 22, 2020
308 Candlelight Drive.................. $319,995..............................Gema Edmiston 106 Gilbert Street Northside Part I 3BR/1BA - 1345 LA - $40,000
NEW
1404 Roper Road 4BR/3BA - 2646 LA $249,900
NEW
123 Durham Drive Kings Haven 3BR/2BA - 1881 LA - $233,000
NEW
303 San Marcos Drive San Sebastian 4BR/3BA - 1800 LA - $284,900
111 Girard Park Drive 25 Beau Bois 3BR/2.5BA - 2700 LA - $425,000
NEW
219 Wind Haven Lane Hidden Cove Estates 3BR/2BA - 1825 LA - $235,000
NEW
505 Madison Street Mills Addition 4BR/2BA - 2026 LA - $228,000
NEW
107 Vanburg Place Elan 4BR/3.5BA - 2913 LA - $473,500
101 Caroline Street French Settlement 4BR/3.5BA - 3215 LA - $439,900
511 Braxton Drive Guillot Village 3BR/2BA - 1570 LA - $219,000
1:00pm - 2:00pm
162 Whitewing Lane ..................... $295,000........Marie Lee & Judy Hagood
1:00pm - 3:00pm
125 Croft Row .................................. $297,000...........................Bridgit Chaisson 200 Brahmwell Dr......................... $599,900..............................Billy McCarthy 407 Arabella Blvd .......................... $859,000........................ Stacey Arceneaux
2:00pm - 4:00pm
417 Estelle Dr ................................... $184,500 .................................. John Landry 218 Debby Dr ................................... $200,000.................. Donna Christianson 313 S. Philo ........................................ $209,500.............................. Patricia Powell 401 Lahasky Drive......................... $230,000 ........................Charlotte Durand 807 Beaujolais Parkway .............. $258,700 ............... Ann Breaux Thornton 108 Harolyn Park ........................... $329,000..................................Bill Stephens 207 Martele Blvd............................ $539,000....................... Wendy McCombie 210 St. Girons Drive....................... $585,000................................. Susan Martin 117 Agape Lane................................ $799,000.........Ed Dugas & Midge Parker 100 Ravenswood Ln ..................... $829,000............................ Frances Prejean
NEW
302 Richland Avenue 201c River Ranch 1BR/1.5BA - 993 LA - $238,000
2115 W St Mary Boulevard Oaklawn 2BR/2.5BA - 2388 LA - $429,000
103 W Vallauris Drive La Bon Vie 3BR/3BA - 2759 LA - $385,000
747 W Main Street 4BR/2.5BA - 3185 LA $260,000
105 Commons Drive Commons 4BR/2BA - 1876 LA - $245,000
309 Richland Avenue River Ranch 4BR/3.5BA - 2906 LA - $649,000
607 Richland Avenue River Ranch 3BR/2.5BA - 3035 LA - $665,000
127 Princeton Woods Loop River Ranch 4BR/4.5BA - 4011 LA - $835,000
4 Eureka Plantation Road 2BR/2.5BA - 4679 LA $2,500,000
108 Hampton Road Greenbriar Estates 3BR/3BA - 2620 LA - $458,500
125 Girard Woods Road Girard Woods 4BR/3BA - 3490 LA - $625,000
523 Beverly Bendel Gardens 5BR/4.5BA - 5310 LA - $1,280,000
123 Shannon Road Greenbriar Estates 6BR/4.5BA - 7450 LA - $2,950,000
109 Louisa Boulevard Cornay Add 3BR/2.5BA - 1977 LA - $299,900
507 Heritage Park Road Lakes On The Teche 3BR/2.5BA - 1697 LA - $239,000
1413 St Charles Street Rees 4BR/3BA - 3192 LA - $265,000
1085 River Ridge Road River Ridge Estates 3BR/2BA - 1758 LA - $350,000
125 Croft Row Stonehaven On The River 3BR/2BA - 2070 LA - $297,000
104 Drifting Sands Lane Summer Wind 4BR/3BA - 2316 LA - $396,500
907 Beaujolais Parkway Frenchmans Creek 4BR/3BA - 2865 LA - $399,000
400 Le Triomphe Parkway Le Triomphe 4BR/4.5BA - 4100 LA - $988,000
2 | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
New Price!
111 Devin Lane, Lafayette, LA 70508 3 BEDROOMS/3 BATHS 3372 SQ.FT.--$399,000.00
Kathy Dyson Realty LLC
Kathy Dyson -Owner/ Broker 203 South St. Charles Abbeville,LA 70510 Office: 337-893-6236 • Cell: 337-652-6236 Website: www.kathydysonrealty.com Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission in Louisiana USA
LA-1000707847
A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS-111 DEVIN LANE, LAFAYETTE,LA 70508-- A GRAND HOME with all the bells and whistles one could possibly desire. Enter the home through a custom front door with the natural light pouring through the custom glass inserts on the door and sidelights. This home , triple crown moldings, marble, tile, and wood floors. This home features a 3372 sq.ft. floor plan of living area, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a custom kitchen with a six burner gas stove, custom cabinetry, breakfast area , built in TV cabinet, built in wine cabinet, and microwave. To finish the kitchen off the countertops are custom 3� granite with under cabinet lighting, coffee bar, and a pantry. The Master bedroom is spacious with a spectacular bath with a custom granite shower and granite countertops a vanity area with custom light features. the master closet is a one of a kind creation. One of the most unique things about the home is the MAN CAVE, GREAT ROOM, OR SHE SHED with pine wood floors and cypress walls, a full bath, coffee/ wet bar, beverage cooler, and wall to wall closet storage all with a private entrance. The garage is climate controlled with storage, and an insulated garage door. The large covered patio is fantastic for all of your family gatherings or just for evening grilling. The home has a 45KW generator ready to go, a tank less hot water heater, custom hurricane shutters, the yard is professionally landscaped with a sprinkler system. The yard has a wood privacy fence with gated entries. There a two fenced dog kennels. PRICE REDUCED TO $399,000.00
ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | 3
St. Landry Parish
Published every Sunday by:
1252
NOVEMBER 22 – 28, 2020
1100 Bertrand Drive Lafayette, La 70506
Opens Houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Acadia Parish
REALTOR® Association of Acadiana Pages . . . . . 10-12
Reserve ad space or schedule an appointment with our advertising consultant
182 93 723
General Counsel . . . . . . . . . . 13 94
AHBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 719
Jan LeBlanc
Account Executive
337.289.6497
93
GEOGRAPHIC INDEX Acadia Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A
724
342
Crowley, Rayne, Church Point
Iberia Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I
St. Martin Parish
Svonnie Trailer
342
Account Manager
343
Jeanerette
337.289.6454
St . Landry Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L Opelousas, Sunset, Port Barre Grand Couteau, Cankton, Arnaudville
92
Vermilion Parish
St . Martin Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M Cade, Butte LaRose, Arnaudville
339 89
Vermilion Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V Kaplan, Erath, Delcambre, Maurice
Iberia Parish
OPEN HOUSE 12-2
S
eller to pay $1,000 toward closing costs. This beautiful home in LeBesque Subdivision. This 3 bedroom 2 bath open concept kitchen with so many cabinets perfect for entertaining and cooking while
204 Zoie Drive Lafayette, LA 70507 3 BR/ 2 BA – 1,760 SF $234,400 Listed by Beverly Schilling, Latter & Blum Cell: 337-257-4456 Office: 337-233-9700 bschilling@latterblum.com Licensed in Louisiana LA-1000707850
visiting with guest. This home has nice granite countertops, wood laminate floors. Check out the ceiling in the dining room. Master bathroom has separate shower, and walk in closet. Fireplace is electric for those cozy nights. The front of the home has nice landscaping to help complete the elegance of this home. 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101, Lafayette, LA 70508
4 | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | 5
NEW
Find a home that fits your family in a neighborhood that fits your life.
100 W LA AVE
.43 AC 622 E D ST
AL RC I METING M C O L IS
CE
PRI
3528SF, 4B/3.5B, 4 ACRES
$383,000
3990SF RETAIL; 4458SF WAREHOUSE; SOLID BRICK CONSTR; HIGH TRAFFIC $350,000
4 AC. E JEFF DAVIS
4.04 AC, IN CITY LIMITS, COMMERCIAL; SFR; MULTI-FAMILY
$121,200
2 LOTS. NO MOBILE.
$18,000
SINGLE RESIDENCE OR SUBDIVISION
$180,000
3.15 ALONG I-10 - NEXT TO FROG CITY TRAVEL PLAZA, $210,000
www.alcRealEstate.com
RES/MULTI-FAMILY USE, CAN BE DIVIDED
$25,000/ACRE
.54 AC E H ST IF BLE TIA S ONE O G NE LD A SO
G
DIN
PEN
G
TIN
LIS
20AC @ END OF E G ST E SAL
Marianne Dupuis 337-581-0379 Amy Gossen 337-581-4378
D LAN
22 AC. E JEFF DAVIS
Licensed in Louisiana
2 LARGE LOTS. NO MOBILE. SEPARATELY
$30,000
102 1ST ST, DUSON 1 MI FROM I-10, 11,700SF $2800/MONTH FOR LEASE
facebook.com/alcRealEstate
Residential • Commercial • Land
Your dreamdream home should a dream Your home come shouldwith come with aThat’s dream neighborhood. whyneighborhood. theadvertiser.com/homes That’s why <Local Market Name> | Homes provides exclusive details on neighborhoods, lifestyles amenities withwith every listing. lifestylesand andarea area amenities every listing. provides exclusive details on neighborhoods,
To Submit an Open House Call: 337.289.6454
OPEN SUNDAY 1:00-3:00PM 407 ARABELLA BLVD
LATTER & BLUM STACEY ARCENEAUX 337-257-7234 Licensed in Louisiana
theadvertiser.com/homes <newspaper.com>/Homes
6 | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
$
859,000
4BR/3BA/2HBWelcome to River Ranch, where the homes are beautiful and living is easy. This beautiful, move in ready home, situated on a gorgeous, landscaped corner lot is updated and ready for a new family. With a pool view from practically every room, this home is as lovely on the inside as it is on the outside. Step into the foyer and you’ll immediately appreciate the natural light streaming in, the freshly painted interior, antique pine floors, antique beams, vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters, high end lighting, multiple living areas and so much more. Directions: From Kaliste Saloom Rd. going south, turn right onto W Martial Ave., right onto Arabella Blvd., home is on the right
LA-1000707349
800 S 246 CALYPSO CUNNINGHAM
117 Agape Lane • Opelousas
Debi Smith
2701 Johnston St. Suite 219 HANDYMAN SPECIAL!
Kathy Benoit
Stephanie Hanks
Jay Smith Broker
981-4595 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IDEAL LOCATION!
512 Jefferson- off Evangeline Thruway- 3Bd/2ba home in historic area- 1,959 sqft- $119,900
230 Marcon Dr-Off N UniversityCommercial Building in ideal location with 4 offices- 3,035 sqft- $239,000
FEATURED RENTAL
FEATURED RENTAL
RENTALS
Is your rental vacant? We have tenants! Do you need one? We run credit reports, check references, and more. Or if you have tenants and are tired of the hassle, we can provide professional management. Are you interested in filling your vacancy or in having someone else handle your ownership headaches, call Jay Smith 981-5601
7 BR/5 BA/2 HB • 4,677SF • $799,000
Home sits on 1.7 Acres and has 2 Kitchens Open House Sunday 2-4
Midge Parker REALTOR®
Cell: 337.278.4142 Direct: 337.262.7836 mparker @latterblum.com
Edmond Dugas REALTOR®
Cell: 337.315.0373 Direct: 337.262.7819 edugas @latterblum.com
2000 Kaliste Saloom Road | Suite 101 Lafayette, LA 70508 | 337.233.9700
108 Lyons, 4 Bed/2 bath, sep living, family room, and eat-in kitchen, cov patio, oak trees, fenced, pets yes$1,200
108 Lyons 4 Bd/2 ba, sep living, family room, and eat-in kitchen, cov patio, oak trees, fenced, pets yes- $1,200
706 Picard #21- Milton- Quiet area, 3Bd/1ba, CH/A, fridge, range, W/D connections, pets YES -$1,000
706 Picard #21, MiltonQuiet area, 3Bed/1bath, CH/A, fridge, range, W/D connections, pets YES -$1,000
FEATURED RENTAL
FEATURED RENTAL
706 Picard #14, MiltonQuiet area, 2Bed/1bath, CH/A, fridge, range, W/D connections, pets YES -$750
706 Picard #14-Milton-Quiet area2Bd/1ba, CH/A, fridge, range, W/D connections, pets YES -$750
407 Brook Ave- formerly Saint Street Inn - Main Building is 1200sqft, back is 200sqft- includes restaurant and bar fixtures - $1,500
COMMERCIAL 407 Brook Ave, formerly Saint Street Inn- Excellent location by Olde Tyme Grocery- Main building is 1200 sf, back building is 200 sf- includes restaurant and bar fixtures - $1,500
LA-1000707848
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theadvertiser.com ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | 7
906 RICHLAND AVE. LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 - 6 BR / 5.2 BA - 6,465 SQ. FT. $2,565,000
Direct: 337.267.4108 Cell: 337.654.6881 SoldbyCharlie@cox.net 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd. • Suite 101 • Lafayette, LA 70508 • 337.233.9700 • Licensed in Louisiana 8 | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
LA-1000707328
I Want To Be Your Realtor
203 MAIN STREET BROUSSARD - AREA 4 BR / 4.5 BA - 5,785 SQ. FT. $1,385,000
115 SHANNON RD, LAFAYETTE - AREA G2 4 BR/4.2 BA - 4,685 SQ. FT. $1,385,000
104 SHANNON RD. LAFAYETTE - AREA 5 BR / 6 BA - 5,800 SQ. FT. $1,275,000
117 THIBODEAUX DRIVE, LAFAYETTE - AREA G2 4 BR / 4.1 BA - 5,700 SQ. FT. $1,995,000
600 RICHLAND AVENUE LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 5 BR / 4.5 BA - 4,175 SQ. FT. $995,000 NEW PRICE
NEW PRICE
210 PRINCETON WOODS LOOP LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 4 BR / 5.5 BA - 3,896 SQ. FT. $850,000
502 PRINCETON WOODS LOOP LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 6 BR / 4.2 BA - 6,422 SQ. FT. $3,850,000
NEW LISTING
NEW PRICE
216 PRINCETON WOODS LOOP, LAFAYETTE- AREA G1 5 BR / 3.2 BA - 4,434 SQ. FT. $925,000
308 N STATE ST. ABBEVILLE - AREA V1 3 BR / 2.1 BA - 2,420 SQ. FT. $239,900
125 GIRARD WOODS RD., LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 4 BR / 3 BA - 3,490 SQ. FT. $625,000
SALE PENDING
SOLD
SALE PENDING
232 PRINCETON WOODS LOOP LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 5 BR / 6.2 BA - 7,000 SQ. FT. $4,900,000
101 RUTHWOOD DRIVE LAFAYETTE - AREA N 5 BR / 4 BA - 3,729 SQ. FT. $455,000
132 A STEINER RD LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 2 BR / 2 BA - 1,370 SQ. FT $175,000
123 SHANNON RD LAFAYETTE - AREA G2 6 BR / 4.1 BA - 7,450 SQ. FT. $2,950,000
514 PRINCETON WOODS LOOP LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 3 BR / 3.5 BA - 4,100 SQ. FT. $1,750,000
607 RICHLAND LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 3 BR / 2.1 BA - 3,035 SQ. FT. $665,000
301 OLD SETTLEMENT, LAFAYETTE - AREA N 3 BR / 2.1 BA - 3,333 SQ. FT. $545,000
600 BLK RUE CHAVANIAC LOT 1, LAFAYETTE $515,000
600 BLK RUE CHAVANIAC LOT 2, LAFAYETTE $495,000
600 BLK RUE CHAVANIAC LOT 3, LAFAYETTE $195,000
SALE PENDING
419 RICHLAND, LAFAYETTE- AREA G1 3 BR / 2.1 BA -2,177 SQ. FT. $545,000
225 BILTMORE WAY, LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 3 BR / 3.1 BA - 2,410 SQ. FT. $585,000
117 CHERBOURG CIRCLE, LAFAYETTE - AREA G1 3 BR/ 3.1 BA - 3,350 SQ. FT. $750,000
Direct: 337.267.4108 Cell: 337.654.6881 SoldbyCharlie@cox.net 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd. • Suite 101 • Lafayette, LA 70508 • 337.233.9700 • Licensed in Louisiana ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | 9
6 Tasks Every Homeowner Should by Stacey Freed Do in November It’s the spring cleaning of fall, so to speak. With THE HOLIDAYS coming at you fast and furious, you want to be sure your home is cozy, but with that fresh-as-spring feel — as opposed to that musty-damp-winter feel. Here’s how to make that happen (along with a few other timely tips): #1 Wash Bed Pillows
#4 Stock Up on Snow Supplies
You love your trusty, old, perfectly-snugged-to-your-head pillow. But guess what’s also snug against your head? Fungus — 4 to 16 species to be precise. Gross! With fall being the height of guest season, you’ll want your pillows fresh, too. Pop them in the washing machine and dryer for an all-over clean feeling. (But check manufacturer advice, too. Some pillows shouldn’t be washed, but replaced instead.)
If snow is a given where you live and you’re lacking supplies, take advantage of seasonal sales now to make sure you’re not the one rushing to the hardware store at the last minute — only to find out they just sold out of ice melt. If you have a snow blower, be sure to have it serviced and fueled up before the first winter storm arrives — and with it, price hikes on all the snow stuff.
#2 Clean the Mattress, Too
#5 Trim Tree Branches
Sleeping soundly gets even better when you know you’re lying on a clean and fresh mattress. The yuck factor: Skin cells and sweat get into the mattress, then dust mites show up for a dinner party featuring those tasty skin cell morsels. You’ll want your mattress to be at it’s freshest. It’s easy to do: Vacuum it and then wipe it down with a cloth dampened with an upholstery shampoo. But be sure to let it dry; otherwise, you’re inviting mold. Also, be sure to rotate it 180 degrees to help keep it lump-free. (Another option: if you’ve got a flippable mattress, go ahead and flip it. That, too, can help kill the yucky mites.)
The last thing you need is a winter storm loosing the wrath of that mighty tree whose branches are angling over your roof. Long limbs invite pests to explore your roof and allow excess water to seep into cracks in the roof or siding. Keep limbs and branches at least 3 feet from the house. Plus it’s easier to trim branches after leaves have fallen. (If it’s an evergreen, well, sorry about that. It’ll be a prickly job, but the bonus is you’ll have greenery for the holidays!)
#3 Insulate Windows
Bone-chilling drafts seriously detract from the cozy vibe you want. Keep it cozy by hanging drapes as close to your windows as possible to help you keep the heat inside. You can even add clear Velcro strips or dots to the back of the drape and attach to fasteners on the wall to help insulate. Be sure to cross one drape over the other when you close up for the night. Insulating shades can do the trick, too. 10 | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
#6 Get a Chimney Sweep to Inspect the Fireplace
It’s time to dust off and sweep the chimney! Best to hire someone who knows wood-burning fireplaces. A professional chimney sweep will ensure your wood-burning fireplace burns more efficiently and will help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter. So, yeah, it’s pretty important. Tip: If you don’t already have a chimney cap, this is also the time to add one to stop wild outdoor critters from crawling down it — and (yikes!) into your house.
E������ ���������. Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR’S® client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client. A� ������ �����. Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language. O�������� ����������� ��� ��������. REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORS® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need. By understanding both your needs and search area, they can also point out neighborhoods you don’t know much about but that might suit your needs better than you’d thought. E������� ������ �����. Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A REALTOR® can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites and can help you avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online but are no longer on the market. ����������� ���������. There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.
��-��-���� ����������. Most people buy only a few homes in their lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career. ���� ���� ������ ��������� �������. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you. Visit www.RealtorAcadiana.com to find a REALTOR® today! ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | 11
12 | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
LIVING SEPARATE AND APART DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN YOU NO LONGER OWN ANY COMMUNITY PROPERTY
GENERAL COUNSEL®
Stephen J. Oats
Q: WHAT CAN I LEGALLY DO, BESIDES GETTING DIVORCED, TO PROTECT MY INCOME AND INVESTMENTS FROM MY ESTRANGED WIFE? A: Since divorce is not an option, the only other option is to enter into a separate property agreement. Although you and your wife would still be married, you could both agree that your incomes are your own separate property. You could also designate which accounts and other investments are your own separate property and which ones are your wife’s separate property. But, because you are already married, you will have to have any separate property agreement you desire to enter into approved by a judge. Before a judge will approve this type of agreement, you will have to make a showing that both parties are willingly entering into it, and that it is in the best interest of both parties. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem if you are both in agreement about making everything
separate. You should consult an attorney to help you draft this agreement and get it approved by the Judge. And, your wife should have separate counsel to represent her and guide her though the process. After the agreement is signed and approved by the Judge, the two of you will no longer own any community property. Your earnings at work and your earnings from your separate property investments will be your separate property, and the same goes for your wife. You can also agree that your present and future debts are separateproperty debts. However, because you live in Louisiana, which is a community property state, credit card companies (for cards you or your wife have before the agreement is signed) will assume that your wife’s debts are also your debts, especially if you signed the credit card applications. To prevent this, you will have to contact each company and instruct them to take you off the credit card as a guarantor.
DO MY PARENTS NEED A POWER OF ATTORNEY?
General Counsel® answers are provided by the
Law Firm of Oats & Marino, which is general counsel to individuals, businesses and government entities throughout the state of Louisiana. The information contained in this article is intended to be general in nature. Before any action is taken based upon this information, it is essential that competent, individual, professional service be obtained. Send Questions for this column to General Counsel®, 100 E. Vermilion St., Suite 400, Lafayette, LA 70501 or e-mail your questions to generalcounsel@oatsmarino.com. Sorry, no personal replies.
Q: MY PARENTS ARE ELDERLY, AND WHILE BOTH ARE STILL MENTALLY CAPABLE, I WORRY ABOUT THEIR FUTURE. I AM ONE OF FIVE SIBLINGS, AND TWO OF MY SIBLINGS ARE ESTRANGED FROM THE FAMILY. THEY HAVEN’T SEEN MY PARENTS IN YEARS, BUT I WORRY THAT IF THEY FALL ILL OR ARE UNABLE TO HANDLE THEIR MONEY, AFFAIRS, ETC. THAT THE SIBLINGS WILL RESURFACE AND TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SITUATION. SOME OF MY FRIENDS AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE RECOMMENDED WE DISCUSS A POWER OF ATTORNEY WITH MY PARENTS. CAN YOU TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT THE POWER OF ATTORNEY DOES? A: A power of attorney is a written statement that allows one person (your mother or father) to give another person (the agent) certain rights to handle that person’s money, real estate, personal property and other affairs or interests. It gives the agent the legal authority to make binding decisions on behalf of the principal, i.e. your mother and father. In granting the power of attorney, your parents do not lose the power to make these decisions on their own, but at some point they may find it difficult
or inconvenient to conduct some personal business or make healthcare decisions that may be handled by a spouse, relative or trusted friend. Now is probably the appropriate time to discuss a power of attorney with your parents, since you mentioned that they are elderly. The person who grants the power of attorney must be mentally competent, therefore if there is some concern with their mental capacity in the future, i.e. dementia or Alzheimer’s, now would be the time for your parents to give the matter some consideration. As the principals, your parents can provide to the agent any instructions, guidelines, or limitations that they feel appropriate. Specific language must be included with regard to real estate, granting a mortgage, or borrowing money. In Louisiana, unless otherwise provided, a power of attorney terminates upon the death of the principal or agent; or the interdiction of the principal or agent. Powers of attorney are created using specific language, be they in a power of attorney limited to health care or a general power of attorney covering property and/or business affairs. Your parents should seek the advice of an attorney to create the power of attorney, to ensure that the document is appropriate, clear and unambiguous in order to protect your parents, their rights and their property.
ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | 13
102 Orchard Park Lane Green Farms
Drawing: Wednesday, December 9th KATC-TV News at 6pm Proceeds to benefit Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, Faith House, St. Michael Center for Veterans and Healing House.
Media Provider: KATC-TV
14 | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM
LA Charitable Gaming Permit #E0005553.
Source: 12/14 Thoroughbred Research Study
36% of The Daily Advertiser readers are likely to purchase a home or other real estate in the next year.
ACADIANA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | 15
337-266-2220 New Price!
Oakbourne Estates 108 Rimwood Avenue Lafayette, Louisiana
3140 Church Road Port Barre, Louisiana
2 Stories * 6,000 Sq. Ft. 4 Bedrooms * 4 1/2 Bathrooms 60 x 200 Covered Arena with 6 Stalls 8 Outdoor Horse Runs 25.3 Acres $1,099,000
2 Stories * 4,334 Sq. Ft. * 5 BR 4 Full Baths and 2 Half Baths Bonus Room Lot is 100’ x 150’ $349,000
Hwy 31 Opelousas, Louisiana 9.48 Unzoned Acres Not in a flood zone $175,000 Climate Controlled Warehouse - 20,700 Sq. Ft $1,000,000
2020 N. University Avenue 1.808 Acres
+/- 1.75 Acres G reat Location !
Office 4,300 Sq. Ft. Warehouse 4,500 Sq. Ft.
120 Southpark Rd Lafayette, Louisiana
5.09 Acres Great Location! Just north of I-10 Minutes from I-49 Additional acreage available. $955,000
Lean-To 1,875 Sq. Ft.
Bertrand Drive Lafayette, LA $1,143,450
High Traff ic Intersection Ac ross from UHC Nea r ULL’s Athletic C omplex and Football Stad ium , C ajun Dome an d SLCC .
A Full Service Real Estate Co. • Residential • Commercial • Sales & Leasing www.samrobertsonrealestate.com 16 | NOVEMBER 22, 2020 | ACADIA HOMEFINDER WWW.THEADVERTISER.COM