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MorrisonLawPLC.com | (504) 831-2348 | January 2026
METAIRIE OFFICE 3813 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 200, Metairie, LA 70002
COVINGTON OFFICE 40 Louis Prima Dr., Covington, LA 70433
Create an Estate Plan Guided by Your Catholic Beliefs Faith in Every Detail
Thank you for your referrals!
Many people look forward to Jan. 6 as the beginning of Carnival season, a time to enjoy the colorful festivities that lead up to Mardi Gras. For the next few weeks, all of New Orleans will move to the rhythms of the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar. Fat Tuesday is the final day of Carnival before Lent, and King Cake is named for the three kings who brought gifts to the Christ child. For the 1 in 4 Louisiana residents who are Catholic, all the festivities are designed to prepare the soul for deep reflection, repentance, and renewal during Lent. How Faith Intersects With Estate Planning Few of life’s responsibilities overlap more broadly with Catholic values than estate planning. End-of- life medical and financial decisions raise profound questions of faith: What measures should be taken to prolong life for those whose bodies are failing? What methods of burial are preferred? And how can a person of faith best express their Catholic values in planning their legacy? Yet few Catholics have experience integrating their faith-based values into the legal process of estate planning. Existing wills or trusts, especially those prepared years ago or using boilerplate language, may contain generic or outdated provisions that no longer reflect a family’s values, priorities, or intended legacy.
and succession. Adhering to Catholic values can also provide comfort to your loved ones and lend deeper meaning to the legacy you leave. The Benefits of Catholic Estate Planning Working with legal experts who understand both Louisiana law and Catholic values ensures your documents are both legally valid and rooted in faith. Here are a few questions the Catholic estate planning process can help you answer: • In my Last Will & Testament , do the provisions and language reflect my faith and values? • Do my Advanced Medical Directives document my wishes in a way that honors my Catholic beliefs? • Do I have Powers of Attorney in place to ensure the person who speaks for me if I become incapacitated will be guided by my values and the principles of my faith? • Have I created a Living Trust to provide for future generations and support the ministries I cherish after I am gone? • Have I named a trusted individual to provide Succession Guidance throughout the process of settling my estate? In our experience, clients who integrate their faith into estate planning enjoy the comfort, clarity, and peace that comes from knowing their
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Karen Scallan
• Jim Rather • Jason Appe •
Evan Corneille Brenda Smith Brian Swindell
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• Crystal Lacy • Julie Carron • Gilda Joseph •
Loyd Bourgeois
• Ann Morrison • Bill Thomassie • Warren Wyble • Kenny Moran • Jonah Freedman • Kristi Louque • Bob Bergeron • Sarah Castillo •
Families Helping Families • Autism Society of GNO • Amber Harris • Mark LaGrange • Marjorie Western Know someone who’s been putting off their estate plan? Sometimes, all they need is a little nudge from someone they trust — you! Scan here to refer a friend and help them take the first step.
documents express not only their love for their family but also their desire to be a good steward of God’s grace.
How a Catholic Estate Plan Is Different Catholic estate planning is the process of creating wills, trusts, and directives that adhere to both Louisiana law and Catholic values. In addition to complying with Louisiana law, a Catholic estate plan may include language
As you enjoy the traditions of Mardi Gras, take a moment to review
your current will or estate plan and reflect on the values you want your legacy to reflect. If your documents were created years ago without any consideration of your Catholic values, this
requesting that Masses be offered or burial procedures be conducted in accordance with Catholic teachings. A faith-based plan also might include gifts to the Church or related charities. Decisions about medical treatment and end-of-life care would adhere to Catholic moral values and spiritual beliefs about life and dignity. A faith-based estate plan can also ensure your family is protected from unwanted conflict or unnecessary expenses during your end-of-life care
season might be the right time to meet with an attorney to review and customize them. Our staff includes attorneys and paralegals who are practicing Catholics and devout parish members, and we will be happy to help you honor the beliefs and customs of the Catholic faith throughout your life and beyond. –Chip Morrison
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(504) 831-2348
A Succession Paralegal Devoted to Families Where Legacy Meets Heart
In 22 years of helping Louisiana residents navigate the succession process, Maija Miller has gained deep insights into a wide variety of families. As our Succession Paralegal and Notary Public, she guides clients and bereaved family members through some of the most sensitive and difficult times of their lives. In every case, she strives to support each family member with compassion and care. “Settling a loved one’s estate is not just a legal process, but an emotional one,” Maija says. She serves as a trusted point of contact for family members throughout the succession process. “I enjoy what we do, in helping and guiding people through some of the toughest times,” she says. Maija began her career as a receptionist for our partner, Attorney Ronda Gabb, and gradually assumed more tasks and roles, acquiring all the skills necessary to serve as a paralegal. As a member of Morrison Law Group following the merger of our two
firms, she works closely with our attorneys to prepare pleadings, court filings, and affidavits, and to ensure our clients’ estates are handled accurately and efficiently. She also oversees signings of estate plans, guiding families as much or as little as they want. Maija has even worked with two generations of clients from some families. Some parents become clients when the firm prepares their wills and other documents, and when they pass, she works with the surviving spouse. If both parents have passed, she works with the children. “I do very much love this work,” she shares. “You form such a relationship with families through the years, helping with their succession planning needs and with the succession process itself.” Adding that the experience “can be very emotional, because you form a relationship across two generations.” She takes care to explain each step in a way that all family members can
understand, and inspires clients’ trust by paying careful attention to detail. Maija and her husband, Jerry, have twin 12-year-old sons who attend different high schools and participate in different sports … one in travel baseball, and the other in high school football. So, their evenings and weekends are consumed by practices, games, and travel to competitions. Her dedication to her family informs another of her roles at the firm, helping parents with special needs children set up continuing tutorships. In all of her work, Maija strives to ensure our clients and all members of their families have the support and legal protections they need.
Inspired by TheRecipeCritic.com JALAPEÑO POPPER SOUP INGREDIENTS
• 4 bacon slices, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces • 5–6 large jalapeño peppers, minced with stems and seeds removed • 1/2 small onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves, minced • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp cumin • 1 1/2 tsp salt • 1 lb gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese • 1 cup shredded fresh cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
1. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, then remove to a plate. 2. Add jalapeños and onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Add garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute. 4. Stir in chicken broth, cumin, salt, and potatoes, and simmer for 20 minutes. 5. Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and add 1 ladle of hot broth before mixing. 6. Add cream cheese mixture to the pot and stir. 7. Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese and lemon juice, stirring until the cheese melts. 8. Pour into serving bowls, topping with bacon and more shredded cheese.
Scan this code o Shorturl.at/LO to grab our “Little Book of Successio everything you n know about succe simplified
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Merging Estate and Retirement Planning for Enduring Wealth THE POWER OF A SINGLE GUIDE
Attorney Chip Morrison is both a Board- Certified Estate Planning Law Specialist and an Investment Advisor Representative. This unique combination allows us to offer Private Client Wealth Services, integrating estate planning and investment management under the guidance of a single trusted advisor. Chip is uniquely qualified to serve in both roles: • There is no confusion about which accounts should be retitled • No uncertainty about how beneficiary designations should be handled • No risk of retirement accounts being mishandled • Every step is taken intentionally, in the correct order, and with the full plan in mind Why This Integrated Approach Matters Protect family wealth across generations. When your investment strategy is guided by someone who understands your estate plan, decisions are made with your long-term legacy in mind — not just short-term results.
Reduce stress for your family. Clear coordination between legal and financial planning simplifies the process for your loved ones and spares them unnecessary delays, uncertainty, and the burden of managing multiple contacts. Eliminate costly gaps and implementation errors. With one advisor overseeing both the legal framework and the investment execution, plans are not only well designed — they are properly carried out. Already have a plan? Let’s make sure it works together.
Too often, families working to protect and pass on wealth across generations encounter an avoidable problem: Their legal and financial plans aren’t fully aligned. A trust may be thoughtfully drafted, yet never properly funded — not because the plan was flawed, but because the follow-through was incomplete. When estate planning and investment planning are handled separately, important details can fall through the cracks. Investment and retirement accounts require different handling, and the right approach depends on the account type and the family’s goals. Some accounts are retitled into a trust, while others rely on carefully coordinated beneficiary designations — details that matter more than most families realize. Without a single advisor overseeing both the legal strategy and the investment implementation, uncertainty can delay action or quietly undermine an otherwise solid plan. At our firm, we believe your most important plans deserve one clear, coordinated strategy.
Schedule a Private Client Wealth Meeting
Your goals deserve more than fragmented advice. They deserve a single trusted advisor who understands the full picture.
Call (504) 831-2348 to schedule.
Investment advisory services offered through Integrity Advisory Solutions, LLC, an investment adviser registered with the SEC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Integrity Wealth, LLC. Integrity Wealth and American Academy Wealth are strategic partners; they are not affiliated through ownership or common control. Legal services provided by Morrison Law Group, PLC are separate from the Securities or Advisory services offered through Integrity Advisory Solutions, LLC and Ronald W. Morrison, Jr., Investment Advisor Representative. Morrison Law Group, PLC, Integrity Advisory Solutions, LLC, and Ronald W. Morrison, Jr., Investment Advisor Representative, do not offer tax advice. Please consult the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.
To learn more about Medicaid and long-term care planning, scan the QR code below. You can even use our free Medicaid calculator to determine your eligibility.
“It was a wonderful experience that gives me peace of mind every day.” 5-STAR REVIEWS
~Sheryl M.
“Chip Morrison is a great estate planning attorney. He helped make sure my 91-year-old grandfather has all of his business straight after a detrimental accident. Additionally, he assisted my partner and me with a buy/sell agreement for our joint venture. Highly recommend. He has all of my future legal businesses.”
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~Kurt B. Jr.
3 (504) 831-2348
3813 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 200 Metairie, LA 70002
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INSIDE
pg. 1
Devoted to Your Faith? Consider Creating a Catholic Estate Plan
pg. 2 Meet Maija Miller: A Paralegal Making a Difference for Families
Jalapeño Popper Soup
pg. 3
The Benefits of a Single Trusted Advisor for Your Most Critical Plans
pg. 4 Understanding the High Stakes of Proper Trust Planning
Avoid Probate Nightmares
The High Stakes of Proper Trust Planning
A trust is an invaluable tool for people who want to pass on assets to heirs without going through probate. Creating a trust also allows a benefactor to set specific boundaries and rules about how the assets in the trust may be used. Unfortunately, many people who create trusts often overlook the most crucial step: funding them. If they do not retitle assets and accounts in the name of the trust, the trust is essentially worthless. A trust without funding is like a safe with nothing in it. These skeletal legal instruments even have their own nickname: a bare bones trust. Any assets or property not properly aligned with the trust may have to go through probate, which is exactly what most people who create trusts are trying to avoid. We are proud to have on our staff an Associate Attorney, Hannah E. Roberts,
whose time and energy are dedicated exclusively to Trust & Wealth Services. Hannah is skilled in examining our clients’ trusts, ensuring they are complete, accurate, and functional, and that they will work exactly as our clients envision. She is dedicated to making sure all your documents are completed correctly. If a trust or trusts are part of your estate plan, you may get a call from Hannah to make sure you have properly transferred your accounts, real estate, and other assets into the trust. She has extensive experience in ensuring our clients’ trusts meet all the requirements for optimal performance: Is your real estate titled in your trust? Is ownership of all your bank accounts assigned to the trust? Is your trust named as the beneficiary of your investment accounts and life insurance? Have you assigned business or LLC shares to your trust? Are both your primary
and contingent beneficiaries accurate and up to date?
If you have any doubts about whether your trust meets all these requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We will be happy to make sure all your documents and property are set up correctly, and your heirs are spared the time, expense, and heartache of probate!
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