Except as otherwise provided by law, the person appointed administrator shall furnish security for the faithful performance of his duties in an amount exceeding by one-fourth the total value of all property of the succession as shown by the inventory or descriptive list. The court may reduce the amount of this security, on proper showing, whenever it is proved that the security required is substantially in excess of that needed for the protection of the heirs and creditors.
Art. 3151.Security of Administrator
Book VI. Probate Procedure · Title III. Administration of Successions · Chapter 1. Qualification of Succession Representatives · Amendment history unavailable · Last verified July 30, 2026
In one sentenceArticle 3151 requires an appointed administrator to post security exceeding by one-fourth the total value of succession property shown on the inventory or descriptive list, though the court may reduce that amount on a proper showing that it substantially exceeds what heirs and creditors need for protection.
Full Text of Art. 3151
Plain-English Summary
Security, in Louisiana succession practice, is a bond the succession representative posts to protect the heirs, legatees, and creditors against mismanagement or misappropriation of estate property. Article 3151 sets the default rule for an administrator: security in an amount exceeding by one-fourth the total value of all succession property, as that value appears on the inventory or the descriptive list.
That one-fourth premium above the property's own value is deliberate. It builds in a cushion beyond the bare value of the assets being protected, so the security remains adequate even accounting for administration costs, potential mismanagement, or a shortfall in the initial valuation.
The formula is not rigid in every case. The court may reduce the required security below that default amount, but only on a proper showing, meaning the party asking for the reduction has to prove that the amount otherwise required is substantially more than what is needed to protect the heirs and creditors. Article 3151 applies except where some other provision of law sets a different rule, such as the reduced security many testamentary-named executors enjoy under Article 3153.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much security must a Louisiana administrator post?
An amount exceeding by one-fourth the total value of all succession property as shown on the inventory or descriptive list, unless the court reduces that amount or another law provides otherwise.
Can the required security amount be reduced?
Yes, but only on a proper showing that the amount the formula would otherwise require is substantially in excess of what is needed to protect the heirs and creditors.
Why does Louisiana require security greater than the succession's value?
The one-fourth premium above the property's value builds in a cushion beyond the bare asset value, so the bond remains adequate to protect heirs and creditors even accounting for administration costs or mismanagement.
Source & verification. Article text is reproduced verbatim from
the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure (legis.la.gov). Enacted by the Louisiana Legislature.
Last verified July 30, 2026.
· Official source
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