What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lake Charles, Louisiana?

337-491-1456 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lake Charles.

Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lake Charles, Louisiana?

To obtain a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case, you can visit the Lake Charles Police Headquarters building located at 830 Enterprise Blvd. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reports that are available for printing include crash reports and initial incident reports for burglary, theft, or criminal damage, which are free to the person(s) involved. Event/call logs can only be obtained through the public information record request online <a href="https://www.cityoflakecharles.com/egov/apps/services/index.egov?view=detail;id=4">https://www.cityoflakecharles.com/egov/apps/services/index.egov?view=detail;id=4</a>. If you need more information about obtaining criminal incident reports, you can contact the Records Division at 337-491-1456 ext 5927.

Is the presence of the seller required during the closing process in Lake Charles?

No. Sellers are not required to be present at the closing of a home sale. They can use a power of attorney to handle the process on their behalf. However, certain preparations should be made to ensure a smooth closing, such as providing a government-issued photo ID, keys or codes to the property, remotes for home systems, and any necessary documents instructed by the attorney or escrow agent.

Are there any first-time home buyer programs available in Lake Charles?

Yes, Lake Charles offers first-time home buyer programs. Options include Louisiana Housing Corporation programs for down payment assistance and tax credits, the Homebuyer Assistance Program for down payment and closing cost assistance, Rural Development for 100% financing in rural areas, and VA loans for veterans with no down payment. Research eligibility requirements and application processes to determine which programs suit your needs.

Is succession always required for land ownership in Lake Charles?

Yes. In Lake Charles, succession is mandatory whenever a person owned land. Land ownership is considered immovable property, and thus, a succession process is necessary to transfer ownership to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. Whether the decedent had a will or died intestate, the succession ensures a legal and proper transfer of land ownership by the decedent's wishes or state law. Therefore, regardless of the circumstances, succession is always required for land ownership in Louisiana.

How does partition by licitation work in Lake Charles?

Partition by licitation is a legal process in Lake Charles that allows a co-owner to sell their share of an inherited or jointly owned property, even if other co-owners object. The co-owner requesting the sale must file a petition with the court, which decides if selling the property and dividing the proceeds is fairer than physically dividing it. If approved, the property is auctioned, and the highest bidder becomes the new owner. Proceeds are then divided among the co-owners based on their respective shares.

How long does the house closing process take in Lake Charles?

On average, the full closing process, from offer acceptance to the closing date, takes around 50 days in Lake Charles. However, it is important to know that nearly one-third of closings experience delays, which can further extend the timeline. The involvement of a buyer's lender for loan origination and underwriting contributes to the time-consuming nature of the process. Sellers also have their checklist of tasks to address during this period.

2025

Last updated: April 21, 2025

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Best Real Estate Lawyers Serving Lake Charles

Lake Charles, LA

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Tonya Johannsen delivers efficient real estate law services to clients in Lake Charles, Louisiana. With over four decades of legal experience, she brings exceptional expertise to negotiating complex construction and real estate transactions. As lead counsel at Estes Thorne & Carr PLLC, she established and grew a thriving construction and architectural practice representing general contractors, subcontractors, and architects. Her remarkable 11-year tenure as general counsel for The Beck Group transformed its legal operations through modernized compliance policies and standardized contract templates. Johannsen was recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America for 2021 and has held an AV Preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubbell for 25 years.

Real Estate Litigation
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Best Real Estate Lawyers Serving Lake Charles

600 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601

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Google: 4.6 (16)
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Established in 2005, Stutes & Lavergne delivers legal solutions to clients in Lake Charles and the neighboring communities. The firm guides and represents individuals and businesses in real estate law. It handles residential and commercial loan closings, purchase and sale agreements, contract negotiations and disputes, and title insurance issues. Stutes & Lavergne extends its legal practice in personal injury, business, and tax law. The attorneys at the firm protect clients' interests and properties by employing legal alternatives and solutions in their cases.

Real Estate Litigation
Acquisition & Sale of Property
Commercial Real Estate Disputes

Best Real Estate Lawyers Serving Lake Charles

2002 W. Walnut Street, Suite 3, Lake Charles, LA 70601

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Established in 2005, Cypress Title is a team of attorneys serving individuals and businesses in Lake Charles and the surrounding communities. The company handles a variety of real estate transactions, including obtaining and pursuing title opinions, escrow agreements, title exams, and real estate abstracts. Additional legal services provided by the firm include assistance with commercial transactions, corporate formations, contract reviews, and wills and successions. One of the owners, Jason Dupree, servers on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Company.

Acquisition & Sale of Property

Best Real Estate Lawyers Serving Lake Charles

772 Hwy. 171 N, Moss Bluff, LA 70611

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Google: 5.0 (1)

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Christopher J. Guillory L.L.C. Attorney at Law serves clients in Lake Charles and the surrounding communities. The firm's list of real estate legal services includes construction disputes, transactions, and lease disputes. Its other areas of practice include probate law, wills, insurance issues, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and personal injuries. Guillory has 16 years of legal experience. While he seeks to resolve disputes through mediation, he is prepared to represent clients in business and commercial litigation cases.

Acquisition & Sale of Property

Best Real Estate Lawyers Serving Lake Charles

3801 Maplewood Drive, Sulphur, LA 70663

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Schrumpf Law provides assistance to Lake Charles residents in diverse real estate transactions. Serving buyers and sellers, the law firm provides consultation and legal services in loan closings, loan modification, and refinances. It counsels clients regarding various property topics like insurance and termite certificates to help in their buying and selling decision-making. Schrumpf Law's areas of expertise cover business litigation, estate planning, and probate. In addition, it takes on personal injury cases, helping victims of medical malpractice and wrongful death.

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1777 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601

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Ironclad Title is a legal firm that serves clients in the Lake Charles area. It provides legal representation to those dealing with real estate-related matters, including commercial or industrial projects, home purchases, construction loans, and lease title examinations and opinions. The firm also serves as a licensed agent for companies like the Chicago Title Insurance Corporation and First American Title Insurance Corporation. Attorney John Robichaux was given "National Title Professional" by the American Land Title Association.

Acquisition & Sale of Property

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630 Kirby Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601

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Sigler, Arabie & Cannon Attorneys at Law is a Louisiana law office serving clients in Lake Charles. The firm's real estate attorney, Brian W. Arabie, has been practicing law since 2001 and handles all facets of real estate law—from closing and escrows to development and rights of way. He is a member of the American Land Title Association and plays an active role in the community assisting in the Coastal Plain Conservancy board. Sigler, Arabie & Cannon Attorneys at Law also practices environmental, estate planning, and business law.

Compare Best Lake Charles Real Estate Lawyers

Name	Address	Learn more
Canterbury, PC	Lake Charles, LA	View More
Stutes & Lavergne	600 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601	View More
Cypress Title	2002 W. Walnut Street, Suite 3, Lake Charles, LA 70601	View More
Christopher J. Guillory L.L.C. Attorney at Law	772 Hwy. 171 N, Moss Bluff, LA 70611	View More
Schrumpf Law	3801 Maplewood Drive, Sulphur, LA 70663	View More
Ironclad Title	1777 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601	View More
Sigler, Arabie & Cannon Attorneys at Law	630 Kirby Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601	View More

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Lake Charles, LA Real Estate FAQs

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lake Charles, Louisiana?
337-491-1456 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lake Charles.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lake Charles, Louisiana?
To obtain a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case, you can visit the Lake Charles Police Headquarters building located at 830 Enterprise Blvd. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reports that are available for printing include crash reports and initial incident reports for burglary, theft, or criminal damage, which are free to the person(s) involved. Event/call logs can only be obtained through the public information record request online https://www.cityoflakecharles.com/egov/apps/services/index.egov?view=detail;id=4. If you need more information about obtaining criminal incident reports, you can contact the Records Division at 337-491-1456 ext 5927.
Is the presence of the seller required during the closing process in Lake Charles?
No. Sellers are not required to be present at the closing of a home sale. They can use a power of attorney to handle the process on their behalf. However, certain preparations should be made to ensure a smooth closing, such as providing a government-issued photo ID, keys or codes to the property, remotes for home systems, and any necessary documents instructed by the attorney or escrow agent.
Are there any first-time home buyer programs available in Lake Charles?
Yes, Lake Charles offers first-time home buyer programs. Options include Louisiana Housing Corporation programs for down payment assistance and tax credits, the Homebuyer Assistance Program for down payment and closing cost assistance, Rural Development for 100% financing in rural areas, and VA loans for veterans with no down payment. Research eligibility requirements and application processes to determine which programs suit your needs.
Is succession always required for land ownership in Lake Charles?
Yes. In Lake Charles, succession is mandatory whenever a person owned land. Land ownership is considered immovable property, and thus, a succession process is necessary to transfer ownership to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. Whether the decedent had a will or died intestate, the succession ensures a legal and proper transfer of land ownership by the decedent's wishes or state law. Therefore, regardless of the circumstances, succession is always required for land ownership in Louisiana.
How does partition by licitation work in Lake Charles?
Partition by licitation is a legal process in Lake Charles that allows a co-owner to sell their share of an inherited or jointly owned property, even if other co-owners object. The co-owner requesting the sale must file a petition with the court, which decides if selling the property and dividing the proceeds is fairer than physically dividing it. If approved, the property is auctioned, and the highest bidder becomes the new owner. Proceeds are then divided among the co-owners based on their respective shares.
How long does the house closing process take in Lake Charles?
On average, the full closing process, from offer acceptance to the closing date, takes around 50 days in Lake Charles. However, it is important to know that nearly one-third of closings experience delays, which can further extend the timeline. The involvement of a buyer's lender for loan origination and underwriting contributes to the time-consuming nature of the process. Sellers also have their checklist of tasks to address during this period.

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Canterbury, PC

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Stutes & Lavergne

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Cypress Title

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Christopher J. Guillory L.L.C. Attorney at Law

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Schrumpf Law

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Ironclad Title

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Sigler, Arabie & Cannon Attorneys at Law

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Lake Charles, LA Real Estate FAQs

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lake Charles, Louisiana?

Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lake Charles, Louisiana?

Is the presence of the seller required during the closing process in Lake Charles?

Are there any first-time home buyer programs available in Lake Charles?

Is succession always required for land ownership in Lake Charles?

How does partition by licitation work in Lake Charles?

How long does the house closing process take in Lake Charles?

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