In Louisiana, fee simple ownership is referred to as what?

• A. Life estate
• B. Dower
• C. Full or perfect ownership
• D. Homestead

Answer: (C)

In Louisiana, the widest form of property ownership, with all rights intact, is described as full ownership (also framed as perfect ownership). This reflects the civil-law approach to property, where the term signals complete control over the property, including use, transfer, and disposition.

This differs from a life estate, which lasts only for the life of a person and does not grant full, lasting ownership. It also differs from dower, a traditional concept related to a spouse’s rights after a partner’s death in some jurisdictions, which Louisiana does not use. And homestead refers to protections for a family’s primary residence, not to the duration or breadth of ownership.

So the best term for fee simple ownership in Louisiana is full ownership.