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Lafayette, Louisiana · Attorneys at Law · Since 2012

Adoptions to Successions and Everything in Between

Keaty & Tilly, LLC is a Lafayette, Louisiana law firm that focuses on estate planning, successions, family law, criminal expungements, civil litigation and business services.

From stressful child custody issues to joyful adoptions, our legal team has successfully handled, as well as mediated, hundreds of these cases throughout Acadiana.

Call (337) 347-8995 Everything in between

Licensed in Western District Federal Court of Louisiana and Louisiana State Courts

One firm for the whole story

Everything in Between

Their words, not ours: "adoptions to successions and everything in between." One Lafayette office walks with a family through every legal chapter of life.

  1. 01 · A family grows

    Adoptions

    One of the happiest jobs an attorney can do — intrafamily and private adoptions alike.

  2. 02 · Children first

    Custody & Support

    The only thing that matters is what is in the best interest of the children.

  3. 03 · Building something

    Business & Property

    LLCs and corporations, contracts, leases and evictions — protecting what you have built.

  4. 04 · A fresh start

    Expungements

    Many convictions can be removed from public access. If you need a fresh start, call.

  5. 05 · Plan today

    Wills & Trusts

    Plan today. Protect tomorrow. Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

  6. 06 · Protect tomorrow

    Successions

    Handled properly, a succession spares your children and grandchildren the complication.

“Our mission is to work hard to obtain the best possible outcomes for our clients, while maintaining an atmosphere where we are accessible and approachable.”

Our Firm

Who We Are

Keaty & Tilly is a Lafayette, Louisiana based law firm focusing on family law, estate planning and civil litigation, as well as a variety of other legal matters including business services and personal injury. Since 2012, we have represented hundreds of clients throughout Louisiana, helping them with a variety of legal needs.

When we meet the majority of our clients, it is their first experience with the legal system. Some of them have no warning of a lawsuit until a Sheriff’s Deputy knocks on their door to serve them. For many of them, the thought of hiring an attorney and going to court is overwhelming and intimidating. Our job is to explain your legal issues in a clear and concise way to you, while shouldering the burden for you.

There are many attorneys who are competent to handle your legal matter, but a truly great attorney will walk with you every step of the way, return your calls and emails, and always keep you informed.

We value integrity, efficiency, and determination.

The Lafayette, Louisiana skyline at dusk.
Serving Lafayette, Louisiana & Acadiana since 2012.
Serving Acadiana since
2012
Founding partner
Certified Legal Mediator
Of counsel
Phyllis M. Keaty, Judge Retired

Licensed in Western District Federal Court of Louisiana and Louisiana State Courts

Practice Areas

From stressful to joyful — and everything legal in between

A family walking together along the shore at sunset.

Family Law

Divorce · Custody · Adoptions

Sensitive matters, surrounding family relationships and the well-being of loved ones, deserve respect and trust.

  • Divorce

    Few things in life are as stressful and emotional as a divorce. Our attorneys help you understand your options and guide you through the divorce and every incidental matter that comes with it.

  • Child Custody

    We firmly believe the only thing that matters is what is in the best interest of the children. Our firm handles child custody matters every single day.

  • Child Support

    Whether you believe you are entitled to support, an increase, or a decrease after a change in income, our attorneys can determine exactly what is owed.

  • Spousal Support

    Often called "alimony" elsewhere, Louisiana law offers two types of spousal support — interim and final. We can see what you are entitled to.

  • Community Property

    Property acquired during a marriage is presumed community property, owned equally by spouses. In a divorce it must be divided and ownership transferred.

  • Adoptions

    One of the happiest jobs an attorney can do — step-child intrafamily adoptions or private adoptions, guided through the often complex, lengthy process.

  • Protective Orders

    Protection from violence, harassment, and stalking — and experienced defense when a request for a protective order is filed without merit.

  • Emergency Custody Orders

    When a child is in immediate harm, an ex parte emergency custody order allows an immediate change of custody, without first having a hearing.

A younger hand and an older hand clasped together in support.

Estate Planning

Plan today. Protect tomorrow.

You deserve peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

  • Wills

    Do you need a will? Yes! A will lets you decide who gets your assets — without one, a court decides. Never trust a website with your family’s security; have a Louisiana attorney review any online will.

  • Trusts

    A trust can protect your assets if you can no longer handle your own affairs, and protect and direct property for your minor children.

  • Special Needs Trusts

    Protects a special-needs family member’s assets while allowing them to receive government assistance — the best quality of life possible.

  • Medicaid Planning

    Nursing homes average $85,000 per year. Medicaid planning ensures you leave your family comfortable while receiving proper end-of-life care.

  • Successions

    Successions get complicated quickly, especially with real estate. Handled improperly — or "kicked down the road" — they create expense for your children and grandchildren.

An attorney and client reviewing and signing a contract at a desk.

Civil Litigation & Business

For your home and your small business

Whether it be for your loved ones at home or for your small business, it is imperative to obtain exceptional guidance.

  • Business Formation

    Corporations, LLCs, partnerships and non-profits. If you are sued, a business entity can protect your personal assets from seizure.

  • Evictions

    For landlords and tenants alike — from removing a non-paying lessee to reacting fast to a Notice to Vacate, including recovering money for property damage.

  • Breach of Contract

    A contract is a great way to make sure someone follows through — but it is not worth the paper it is written on if you don’t know how to enforce it.

  • Debt Collection

    A judgment can be just the beginning. We help you pursue every avenue so you actually collect the money you are owed.

  • Interdictions

    When an adult can no longer care for themselves or their finances, an interdiction lets a trusted loved one ensure they are cared for, physically and financially.

A wooden gavel resting in front of an American flag.

Criminal Law

Expungements — a fresh start

To expunge a record means "to remove a record of arrest or conviction, photographs, fingerprints, disposition, or any other information of any kind from public access." — La. C.Cr.P. 972

  • Expungements

    Many convictions can be expunged — removed from public access. If you need a fresh start, call our attorneys to discuss whether your conviction may be expunged.

Attorneys & Staff

A truly great attorney walks with you every step of the way

Returns your calls and emails, and always keeps you informed — that is the standard this office holds itself to.

Portrait of John W. Tilly

John W. Tilly

Attorney · Managing Partner

John grew up in Scott, Louisiana. He studied history at LSU (and marched in The Tiger Band), then graduated magna cum laude from Southern University Law Center in 2009, where he was an editor for the Law Review.

After representing hundreds of clients in personal injury matters at the Gordon McKernan Law Firm, John became a partner at Keaty & Tilly in 2013. His expertise includes estate planning, wills and successions, family law and personal injury law.

  • Louisiana & Lafayette Bar Associations
  • Saint Thomas More Society
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star 2017–2019
John Tilly’s family of six posing together outdoors beneath a large oak tree.
Married with four children — home in Acadiana.
Portrait of William A. Keaty, II

William A. Keaty, II

Attorney · Partner

Will is a native of Lafayette. A 1997 Boston College graduate who worked in psychology for eight years, he earned his law degree from Southern University Law Center in 2009 and clerked for judges of the 15th and 16th Judicial District Courts.

Upon passing the Bar, Will founded Keaty & Tilly in 2012 and has represented clients throughout Acadiana in family, estate planning, criminal and personal injury law.

  • Certified Legal Mediator
  • Past President, Family Law Section, Lafayette Bar Association
  • Elected Justice of the Peace, Vermilion Parish Ward 4 (2015)
Portrait of Phyllis M. Keaty

Phyllis M. Keaty

Judge Retired · Of Counsel

Portrait of Erin Broussard

Erin Broussard

Paralegal

A Maurice, Louisiana native and 2009 UL Lafayette graduate, Erin spent 11+ years as a Deputy Criminal Clerk for the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court and two years as a Legal Clerk for the 15th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office. She earned her Paralegal Certification through UL Lafayette in 2026 and is studying to become a Notary Public.

Portrait of Alicia Ellis

Alicia Ellis

Legal Assistant

Consultations

We are here to help.

Call the office to schedule a consultation. We will explain your legal issue in a clear and concise way — and shoulder the burden for you.

(337) 347-8995

Attorney fees & court costs — call the office to arrange payment.

The Office

Keaty & Tilly, LLC
2701 Johnston Street, Suite 307
Lafayette, Louisiana 70503

Phone: (337) 347-8995
Fax: (337) 347-7696

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