Squatter Next Door

Location: New Orleans, LA

I live in a residential area of New Orleans with my wife and two children. The house next to us is somewhat dilapidated and was formerly owned by the now deceased brother of one of my neighbors. After the owner died, the house passed to my neighbor who has been taking care of the property while the house has fallen into disrepair. Recently, I noticed a man sleeping on the porch of the house. I went to speak with my neighbor who informed me it was his nephew. According to my neighbor, his nephew has a history of assault and battery, arson, is addicted to drugs, and has been in and out of mental institutions throughout the state. My neighbor tried to get the nephew to leave, he refused. My neighbor called the cops who informed him since they share a last name and the man was on the property, he has squatters rights and they can not simply evict him. The nephew has since broken into the house and is living in it.

Needless to say, I am concerned - I have a wife and two small children. Our properties abut one another. I would like to see the nephew gone as soon as possible. My neighbor is elderly and does not know how to use the internet. He is also struggling to find an attorney to help him. I have two questions:

1: Obviously my neighbor needs an attorney. What type of lawyer does he need and how should he go about finding one? I have offered to help him.

2: What rights do I have to self-defense in Louisiana? If the nephew comes onto my property with my wife and children, of course I will be calling the police. Beyond that, is there anything I can legally do to protect my family?

Thank you in advance for your help!