Estate Planning

Estate planning is sometimes viewed as something you need after getting married, having children, buying a home, or accumulating substantial wealth. If you are single, particularly if you do not have children, you may assume that there is little reason to create an estate plan because you do not have a spouse or immediate dependents to protect. Being single, however, can make certain estate planning decisions even more important because you do not have a spouse who may otherwise be the natural … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Single People in Indiana

One of the most important decisions you make when creating an estate plan is deciding who should benefit from the wealth and property you leave behind. At first, naming beneficiaries may appear relatively straightforward. You may intend for your spouse to inherit your estate, divide your property among your children, or leave certain assets to grandchildren. Once you consider the different ways property can transfer at death, the ages and circumstances of your beneficiaries, and what should … [Read more...] about Naming Beneficiaries in Your Indiana Estate Plan

One of the primary goals of an estate plan is to give you control over how your assets will be managed and distributed after your death. In many cases, that means providing for a spouse, children, grandchildren, or charitable organizations that are important to you. Sometimes, though, family conflict, financial concerns, estrangement, or other personal circumstances may lead you to conclude that one of your children should not inherit from your estate. While Indiana law generally allows you to … [Read more...] about Disinheriting a Child in Indiana

As you work through issues in a divorce that involve property division, parenting time, child support, and the transition to living independently, it is understandable that your attention is focused on resolving the immediate legal and personal challenges associated with ending your marriage, not on estate planning. Your estate plan, however, reflects your family relationships, financial circumstances, and long-term goals at the time it is created, and divorce fundamentally changes each of those … [Read more...] about How Estate Planning Can Help Protect Your Assets in an Indiana Divorce

Despite acknowledging the importance of estate planning, over half of all Americans do not have an estate plan in place. Unfortunately, failing to create an estate plan can result in avoidable hardship for you and the people you care about most. In Indiana, if you pass away without a valid Last Will and Testament or a properly funded trust, the law considers you to have died “intestate.” That designation means the State of Indiana, through its intestate succession laws, decides who administers … [Read more...] about The Problem with Leaving Behind an Intestate Estate in Indiana

Developing an estate plan that fully reflects your intentions requires careful attention to every asset you own. Real estate often presents unique challenges, particularly when property is located outside your home state. Indiana residents who own homes, land, or rental properties elsewhere must take additional steps to ensure those assets pass smoothly to intended beneficiaries. Failing to do so can create unnecessary expenses, delays, and confusion for loved ones. To address these concerns, … [Read more...] about How Does Property in Another State Fit into Your Indiana Estate Plan?

Creating an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your assets, provide for loved ones, and ensure that your personal wishes are honored during incapacity and after death. A comprehensive estate plan allows you to do far more than just distribute your assets. It can establish guardianship for minor children, provide for loved ones with special needs, outline medical preferences, and safeguard finances during periods of incapacity. Despite understanding the … [Read more...] about The Risks of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning in Indiana

As the year draws to a close, many Indiana residents take stock of their finances, family priorities, and long-term objectives. Estate planning deserves a place in that review. An effective estate plan does more than distribute property. It protects loved ones, minimizes conflict, and provides clear direction during periods of incapacity or after death. Conducting a thoughtful review before the end of December allows you to respond to personal changes, refine existing documents, and address … [Read more...] about 7 End-of-Year Estate Planning Steps for Your Indiana Estate Plan

Being appointed as the Executor of a loved one’s estate is both a privilege and a serious legal duty. In Indiana, the Executor, sometimes referred to as the Personal Representative, must manage and settle the decedent’s estate in compliance with state law. The position requires organization, honesty, and attention to detail and while many Executors take on the responsibility with sincere intentions, the complexity of probate administration often leads to avoidable missteps. Recognizing the most … [Read more...] about Serving as Executor in Indiana? How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Estate planning should go beyond drafting a Will or storing documents in a folder. A well-designed plan safeguards assets, supports family members, and furthers charitable or personal objectives. For individuals with significant wealth, anticipating how federal and state estate tax rules apply is also a critical aspect of comprehensive estate planning. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed in 2025, introduced major changes to federal estate and gift tax laws, creating both opportunities … [Read more...] about How Does OBBBA Impact Estate Planning in Indiana?