Probate
Indianapolis Probate Lawyer
Guiding Beneficiaries Through The Probate Process
What is Probate?
Probate is a vital process that ensures the distribution of assets held within an estate is carried out properly in the event of a person’s death. Probate is only triggered when the executor named in the will starts the process.
Probate applies to any estate worth more than $50,000 and can take at least six months to a year to complete. It may take even longer if the beneficiaries go to court over the will.
How Does Probate Work in Indiana?
If a person dies without a will or trust in Indiana, the law states that children and/or grandchildren are the first to inherit. If the deceased has no children, each parent receives 25% of the estate and the rest is distributed amongst any siblings, nieces, or nephews.
The reason a house goes into probate when someone dies is to ensure that the property passes over to the person or persons who will inherit the property or some share of it. If a deceased person owned property that was under their sole name, you will typically need to go through the probate process before it can be transferred or sold.
How Do You Avoid Probate In Indiana?
It is possible to avoid the lengthy probate process – and its associated costs – by creating a living trust. An alternative to writing a will, setting up a trust allows for assets and property to be distributed to it before death, eliminating the need for probate to oversee that distribution.
Married and Un-Married Couples
Another option to minimize the need for probate in case a will is more appropriate for your situation is to name beneficiaries on your retirement and bank accounts and to hold property jointly. Each of these options can be explored by married and unmarried couples. Let our estate attorneys help you navigate probate court in Indiana.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Probate
Pros of Probate
- Distributes property if no will exists
- Validates and enforces the intention of the deceased
- Protects the deceased’s property from being taken or given to unauthorized people
- Ensures taxes and debts are paid
- Can result in forgiveness of some of the deceased’s debts
- Distributes smaller estates
Cons of Probate
- The probate process is a public record – therefore, personal family and financial information can be public information
- Time-consuming
- Probate can be stressful for executors who are not familiar with the probate process
If your situation requires probate, an Indiana probate lawyer can help make the process smoother. Contact Christopher Blair Law at (317) 690-7962 to learn more.
Contact Us Today To Discuss Your Plan
“*” indicates required fields
Serving Indianapolis and Surrounding Indiana Communities
Christopher Blair Law proudly serves clients throughout:
- Indianapolis
- Avon
- Carmel
- Danville
- Fishers
- Greenwood
- Brownsburg
- Noblesville
- Westfield
- Zionsville
If you need a probate attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana, local experience matters.
Get Your FREE Reports
If You Are Faced With the Prospect of Probating a Loved One’s Estate, Chances Are You Have Plenty of Questions. This Free Report Has the Answers
Recent Blog Posts
How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in Indianapolis?
What Determines Estate Planning Cost in Indianapolis?Documents Needed for the Estate PlanEstate Planning Attorney Fees and Legal WorkTrusts, Probate, and Asset TransferEstate Tax PlanningFamily and Guardianship ConsiderationsTypical Estate Planning Legal Fees in...
When Should You Consider Guardianship for Aging Parents?
Understanding Guardianship for an Aging ParentWhen Is Guardianship the Right Choice?Steps to Establish Legal GuardianshipWorking With an AttorneyDemonstrating the NeedCourt Review and HearingHow Indiana Chooses a GuardianNext Steps After the AppointmentLegal Guardian...
How Probate Works in Indiana (And How to Make It Easier on Your Family)
How Probate Works in Indiana (And How to Make It Easier on Your Family) When a loved one passes away, families are often left not only with grief, but also with legal and financial responsibilities. One of the most common—and often misunderstood—parts of that process...
