Webster & Garino Blog

Many families begin estate planning with the same question in mind. Should I create a will, a trust, or both? The terms often appear together, and many people assume they accomplish the same thing. In reality, a will and a trust can serve different purposes in an estate plan. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right approach for protecting your family and your assets.

Many families assume that when someone passes away, their property will automatically pass to the people they would have chosen to inherit it. Unfortunately, that is not always how the law works.

Losing a loved one is difficult. When probate becomes part of the process, families often ask the same question right away: how long will this take? Probate in Indiana is the legal process for settling a person's estate after they pass away. It involves validating the will, identifying assets, paying debts, and distributing property to heirs. While the process may sound straightforward, the timeline can vary depending on several factors.

Estate planning for Millennials is becoming more relevant each year. Many young professionals in Hamilton County own homes, operate small businesses, manage retirement accounts, and hold significant digital assets. Yet estate planning often feels like something that can wait.

Estate planning for business owners in Indiana is different from traditional estate planning. When you own a company, you are not just protecting a home or savings account. You are protecting payroll, contracts, employees, partnerships, and years of work.

Digital estate planning has become an essential part of modern estate planning. Most Indiana residents manage finances, communication, investments, and even businesses online. From banking apps and retirement portals to cryptocurrency wallets and cloud storage, digital assets now hold real financial and personal value.

The chemical hair relaxer litigation continues to evolve as courts review an increasing number of claims tied to long-term exposure and serious health outcomes. For individuals and families in Hamilton County, this litigation may feel distant at first, primarily because the cases are centralized at the federal level.

Serving as a personal representative in Hamilton County is a serious legal responsibility. Whether you are appointed under a will or by the Probate Court, you are legally obligated to manage the estate according to Indiana law.

As we move through 2026, many Indiana families are reassessing their estate plans in light of shifting tax thresholds and long-term financial goals. Gifting strategies that once felt optional now deserve closer attention, especially for families who want to transfer wealth thoughtfully while avoiding unintended consequences.

When a loved one passes away, families often focus on grief, funeral arrangements, and the immediate needs of the estate. What many do not expect is the steady flow of creditor notices, medical bills, and account statements that must be handled during probate.