Indiana probate attorney helping a family administer an estate in Westfield

Probate · Westfield · Bloomington

Indiana Probate Attorneys Serving Westfield, Bloomington and Indianapolis

When someone dies, the legal work starts quickly. At Webster & Garino LLC, our Indiana probate attorneys open the estate, guide the personal representative, resolve debts and taxes, and get assets to the right people with as little court friction as possible.

We serve families from our Westfield and Bloomington offices, including Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville and communities across Indiana.

or call (317) 565-1818

Indiana probate attorney helping a family administer an estate in Westfield
WHO WE HELP

Who We Help With Probate in Indiana

Every estate is different. We represent personal representatives, heirs and beneficiaries across the full range of Indiana probate matters, always with the same goal: an estate closed correctly and without avoidable conflict.

  • Personal representatives who have just been appointed by the court
  • Families opening an estate after the death of a loved one
  • Heirs settling an estate where the person died without a will
  • Families who may qualify for a small estate affidavit
  • Estates that include real estate, farmland or a family business
  • Successor trustees administering a trust after a death
  • Beneficiaries who believe an estate is being handled improperly
  • Anyone facing a creditor claim or a will contest in probate court

Most probate work is paperwork and deadlines, and mistakes land on the personal representative personally. We keep the filings on time and the estate protected.

PROBATE SERVICES

Probate Services We Handle

Each area below has its own page explaining how Indiana law works and what to expect. Every estate is handled by one of our two founding partners.

Not sure where your situation fits? Call us and we will tell you which of these applies to you and what the next step looks like.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

What Our Clients Have to Say…

50+

YEARS EXPERIENCE

3

COUNTIES SERVED

100%

FOCUSED ON FAMILIES

2

OFFICE LOCATIONS

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Why Legal Guidance Matters

Probate is more than paperwork. The personal representative answers to the court and can be held personally responsible for mistakes. Experienced counsel keeps the estate on schedule and protects the person administering it.

Core Probate Tasks

What Indiana Probate Involves

Most Indiana estates come down to a handful of core tasks. We handle each one so the estate closes cleanly and on time.

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Opening the Estate

The will is filed with the county court, a personal representative is appointed, and letters are issued so estate business can begin.

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Debts, Taxes and Inventory

Assets are identified and valued, creditors are notified, valid claims and taxes are paid, and an inventory is filed with the court.

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Distribution and Closing

Remaining assets pass to the heirs or beneficiaries, a final accounting is filed, and the court enters the order closing the estate.

HOW WE HELP

A Complete Approach to Your Indiana Probate Matter

We guide you through every stage, from the first call after a death to the order that closes the estate.

01

Initial Consultation

We review the will, the assets and the family situation, then explain whether full probate, unsupervised administration or a small estate affidavit applies.

02

Opening the Estate in Court

We file the petition in the correct Indiana county, admit the will, and obtain the letters that authorize the personal representative to act.

03

Inventory and Valuation

We identify and value real estate, accounts, business interests and personal property, bringing in appraisers when the estate calls for it.

04

Creditors and Taxes

We publish notice to creditors, review and resolve claims, and coordinate the final income tax and any estate tax filings.

05

Disputes When They Arise

When heirs disagree or a will is challenged, our seasoned litigators are prepared to protect the estate and the representative in court.

06

Distribution and Final Accounting

We distribute the remaining assets, file the final accounting, and obtain the court order that formally closes the estate.

Indiana Law & Local Experience

Probate Under Indiana Law

Indiana probate is handled by the circuit or superior court in the county where the person lived. Supervised administration keeps the court involved at every step, while unsupervised administration is faster and available when the will allows it or the heirs agree.

An Indiana estate must stay open at least three months so creditors can file claims, and estates valued under $100,000 may qualify for a small estate affidavit instead of full probate. We use every shortcut Indiana law allows while keeping the personal representative protected.

We serve clients from our Westfield and Bloomington offices: Westfield, Bloomington, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Fishers.

Probate attorney in Westfield Indiana reviewing estate documents with an heir

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions About Indiana Probate

We know you have questions. Here are the answers Indiana families most often need before they call.

As soon as possible after the death. Early guidance prevents missed deadlines, improper distributions and the delays that make an estate far more expensive to close.

A straightforward Indiana estate usually takes six months to a year. The estate must stay open at least three months for creditor claims, and contested or complex estates can run well beyond a year.

Yes. If you distribute assets before debts and taxes are paid, or you fail to account to the court properly, you can be held responsible personally. That is the main reason representatives retain counsel.

Indiana intestacy law decides who inherits and the court appoints an administrator. The outcome is often not what the family expected, which is why disputes are more common in intestate estates.

If the gross value of the Indiana estate is under $100,000 and at least 45 days have passed since the death, heirs can often collect assets by affidavit instead of opening a full probate case.

We have offices in Westfield and Bloomington, and we represent clients in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana. Consultations are available in person, by phone, or by video.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Let Us Take the Legal Weight Off Your Family

You do not have to work through an estate alone. Our attorneys handle the filings, the deadlines and the court requirements so you can focus on your family.

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Serving Westfield · Bloomington · Indianapolis · Carmel · Noblesville · Fishers · Zionsville · Hamilton County · Monroe County · Marion County