Indiana Family Law and Estate Planning, Explained in Plain English
Our attorneys write about the questions Westfield, Bloomington and Indianapolis families actually ask us. Wills, trusts, probate, divorce, custody and support under Indiana law, without the legal jargon.
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Will vs. Trust: Which Is Right for Your Indiana Estate Plan?
When people begin thinking about estate planning, one of the first questions they ask is whether they need a will, a trust, or both. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes and offer different benefits.
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Wills, Trusts and Probate in Indiana
What every Indiana adult should have in place, and the situations that call for something more than a simple will.
Will vs. Trust: Which Is Right for Your Indiana Estate Plan?
When people begin thinking about estate planning, one of the first questions they ask is whether they need a will, a trust, or both. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes and offer different benefits.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Power of Attorney?
Most people understand the importance of having a will, but many overlook another critical estate planning document: a power of attorney. While a will directs what happens after you pass away, a power of attorney protects you while you are still living if you become unable to make financial or healthcare decisions for yourself.
How to Create a Will in Indiana
Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your property, and your wishes. While many people assume wills are only necessary for wealthy individuals or retirees, the reality is that almost every adult can benefit from having a valid estate plan in place.
Divorce, Custody and Support in Indiana
Straight answers on the questions Indiana families ask us first, from filing through the final decree.
What Does a Guardian Ad Litem Do in an Indiana Custody Case?
Few aspects of a custody case create as many questions as the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem, often referred to as a GAL. Parents frequently worry that a Guardian ad Litem is "taking sides" or deciding who should win the case. In reality, the role is much more specific.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Indiana?
One of the first questions people ask after deciding to end a marriage is, "How long will my divorce take?" While everyone hopes for a quick resolution, the answer depends on several factors unique to each case.
Child Support Laws in Indiana
Child support laws in Indiana are designed to ensure children continue receiving financial support after parents separate or divorce. While the process may sound straightforward, child support cases can quickly become stressful when disagreements arise about income, custody schedules, healthcare costs, or modifications.
More From Our Attorneys
Over 200 articles on Indiana family law and estate planning, newest first.
How to Protect Your Children with a Proper Estate Plan
No parent wants to think about worst-case scenarios, but planning ahead is one of the most important ways to protect your children’s future. A proper estate plan gives families clarity, direction, and stability in the event of an unexpected event.
What Does an Estate in Probate Mean?
When families hear that a loved one’s estate is “in probate,” the phrase can sound intimidating. Many people are unfamiliar with probate until they experience the loss of a family member and suddenly find themselves dealing with legal paperwork, financial questions, and court procedures.
Child Support Laws in Indiana
Child support laws in Indiana are designed to ensure children continue receiving financial support after parents separate or divorce. While the process may sound straightforward, child support cases can quickly become stressful when disagreements arise about income, custody schedules, healthcare costs, or modifications.
The 10 Best Assets to Put into a Trust
Trusts are one of the most effective tools in estate planning, but many people are unsure what should actually go into one. Creating a trust is only the first step. The real value comes from how it is structured and what assets are properly transferred into it.
How to Know if Probate is Required in Indiana
When a loved one passes away, one of the first legal questions families face is whether probate is required. Many people are unsure what probate involves or whether it applies to their situation.
At What Age Should You Get a Living Will?
Most people assume living wills are something you create later in life. It is common to think estate planning only becomes important when retirement is near or health concerns arise. In reality, a living will is not about age as much as it is about preparedness.
Will vs. Trust: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
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.
What is Intestate Succession?
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.
How Long Does Probate Take? A Realistic Timeline for Families
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.
Top 8 Tips for Estate Planning for Millennials
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
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: Everything to Know
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.
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