When you start the estate planning process, you might be so focused on setting up instructions for your assets that you forget to leave instructions for what will happen if you become incapacitated. If you can’t make decisions on your own because you’re...
Estate Planning
Can you disinherit your soon-to-be ex as you divorce?
If you have been forward-thinking and responsible enough to create an estate plan, you likely were told that it would need to be amended when important family and life events occurred. One of those you may not have anticipated at the time is divorce. If divorce is in...
3 ways families can be hurt if you don’t have an estate plan
Estate planning is something many Hoosiers plan to do "eventually." Maybe after the kids graduate, or when retirement gets closer or when things slow down at work. But putting it off can create real problems for the people you love most. Important decisions are out of...
Do adopted kids automatically count as heirs in intestate wills?
If your adoptive parent dies without a will, you might wonder whether you still inherit from their estate. The answer to this question matters deeply to thousands of families across America. Thus, understanding inheritance rules can help you protect your interests...
When should you consider a revocable living trust in Indiana?
You may wonder if a revocable living trust fits your estate plan. Indiana law allows several ways to manage property, and a trust can serve specific goals. You want to avoid probate delays Probate follows set timelines and court procedures. Even simple estates can...
5 ways to plan for your children from prior marriages
When you sit down to plan your estate, not only dividing assets. You are defining your legacy. If you have children from a first marriage and a current household, this process is a tightrope walk. You want to protect your first children while safeguarding the future...
Is a will necessary, or is it just fear talking?
Many people refuse to talk about creating a will. They believe they should only do it later in life or when their wealth reaches a certain level that makes it absolutely necessary. But in reality, a will is necessary for anyone who owns property or has savings and has...
When does Indiana require a trust rather than a will?
You want a plan that handles your property with precision and protects the people you care about. You may wonder when a trust serves your goals better than a will. Indiana law offers both tools, and each one shapes your estate in different ways. Handling property that...
Why succession planning is important for family businesses
Succession planning is vital for family businesses, especially in Indiana, where many farms and enterprises pass down through generations. Without a solid, written plan for the next leadership change, these businesses risk serious conflict and instability. Owners must...
What happens if someone dies without a will in Indiana?
When someone dies without a will in Indiana, their estate goes through a legal process called intestate succession. This means the court uses state law to decide who inherits the deceased person’s property. Without a will to guide these decisions, family members often...
