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Indiana Probate Lawyers
Serving Clients in Valparaiso, Lafayette, Granger & Nearby Areas
If you know what probate is, you have likely participated in it in some fashion. Perhaps you are currently an appointed executor or administrator of an estate. As you may already know, the probate process is both time-consuming and costly and may present complications depending on the size of the estate.
Over 100 Years of Probate and Estate Planning Experience
At Rice & Rice, our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience in Estate Planning and probate matters and we have helped our many clients throughout Indiana, Illinois and Michigan with complicated legal matters. We know the Indiana probate laws and we use this knowledge to help our clients through the probate process.
When you find yourself needing help with the probate process, contact our law firm to speak to an Indiana probate attorney. Call us at (219) 240-0450 or contact us online today.
What Is Probate in Indiana?
Probate is the public review and administration of a decedent’s assets and liabilities, the settling of obligations, and the transfer of assets to heirs. Not all estates will need to go through probate. As an executor or administrator of an estate, you must understand how the probate process works and what is necessary for the probate process for the estate.
Testate and Intestate Probate
If a probate proceeding is necessary for the estate, the estate will enter testate or intestate probate.
- Testate Probate: When a Last Will exists and is valid, the process is called testate probate.
- Intestate Probate: When no Last Will exists or it is invalid, then the process is called intestate probate.
For intestate probate, the following will need to occur to appoint an administrator:
- A person will request to be appointed as the official personal representative or administrator of the estate. This may be a family member or friend.
- The court will review requests by persons seeking to be appointed as the personal representative of the estate.
- The court will request that heirs of the estate confirm the request. If there are no challenges, then the court will appoint the person as the administrator of the estate.
Navigating Probate Appointment Challenges in Indiana
If there are multiple requests or challenges to an appointment, the process can be drawn out for weeks or even months. This can cause real problems for an estate, as no person can take control to pay bills, taxes, maintain the property, stop recurring services, etc.
"Never say you know a man until you have divided an inheritance with him." – Johann Kaspar Lavater
Call Rice & Rice at (219) 240-0450 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with an Indiana probate lawyer today!
Unsupervised or Supervised Estate
Probate Administration
Unsupervised Estates
Many probate estates are pretty straightforward; there are generally little to no disputes and the estate is not of high value. In these situations, the court may find that, once the appropriate personal representative is appointed, he or she should have the freedom to administer the estate without constant court involvement. This is an unsupervised estate.
Probate Process must be followed
The administrator is still bound to fiduciary duties and responsibility to the heirs. In addition, the probate process must be followed. Unsupervised probate usually costs less to complete because there is less court and attorney involvement.
The heirs are protected
The personal representative works independently to accomplish the necessary tasks. The heirs are protected from a personal representative who does not follow the necessary procedures. They can challenge an action or lack of action with the court. The court may find it appropriate to convert the probate into a supervised estate.
Supervised Estates
The primary difference with a supervised estate is the constant involvement of the court or magistrate. Supervised administration is necessary when the probate court must be a part of the process. Generally, this is due to one or more of the following:
- Beneficiaries do not agree
- There is no Will and/or the heirs are unknown
- The Will is unclear
- Assets are difficult to value or sell
Choosing a Probate Attorney in Indiana
If you are an executor or administrator of a supervised estate, speak to an experienced Indiana probate lawyer. In supervised administrations, more paperwork is prepared and filed with the court and cases are generally more complicated. Probate lawyers are experienced in handling this lengthy process and can help you understand your responsibilities and options.
Call our Indiana probate attorneys at (219) 240-0450 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
Trust your family's future to our Compassionate team of attorneys.
The Probate Process
Whether intestate or testate, there are several procedures the executor must follow. Beyond the necessary court filings, other requirements include:
- Sending notification letters to creditors
- Publishing announcements in a local newspaper
- Notifying heirs and inventorying assets
- Paying decedent’s final expenses
- Filing decedent’s final taxes and estate taxes
- Completing estate accounting
- Filing final court documents
- Making distributions to heirs
- Closing the estate
How long does the probate Process take?
The probate process can range from 6 months to several years. This is why it is important to speak with an attorney early in the process. An experienced Indiana probate attorney at our law firm has the knowledge to help you understand your responsibilities as an executor and guide you every step of the way.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Indiana Probate Lawyer today
If you’ve been named an executor and need help navigating the probate process, contact our law firm to speak with one of our Indiana probate lawyers. The Rice & Rice legal team is experienced in helping clients through the probate process and we are here to help you. With offices in Valparaiso, Lafayette and Granger (near South Bend) we are uniquely positioned to serve clients throughout Indiana.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling (219) 240-0450 or by submitting an online form.
Why Choose Rice & Rice Attorneys
What sets Us Apart-
Focused On Elder Law
At Rice & Rice Attorneys, our primary focus is on caring for your family. Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law are all we do, and we offer reasonable rates.
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Faith and Family Oriented
Our firm is based on the principles of our faith and the importance of family.
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50 Years of Experience
Since 1972, Rice & Rice Attorneys have been serving this area and we are deeply rooted in our community.
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Award-Winning Attorneys
Our firm has been awarded the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating, as well as an A+ Rating with the BBB.
Peace of Mind Starts Here
Trust your family's future to our Compassionate team of attorneys. Reach out today for A Free Consultation.