Estate planning focuses primarily on what happens to your assets after you pass away — wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and minimizing estate taxes. It’s planning for the end of life.

Elder law takes a broader view. It addresses the legal and financial challenges that arise as you age, including long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, guardianship, veterans benefits, and protecting assets from nursing home costs — while you’re still living. Elder law attorneys also help with many of the same documents as estate planning attorneys, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, but with a focus on your needs and quality of life now and in the years ahead.

The cost of estate planning varies based on the complexity of your situation and the documents you need. A basic will may cost less than a comprehensive plan with multiple trusts and advanced tax strategies.

Keep in mind that the cost of not having an estate plan can be far greater. Without proper planning, your family may face expensive probate proceedings, higher estate taxes, family disputes, and uncertainty about your wishes.

It depends on your situation. A will may be sufficient for simple estates, but a trust offers significant advantages including avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, and controlling when beneficiaries receive inheritances. We can evaluate your situation and recommend the approach that best serves your goals.

If you die without a will or trust, Indiana’s intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. The court appoints an administrator, and you lose the ability to choose guardians for minor children, avoid probate, or make specific gifts.

Review your estate plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, significant changes in assets, or moving to a different state. We recommend reviewing your plan at least every three to five years, even if nothing major has changed.

Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets. In Indiana, it can take six months to two years and involve significant costs. You can avoid or minimize probate through revocable living trusts, joint ownership, beneficiary designations, and deeds.

Choose someone you trust who is financially responsible, organized, willing to serve, and able to handle potential family conflicts objectively. You can also name a professional fiduciary or bank trust department, especially for complex estates or situations where family dynamics might cause conflict. Learn more about trustee responsibilities.