Estate Planning in Indiana | IN Legal Resources | FastCounsel

Indiana — What Happens If an Original Will Is Lost or Damaged in the Mail to the Courthouse

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article is educational and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a specific situation, consult a qualified Indiana probate attorney. Detailed answer — what to expect when an original will is lost or damaged in the mail (Indiana) Short answer: Losing an original will in the mail […]

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Recovering Surplus Funds After an Indiana Tax Sale: What Property Owners Need to Know

Recovering Surplus Funds After an Indiana Tax Sale If a county sells property at a tax sale and the sale price exceeds the taxes, penalties, interest, and sale costs, the extra money (the "surplus") may be payable to the former owner or to lienholders with valid claims. This FAQ explains the usual process in Indiana […]

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Indiana: What Powers Does a Financial Power of Attorney Give an Agent?

Detailed answer Short version: Under Indiana law, a properly drafted financial power of attorney (POA) can give your agent broad authority to manage almost all of your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. Those powers can include handling bank accounts, paying bills, managing investments, buying and selling real estate, filing taxes, running […]

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How to Secure Wrongful Death Settlement Proceeds in Indiana through the Court Clerk

FAQ: Securing Wrongful Death Settlement Proceeds with the Court Clerk in Indiana Quick answer If you want settlement funds from a pending Indiana wrongful death case to be held safely by the court, you or your attorney can ask the court to approve the settlement and order the money deposited with the court clerk (often […]

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When Can Escrow Funds Be Released Before a Deed Is Recorded? — Indiana

Can funds held in escrow be released before a deed is recorded? — Key information for Indiana transactions Short answer: Sometimes. In Indiana, whether escrow (trust) funds can be released before a deed is recorded depends on the escrow instructions, the parties’ agreements, protections in place (like title insurance or holdbacks), and the closing agent’s […]

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If a Will Was Not Properly Signed in Indiana: What Happens and What to Do — Indiana Estate Law FAQ

Detailed Answer Short answer: If a will fails Indiana’s formal signing requirements, a probate court will generally refuse to admit it as a valid will. When that happens, the decedent’s property passes according to Indiana’s intestacy rules (the law that controls distribution when there is no valid will). The person named in the defective document […]

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Indiana: Court Attendance and What to Expect for a Minor's Civil Settlement

Do you need to appear in court when resolving a minor's civil settlement in Indiana? Not legal advice. This article explains general Indiana procedures and common practices to help you decide whether to consult an attorney. Detailed Answer — How Indiana courts handle minor settlements and court hearings When a civil claim belongs to a […]

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Indiana: Role of a Guardian ad Litem in Minor Injury Settlements — Can You Serve?

Disclaimer: This is educational information and not legal advice. For advice about a specific case, consult a licensed Indiana attorney or contact the court handling the case. Detailed Answer — What a guardian ad litem does in an Indiana minor injury settlement A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a person the court appoints to look […]

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Indiana: What to Do When an Insurer Says the Offer Is Final

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. If you need legal advice for your situation, consult a licensed Indiana attorney. Detailed Answer Short answer: you usually have options. An insurer saying an offer is "final" does not necessarily end your right to negotiate, demand more information, file a complaint, […]

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Indiana: What to Do If the Insurer’s Top Offer Won’t Cover Your Treatment and Lost Wages

What to do when an insurer’s top offer won’t cover your medical treatment and lost wages (Indiana) Short answer: Don’t accept a low offer right away. Document all bills and lost-wage proof, demand a clear explanation and itemized breakdown from the insurer, consider further negotiation or mediation, file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations […]

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