How to Administer a Parent’s Estate in Indiana: Step-by-Step FAQ

Detailed answer — what to do first and next

When a parent dies in Indiana, the person who handles the estate must collect assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute what remains to the heirs or beneficiaries under state law. Below is a clear, practical sequence you can follow. This is general information only and not legal advice.

1. Immediately secure the decedent’s person and property

• Obtain certified death certificates from the funeral home or local health department. Many institutions (banks, title companies, government agencies) require certified copies.
• Secure the home, vehicles, safe-deposit boxes, jewelry, passports, computers, and important documents (will, deeds, titles, bank statements, insurance policies, retirement account statements, and tax returns).
• Inform close family and any named executor or agent under powers of attorney. If a home is rented, notify the landlord; if mortgaged, notify the mortgage company.

2. Determine whether a will exists and who is named to act

Look for a valid will in the decedent’s papers or safe. If the will names a personal representative (often called an executor), that person typically files the probate paperwork. If there is no will, Indiana’s intestacy rules determine who inherits and who may serve as personal representative. For the probate statutes that govern these processes, see Indiana Code Title 29 (Probate Code): https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2024/ic/titles/29.

3. Contact key institutions and stop recurring payments

• Notify Social Security (if applicable) and other benefit providers. Only the Social Security office can advise about survivor benefits.
• Contact banks, credit card companies, insurers, and retirement plan administrators to freeze accounts or set up the estate account as required.
• Cancel or change subscriptions, utilities, and automatic payments once you understand how bills will be paid.

4. Decide whether probate is required and whether a simplified procedure applies

Not all estates must go through formal probate. Assets owned jointly, assets with named beneficiaries (payable-on-death accounts, life insurance, retirement accounts), and small-asset transfers may pass outside probate. Indiana offers simplified procedures for small estates in some circumstances. The Indiana Courts’ probate self-help pages explain common options and forms: https://www.in.gov/courts/self-help/probate/estates/.

5. Open probate if necessary

• File a Petition to Admit the Will to Probate and/or a Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative at the county probate court in the county where the decedent lived. If there is no will, a family member can ask the court to appoint a personal representative (sometimes called an administrator).
• The court issues Letters of Personal Representative (or Letters Testamentary). Those letters give authority to collect assets, pay bills, and distribute assets.
• Find local probate court contact information on the Indiana courts site: https://www.in.gov/courts/find-a-court/.

6. Inventory assets, notify creditors, and preserve value

• Prepare an inventory of estate assets and their approximate values. This typically includes bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, investments, business interests, and personal property.
• Publish notice to creditors or mail notice when required by the court. Creditors have a limited time to make claims against the estate.
• Pay ongoing expenses (mortgage, utilities, insurance) to avoid loss of value.

7. Pay valid debts, taxes, and administration expenses

• Use estate funds to pay funeral expenses, final medical bills, funeral home charges, and valid creditor claims presented within the allowed period.
• File the decedent’s final individual income tax return and any estate tax or fiduciary income tax returns. Indiana does not currently impose a state inheritance tax, but large estates may have federal estate tax issues; consult a tax professional or attorney for large or complex estates.

8. Distribute remaining property

• After debts and taxes are paid and the court approves, distribute the remaining property to beneficiaries named in the will or to heirs under Indiana law if there is no will (intestate succession).
• Keep detailed records and accountings. If the probate court requires a final accounting, file it and obtain discharge.

9. Close the estate

Once distributions are made and the court is satisfied, file a petition for final settlement and discharge of the personal representative. The court then closes the estate.

Common hypotheticals and how they affect these steps

Hypothetical A — There is a valid will naming you as personal representative: You should file the will and petition to be appointed, obtain Letters, and proceed with inventory, creditor notice, payment, and distribution.

Hypothetical B — No will and multiple adult children: One child can petition the probate court to be appointed personal representative. The court follows priority rules and intestate succession to identify heirs.

Hypothetical C — Most assets have beneficiaries (retirement accounts, life insurance): These assets often transfer outside probate to named beneficiaries, reducing the need for a full probate administration.

Key Indiana law and government resources

• Indiana Code — Probate (Title 29): https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2024/ic/titles/29
• Indiana Courts — Probate self-help and estate administration resources: https://www.in.gov/courts/self-help/probate/estates/
• Find a local court (county contacts and locations): https://www.in.gov/courts/find-a-court/
• Find legal help and lawyer referral resources: https://www.in.gov/courts/self-help/find-help/

Helpful hints

• Get several certified copies of the death certificate early; you will need them repeatedly.
• Locate key documents quickly: the most important are the will, insurance policies, bank statements, deeds, vehicle titles, and retirement account paperwork.
• Do not distribute assets or remove money until you have authority (Letters) from the probate court. Unauthorized transfers can create personal liability.
• Keep a separate bank account for estate funds and track every transaction with receipts and notes.
• Notify beneficiaries and heirs in writing and keep proof of notice. Clear communication reduces disputes.
• Consider hiring a probate or estate attorney if the estate has complex assets, unclear title issues, disputes among heirs, significant debts, or potential tax consequences.
• Look into simplified procedures for small estates; they can save time and cost for modest estates. Indiana Courts explain when those options apply: https://www.in.gov/courts/self-help/probate/estates/.