When Indiana families start estate planning, they often ask a single question: “Do I need a will, or do I need a trust?” The better question is: what outcome do you want for your family? Wills and trusts are tools. The right plan depends on what you own, who you want to protect, and how much court involvement you want after death.

When a person dies without a valid will in Indiana, they are considered to have died “intestate.” This means the individual did not leave legally binding instructions explaining who should receive their property, who should manage the estate, or how assets should be distributed.

Estate planning in Indiana is about more than deciding who receives your property. It is a legal strategy that creates clear authority, protects your family, and reduces unnecessary court involvement when it matters most. Understanding how wills, trusts, and Indiana intestate laws work allows families to avoid delays, confusion, and costly probate issues. A properly structured estate plan provides clarity, stability, and peace of mind both during life and after death.