For most Newton County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.
For a Newton County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Circuit Court. The two tools that keep a Newton County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Recorder, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Skipping this planning step means the Circuit Court decides who receives the property: a simple Indiana probate takes 6+ months and opens with $177 in court filing fees. Indiana also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Newton County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Recorder during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.
Before recording, an Indiana transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentIC 32-17-14-1 to 32-17-14-32Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathIC 32-17-14-1 to 32-17-14-32Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Deeds and other real property documents for Newton County are recorded with the County Recorder at 201 N 3rd Street, Kentland, IN 47951. Phone: 888-663-9866. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
The County Recorder charges $25 flat, regardless of page count. A 2-page transfer on death deed costs $35 to record in Newton County, which is $25 in recording fees plus the $10 County Auditor's real property endorsement (transfer). A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Recording Office Record
Newton County
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $25 |
| County Auditor's real property endorsement (transfer)Applies to a TOD deed | $10 |
| SDF-1 (State Form 46021) Sales Disclosure Form | $20 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
IC 36-2-7-10(c)(1)
Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
FirmRensselaer, IN
Rensselaer firm serving Jasper County and neighboring Newton, Pulaski, and White Counties since 1970. Probate and trust-administration work covers estate administration, small estates, trust management, and guardianships for vulnerable adults. Two-attorney practice (Eric and Clair Beaver).
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationGuardianshipProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmRensselaer, IN
Rensselaer firm serving Jasper County and Northwest Indiana since 1980, handling estate and trust administration through the local probate process. Attorneys open estates, guide executors through administration to ensure assets pass as the decedent intended, and work to close the estate. Practice also spans family law, criminal defense, and personal injury.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
Solo PracticeVincennes, IN
Vincennes firm led by Knox County native Tanner Bouchie, frequently representing clients in Knox, Daviess, Sullivan, Greene, Pike, and Dubois counties. Handles wills, trusts and estates and guardianship arrangements for loved ones, alongside business formation, real estate, and family law. Clients book appointments online and meet remotely.
PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipWills Trusts
FirmNew Albany, IN
New Albany firm serving Floyd County and southern Indiana from offices in New Albany, Corydon, and Salem. Handles supervised and unsupervised estate administration, small-estate and intestate matters, creditor claims and asset distribution, and estate and trust litigation. Gary Banet also takes guardianships, elder law, and special-needs planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationElder Lawand 6 more
FirmBloomington, IN
Bloomington firm guiding Monroe County and south-central Indiana families through Indiana's probate process. The team marshals and inventories assets, discharges debts, and distributes the estate to heirs, and also handles trust administration, guardianships, and will contest litigation. Partner James F. Bohrer is Board Certified as a Trust and Estate Lawyer by the Indiana State Bar Association.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationGuardianshipProbate Administration
Solo PracticeBrownsburg, IN
Brownsburg home office in Hendricks County, serving Avon, Danville, Plainfield, and central Indiana. Brian S. Gordon, an attorney and accountant, handles wills, trusts, and probate representation along with powers of attorney and estate tax return filing, preparing the returns in-house.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawPowers Of AttorneyProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from Indiana statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Indiana.
Forms and tools for property owners in Newton County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Indiana.
