How Do I File Probate in Orange County, Indiana?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Circuit Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate documents in Orange County can be filed in person at the Circuit Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the Judicial District 24.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationCan You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Circuit Court is realistic for your situation.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Orange County Self-Filing Assessment.
In-Person Filing
The Circuit Court is located at 1 Court Street, Paoli, IN 47454. Phone: 812-723-2411. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
What to Bring
To file at the Circuit Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Circuit Court website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Circuit Court in Orange County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($177). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Orange County uses the standard Indiana probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Indiana allows informal (unsupervised) probate, which many families handle themselves for simple estates. The Circuit Court in Orange County does not require attorney representation. Use the Indiana self-filing assessment to see if your estate qualifies.
Yes. The Circuit Court in Orange County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
Circuit Court
Orange County
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Named as Executor
Being named executor means navigating probate, managing assets, and distributing the estate. What's expected, what you can charge, and how to start.
Learn more
Death of a Parent
Losing a parent is overwhelming. What needs to happen next — settling the estate, navigating probate, and the steps to move forward.
Learn more