Family-owned Angola funeral home in Steuben County, owned and operated by six generations of one family since 1854.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Steuben County, Indiana
How probate works in Steuben County: the Circuit Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Steuben County Circuit Court
Steuben County · Judicial District 6
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
305 South Martha Street, Angola, IN 46703
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
E-filing
Required for attorneysAttorneys must e-file estate and guardianship cases through an Indiana certified e-filing provider. On paper: Self-represented filers are not required to e-file.
Fax
1-260-665-1913
Departments
- Clerk1-260-668-1000 ext. 2240 · 305 South Martha Street, Steuben County Judicial Center, 1st FloorThe Clerk of the Circuit Court, on the first floor of the Judicial Center, takes estate, guardianship and trust filings for the Circuit Court.
About the court
- The Circuit Court sits on the third floor of the Steuben County Judicial Center.
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Steuben County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Steuben County, probate runs through the Circuit Court at 305 South Martha Street, Angola. The court sits in the Judicial District 6. The same Judicial District 6 also serves DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Whitley.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Indiana intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Indiana estates take 9 months to 15 months to move through this process. Creditors have 3 monthsIC 29-1-14-1, 29-1-7-7, 29-1-14-9, 29-1-14-10Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the first publication of the notice to creditors.
What Probate Costs in Steuben County
What probate costs in Steuben County, Indiana comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Circuit Court at 305 South Martha Street, Angola. The court is part of the Judicial District 6.
Indiana charges $177IC § 33-37-4-7(a) (as amended by P.L.106-2025); IC §§ 33-37-5-20, -21, -21.2, -25, -26, -27, -31Verified Oct 17, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Indiana are negotiated, typically 1.8%Modeled estimate under IC 29-1-10-13 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.8%Modeled estimate under IC 29-1-10-13 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Indiana allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payIC 29-1-10-13 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Indiana requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.
Probate in Indiana typically runs 9 months to 15 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
How to File Probate at the Circuit Court
Probate cases in Steuben County, Indiana are filed at the Circuit Court. The court sits in the Judicial District 6.
Beside the filing office, the court lists a separate line for Clerk.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Indiana has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not availableIC 29-1-7-13(b) (court grants letters); IC 29-1-10-3 (clerk administers oath only)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Steuben County Self-Filing Assessment.
Steuben County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Estates, guardianships, adoptions and trusts are assigned to the Steuben Circuit Court.
SourceWhat to Bring
Filed with the opening petition at the Circuit Court: Original will and any codicils, delivered to the court that has jurisdiction of the administration (IC 29-1-7-3); A certified copy of the death certificate is commonly requested by the court or by asset holders, but it is not an element of the petition under IC 29-1-7-5; Petition for probate of will and issuance of letters / petition for appointment, with the contents required by IC 29-1-7-5 (decedent, heirs, devisees/legatees, domicile, date of death, and the attorney who is to represent the personal representative)IC 29-1-7 (probate of wills & issuance of letters; petition contents IC 29-1-7-5); IC 29-1-10 (appointment & qualification of personal representatives); IC 29-1-7.5 (unsupervised administration)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Coroner in Steuben County
In Indiana a death is registered locally, and in Steuben County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Steuben County Health Department, Vital Records as well as by Indiana Department of Health - Division of Vital Records.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
Steuben County · Steuben County Health Department, Vital Records
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
317 South Wayne Street, Suite 1B, Angola, IN 46703
Website
Fax
1-260-665-1418
Local rule
- The office holds records for Steuben County from 1882 and issues no certificates after 4:15 pm. An Indiana out-of-county death certificate costs more.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $15 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Coroner
Steuben County · Steuben County Coroner
Office
317 South Wayne Street, Suite 2J, Angola, IN 46703
Website
Mail and offices
Fax
1-260-665-1150
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Funeral Homes in Steuben County
4 funeral homes and crematories in Steuben County, each listed with the services it offers, the faiths it serves, the languages its staff speak, its address and its phone.
Downtown Fremont funeral home started in 1930, serving families in and around Fremont.
Hamilton location of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, whose other locations are in Bryan, Hicksville, Sherwood and West Unity, Ohio, with its business office in Bryan.
Hudson chapel of Young Family Funeral Home, formerly Johnson Funeral Home, one of the oldest family-owned and operated funeral homes in Indiana, serving Noble, LaGrange and Steuben counties with chapels also in Kendallville and Wolcottville. Staff answer any time of the day or night.
Funeral homes by city: Angola, Fremont, Hamilton, Hudson
Listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any funeral home or crematory.
Transferring Property in Steuben County
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Recorder.
Deeds and other real property documents for Steuben County are recorded with the County Recorder at 317 South Wayne Street, Suite 2F, Angola, IN 46703. Phone: 1-260-668-1000 ext. 1700. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
The County Recorder charges $25 flat, regardless of page count.
Steuben County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Steuben County
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
317 South Wayne Street, Suite 2F, Angola, IN 46703
Website
E-recording
Fees
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 FormNot required for a TOD deed | $20 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | No transfer tax applies to TOD deeds |
IC 36-2-7-10(c)(1)
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Death Form · Affidavit of Heirship Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Steuben County
Indiana allows independent administrationIC 29-1-7.5-1, IC 29-1-7.5-2, IC 29-1-7.5-3Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so the personal representative manages, pays and distributes the estate without returning to the court for approval at each step. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Indiana are based on reasonable compensation, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Steuben County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Circuit Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Angola practice serving Steuben, DeKalb, LaGrange, and Noble County clients in northeast Indiana. Attorney Jonathan Cress prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives with appointment of a health care representative, alongside family law, criminal, and collections work. Planning only: the site describes no probate practice.
Brian W. Kaiser's Angola firm serves Steuben, LaGrange, DeKalb, and Noble counties in northeast Indiana (plus northwest Ohio). Handles probate of estates large and small — sorting probate from non-probate assets, settling debts, and transferring assets — plus small estate affidavits, simplified probate procedures, wills, trusts, and guardianships.
Northeast Indiana firm established 1974, with offices in Kendallville (515 Professional Way), LaGrange and Albion. Its probate attorneys assist personal representatives (executors) in administering an estate through probate, including small estates with assets under $100,000, and handle will contests. Attorney Michael M. Yoder has over 40 years of experience.
Auburn firm led by Zachary Lightner serving DeKalb County and northeast Indiana. Assists families administering final affairs through probate, working alongside estate planning in wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, with corporate and real estate work.
Fort Wayne practice serving Allen and Steuben Counties, whose probate work identifies which assets pass through probate, files the court paperwork, handles creditor claims, and distributes the remaining assets. Robert H. Bellinger also litigates will contests involving undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, fraud, or forgery.
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.
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.
Legal Sources
(10)·
- IC § 33-37-4-7(a) (as amended by P.L.106-2025); IC §§ 33-37-5-20, -21, -21.2, -25, -26, -27, -31
- IC 29-1-10-13 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- IC 29-1-14-1, 29-1-7-7, 29-1-14-9, 29-1-14-10
- IC 29-1-7 (probate of wills & issuance of letters; petition contents IC 29-1-7-5); IC 29-1-10 (appointment & qualification of personal representatives); IC 29-1-7.5 (unsupervised administration)
- IC 29-1-7-13(b) (court grants letters); IC 29-1-10-3 (clerk administers oath only)
- IC 29-1-7.5-1, IC 29-1-7.5-2, IC 29-1-7.5-3
- IC 36-2-7-10(c)(1)
- Steuben County Circuit Court, official page
- Steuben County Recorder, official page
- Steuben County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
Data sourced from Indiana statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Indiana
Free tools for settling an estate in Indiana: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Indiana.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Indiana: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysIC 29-1-12-1, IC 29-1-7.5-3.2Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 3 monthsIC 29-1-14-1, 29-1-7-7, 29-1-14-9, 29-1-14-10Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
See the Steps
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Indiana happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteInd. Code 30-4-1-1 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
See the Steps
Can I Self-File Probate?
Indiana has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not availableIC 29-1-7-13(b) (court grants letters); IC 29-1-10-3 (clerk administers oath only)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Get the Answer
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