Skip to main content
SimplyTrust
SimplyTrust
MobileNewForms & ToolsFreeResourcesStates
LoginGet Started→
Company
AboutCareersContactFormsMobileNew
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSecurityAI Access

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc.

SimplyTrust Logo

Every family deserves a plan. We'll help.

Forms

  • Revocable Trust
  • Last Will
  • Pour-Over Will
  • Healthcare Proxy
  • Financial POA
  • Transfer on Death Deed

Tools

  • Trust vs Will
  • Probate Calculator
  • Who Inherits
  • Estate Settlement
  • Death Tax Calculator
  • Life Insurance

Learn

  • Revocable Living Trusts
  • Last Will and Testaments
  • Articles
  • State Guides
  • Estate Law
  • Life Events

Directories

  • Law Firms
  • Financial Assets
  • Digital Assets
  • Government Agencies

Company

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Mobile App

SimplyTrust is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal counsel, or attorney review. Information on this platform is for general informational purposes only. Use of SimplyTrust does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are solely responsible for all documents you create. For advice tailored to your circumstances, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy·Terms of Service·Security··AI Access

All content, data, and calculations are proprietary. Automated scraping, systematic downloading, or data extraction is prohibited under our Terms of Service. Product visuals are simulated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual experience. Logos provided by Logo.dev.

Estate planning, in your pocket.

Create and manage your trust from your phone.

Revocable Trusts

Skip probate with a revocable trust

Estate Ledger

Every decision signed, timestamped, and hashed

Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing

Download

Get the app on iOS and Android

Home→Tools→Executor Duties Checklist→Indiana

What Does an Executor of a Will Do in Indiana?

Step-by-step guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. This checklist applies whether there was a will or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

An executor (or personal representative) in Indiana is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

The probate petition filing fee in Indiana starts at approximately $177.IC 29-1-8-1 (small estate), IC 29-1-7-7 (publication), IC 29-1-10-13 (fees), IC 29-1-11-1 (bond), IC 29-1-14-1 (creditor claims), IC 29-1-7.5-1/29-1-7.5-3 (unsupervised admin), IC 33-37-4-7 (court fees)Verified Apr 14, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.

Indiana requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 3 months to file claims.IC 29-1-8-1 (small estate), IC 29-1-7-7 (publication), IC 29-1-10-13 (fees), IC 29-1-11-1 (bond), IC 29-1-14-1 (creditor claims), IC 29-1-7.5-1/29-1-7.5-3 (unsupervised admin), IC 33-37-4-7 (court fees)Verified Apr 14, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.

Indiana allows estates valued at $100,000 or less to use a Small Estate Affidavit.IC 29-1-8-1 (small estate), IC 29-1-7-7 (publication), IC 29-1-10-13 (fees), IC 29-1-11-1 (bond), IC 29-1-14-1 (creditor claims), IC 29-1-7.5-1/29-1-7.5-3 (unsupervised admin), IC 33-37-4-7 (court fees)Verified Apr 14, 2026 The waiting period is 45 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.

Indiana allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.IC 29-1-10-13 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Apr 14, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Indiana executor fee calculator.

Probate costs in Indiana include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Indiana probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.

Executor Duties in Indiana

The first step as executor in Indiana is filing the will and petition for probate with the court. Filing fees start at $177IC § 33-37-4-7(a)Verified Apr 14, 2026. Once appointed, the court issues letters testamentary (or letters of administration if there is no will), which authorize the executor to act on behalf of the estate.

Indiana requires 3 monthsIC 29-1-14-1Verified Apr 14, 2026 for creditors to file claims. During this period, the executor inventories assets, pays valid debts, and manages estate property. Estates under $100,000IC 29-1-8-1Verified Apr 14, 2026 may qualify for streamlined procedures that reduce both time and expense.

Executor compensation in Indiana typically ranges from 2%IC 29-1-10-13 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Apr 14, 2026 to 4%IC 29-1-10-13 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Apr 14, 2026 of the estate value. Courts evaluate fees based on estate complexity and time spent. The Indiana executor fee calculator provides a detailed estimate.

The probate timeline in Indiana starts at 6 monthsIC 29-1-8-1Verified Apr 14, 2026 for straightforward estates. A revocable living trust avoids this timeline altogether — assets transfer to beneficiaries without court involvement. For estates in probate, the Indiana creditor claims guide outlines key deadlines.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated April 14, 2026

Legal Sources

  • IC § 33-37-4-7(a)
  • IC 29-1-10-13 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • IC 29-1-14-1
  • IC 29-1-8-1

Data sourced from Indiana statutes and official state code. How we research.

Indiana Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Indiana probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

Named as Executor

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