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Indiana Probate and Estate Forms

Indiana probate is opened in the circuit court, or a superior court exercising probate jurisdiction, in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. St. Joseph County has Indiana's only separate Probate Court. Indiana publishes almost no statewide numbered probate forms. The Indiana Judicial Branch statewide forms library covers appeals, civil and criminal appearances, child support, mental health, and tax court, and it carries no petition for probate, no inventory, and no small estate affidavit. Indiana instead prescribes the CONTENT of those filings by statute in IC Title 29, and each county court publishes its own local probate forms and local rules. The pleadings are ordinarily drafted by the filer or an attorney to match the statute.

Indiana Probate Forms by Situation

Start with the Indiana Judicial Branch Forms library for the statewide forms that do exist, then use the Indiana Judicial Branch courts and clerks directory to open the county page for local probate rules and local forms. For the statute-prescribed content of each estate filing, read the cited section of Indiana Code Title 29 at iga.in.gov. For vehicle and watercraft titles, use the Indiana BMV state forms.

Find Forms By Your Situation

Official Resources

Start with the Indiana Judicial Branch Forms library for the statewide forms that do exist, then use the Indiana Judicial Branch courts and clerks directory to open the county page for local probate rules and local forms. For the statute-prescribed content of each estate filing, read the cited section of Indiana Code Title 29 at iga.in.gov. For vehicle and watercraft titles, use the Indiana BMV state forms.

Indiana Judicial Branch - Forms

The official statewide Indiana court forms library. It contains appearance forms, appeals, child support, confidentiality, mental health, and tax court forms, plus the Guardianship Registry Information Sheet. It does NOT contain a statewide petition for probate, inventory, or small estate affidavit; those are statute-prescribed filings supplied locally or drafted by counsel.

Indiana Judicial Branch - Courts and Clerks Offices (county directory)

Directory of the trial courts and clerks in all 92 Indiana counties. Each county page links its local rules, e-filing information, and any local probate forms the court publishes.

Indiana Judicial Branch - Self-Service Legal Center

Official Indiana Judicial Branch starting point for self-represented litigants, with links to court form help and free legal answers.

Indiana Code Title 29 (Probate) - Indiana General Assembly

Primary statutes that prescribe the required content of the petition for probate, letters, the verified inventory, the notice of administration, claims, closing statements, and the small estate affidavit.

Indiana mycase (statewide public case search)

Official statewide public case search to confirm whether an estate has already been opened and to track filings in an open estate.

Important Notes

  • -Indiana has no statewide numbered probate form set. The Indiana Judicial Branch statewide forms library carries no petition for probate, no inventory, and no small estate affidavit. Every form_number above that is null is null because Indiana has not published one, not because it is unknown.
  • -The content of each estate filing is prescribed by statute in Indiana Code Title 29. Read the cited section before drafting or signing, and ask the clerk of the circuit court which local probate form the county uses.
  • -Probate is opened in the circuit court, or a superior court exercising probate jurisdiction, in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. St. Joseph County has Indiana's only separate Probate Court.
  • -Indiana court costs to open an estate are a flat $120 probate costs fee under IC 33-37-4-7(a) plus statutory add-on fees, about $177 in every county. Costs are not graduated by estate value and Indiana imposes no probate tax.
  • -The small estate affidavit under IC 29-1-8-1 is presented directly to the bank, broker, or other holder of the property. There is no court filing and no filing fee. The dollar limit is keyed to the DATE OF DEATH.
  • -Two deadlines move fast: the surviving spouse's election against the will and a will contest must each be filed within three months after the order admitting the will to probate (IC 29-1-3-2; IC 29-1-7-17).
  • -Do not distribute estate assets before the personal representative is appointed, the creditor claim period has run, and any spousal election or survivor's allowance is resolved.

Sources: Indiana Judicial Branch - Forms (statewide forms library) | Indiana Judicial Branch - Courts and Clerks Offices (92-county directory)

Not sure which Indiana forms you need?

Answer a few questions to sort the likely filing path before you pick forms or contact the Clerk of the Circuit or Superior Court.

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You've seen what probate involves. Here's how to spare your own family.

A few simple steps (naming beneficiaries, a transfer-on-death deed where your state allows it, or a living trust) can keep your estate out of court.

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How to Use Indiana Probate FormsWhy the filing path comes before the form number

The form finder groups records such as Opening the Estate and Getting Letters, Administering and Closing the Estate, Small Estate Affidavit (IC 29-1-8-1), Summary Distribution and Real Property Records so you can start with the likely procedure rather than one isolated form number.

Use source links such as Indiana Judicial Branch - Forms, Indiana Judicial Branch - Courts and Clerks Offices (county directory), Indiana Judicial Branch - Self-Service Legal Center to locate official forms and verify which documents belong in the packet.

Indiana Form Prep ChecksCounty packet rules and the records to gather before filing

Choose the filing path

Common filing paths in this data include Petition for probate and letters, then inventory, notice, and a closing filing, Small estate affidavit presented directly to the holder of the property, with no court filing, Summary disbursement and distribution, closed by verified closing statement, Affidavit of title passage, a recorded transfer on death deed, or administration if debts must be paid from the land. Match the estate facts to the correct path before preparing forms.

Verify the county packet

Check the county Clerk of the Circuit or Superior Court or local filing-office instructions for coversheets, copy rules, appointments, fees, and filing methods.

Pull supporting records first

Collect the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset values, deed or title records, heir and beneficiary details, and creditor information before filling out the packet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get Indiana probate forms?
Start with Indiana Judicial Branch - Forms, Indiana Judicial Branch - Courts and Clerks Offices (county directory), Indiana Judicial Branch - Self-Service Legal Center. Then verify local county instructions before you file, because packet rules, copy requirements, fees, and filing methods can vary.
How do I know which Indiana probate form I need?
Start with the filing path, not the form number. The right packet depends on will status, asset type and value, creditor issues, heirs or beneficiaries, and whether a simplified procedure fits.
Can I file Indiana probate forms without an attorney?
Some paths may allow self-filing, but the answer still depends on the estate, the county office, disputes, real estate, creditors, and tax facts. Verify the county rules and get legal help when rights or strategy are unclear.
What should I gather before filling out Indiana probate forms?
Gather the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset and debt lists, deed or title records, beneficiary records, and names and addresses for heirs or beneficiaries.
Indiana Official Forms and SourcesOfficial references used for this page

Information current as of July 19, 2026

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Indiana can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

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