You know you should have an estate plan, but it often ends up at the bottom of the to-do list because it rarely feels urgent. If something happens before you’ve made a plan, your loved ones will be left to guess, and sometimes, to fight about what you would have wanted.
We understand how easy it is to put this off. But completing your estate plan before urgency strikes gives you peace of mind, a sense of control, and the gift of knowing that your loved ones are aware of how to carry out your plans according to your final wishes.
At Gilbert Legal Services, we help you take care of this now, so your loved ones aren’t left making stressful decisions later. And once it’s handled, most of our clients tell us the same thing: “I wish I had done this sooner.”
Do I need an estate plan if I don’t have many assets?
Yes. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s about making sure your wishes are clear and the people you care about know what to do when the time comes. A good estate plan lets you decide who should handle your affairs, who receives what, and who can speak for you if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself. Without a plan, the state makes those decisions and that could tie your estate up in probate court for years.
Is a trust the same thing as an estate plan?
No. A trust is a key part of an estate plan. A trust can help avoid probate and manage how assets are distributed, but a complete estate plan includes additional documents such as a Power of Attorney, a Living will or advance directive, and instructions for your assets, like bank accounts, property, and personal items that cover medical decisions, financial access, guardianship, and other important matters.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Once your estate plan is in place, it should serve you for many years. We design plans that are built to last, and we don’t expect to see you again unless something in your life changes significantly, such as a marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a substantial change in your assets. Those kinds of changes can affect how your plan functions.
What happens if I die without a will?
If you pass away without a will in Indiana, the state decides who inherits your assets, not you. This process is called intestate succession, and it follows a strict formula based on your surviving relatives.
For example, if you’re married with children, in Indiana under those circumstances a spouse and children will have to divide the property. If you have no spouse or children, your estate may go to parents, siblings, or even more distant relatives. And if no eligible heirs are found, the state can ultimately take your assets.
Dying without a will also means no one is officially named to manage your affairs. That can delay probate, create confusion, and put extra stress on the people you care about most.
Creating a will — or a complete estate plan — ensures your wishes are known, and your loved ones aren’t left trying to guess or navigate a court-driven process.
Can I write my own will using an online service?
You can, but we don’t recommend it.
DIY forms often overlook important legal details, especially when it comes to state laws or how your assets work together. Even small mistakes can create big problems later, and by then, it’s too late to fix them.
Your estate plan should protect your wishes and make things easier for the people you love, not simply check a box. Working with an attorney ensures your plan is done right the first time, saving you time, money, and headaches.
How can an attorney help make sure my beneficiaries get the most out of my estate?
A well-structured estate plan passes down your assets and protects them. An experienced attorney can help you avoid unnecessary taxes, legal delays, and missteps that could reduce what your loved ones actually receive.
Should I include digital assets in my estate plan?
Digital assets such as cryptocurrency are often overlooked. From bank apps and subscriptions to photos, your digital life has real value. Including these in your estate plan ensures they’re managed, closed, or passed on and not lost or left behind. We’ll help you think through what to include and how to make it accessible
At Gilbert Legal Services, we help clients throughout Indiana create estate plans that reflect their values and protect the people they care about. Whether you need a will, a trust, or a full plan to cover every detail, our goal is to make the process simple, thoughtful, and built to last.
Ready to get started? Call (317) 855-9922 or fill out the form below to schedule your consultation.