Indiana Probate Cost Calculator, Free

Q: How long does probate take in Indiana?

Most Indiana estates close in 6 to 12 months; unsupervised estates can be faster. Creditors have 3 months to file claims after notice.

How probate costs work in Indiana

Probate in Indiana runs through the Circuit or Superior Court of the county where the person lived — Marion (Indianapolis), Lake (Gary/Hammond), Allen (Fort Wayne), Hamilton (Carmel), St. Joseph (South Bend), and the state's 92 counties. Indiana's standout feature is unsupervised administration, which lets most personal representatives settle the estate with minimal court involvement — keeping costs low.

Indiana is one of the cheaper states for probate: the court fee is a flat, low amount and there is no state estate or inheritance tax.

1. Personal representative fee — reasonable, no %

IC 29-1-10-13: the court allows the personal representative such compensation as it deems just and reasonable. A fee fixed by the will controls unless the representative renounces it in writing before qualifying. There is no statutory percentage.

In practice, Indiana personal representative and attorney fees together often run about 2%–4% of the estate. Family members who are also heirs frequently waive the fee, since it is taxable income while an inheritance is not.

2. Attorney fees — also reasonable

Under the same statute, the estate attorney is paid "just and reasonable" compensation from the estate, court-reviewed. Typical routine attorney fees run about 1.8%–2.8% of the estate, or an hourly rate; a basic uncontested estate is often a $1,500–$5,000 flat fee.

3. Court filing & other costs

Indiana's court filing fee is a flat $177 statewide — a $120 probate costs fee (IC 33-37-4-7) plus $57 of statutory add-on fees — not a percentage of the estate. Add notice-to-creditors publication, certified Letters, and a bond premium (~0.5%/year) only if the court requires one.

4. When probate can be skipped in Indiana

Small estate affidavit — for a gross probate estate (less liens, encumbrances and reasonable funeral expenses) of $100,000 or less, starting 45 days after death (IC 29-1-8-1). It is presented to the bank or asset holder, not filed with a court — so it costs nothing. The limit rose from $50,000 to $100,000 on July 1, 2022.
Passage-of-title (devolution) affidavit — can transfer real estate without full probate if filed with the county recorder before a personal representative is appointed.

A revocable living trust, joint ownership, or transfer-on-death designations avoid probate entirely. Note: Indiana has no estate tax and no inheritance tax (repealed for deaths after 2012).

Cost component	Indiana figure	Source
Personal representative fee	Reasonable (no statutory %); ~2–4%	IC 29-1-10-13
Attorney fee	Reasonable; ~1.8–2.8% or $1,500–$5,000	IC 29-1-10-13
Court filing fee	Flat $177 statewide	IC 33-37-4-7
Small estate limit (personal property)	$100,000	IC 29-1-8-1
State estate / inheritance tax	None (repealed 2012)	Indiana DOR

Indiana probate cost — frequently asked questions

How much does probate cost in Indianapolis / Marion County?

The court fee is the same statewide — a flat $177. In Marion County (Indianapolis), Lake (Gary), Allen (Fort Wayne) or Hamilton (Carmel), the main variable is the personal representative and attorney fees (reasonable, no statutory percentage). A $500,000 unsupervised estate often totals $12,000–$20,000.

Why is Indiana's court filing fee a flat $177?

Unlike states that charge a percentage of the estate, Indiana sets a flat statutory court cost: a $120 probate costs fee under IC 33-37-4-7 plus $57 of add-on fees, totaling $177 regardless of estate size. This makes Indiana one of the cheaper states for court costs.

Is the personal representative fee in Indiana taxable?

Yes. The IRS treats it as ordinary income, not inheritance. That is why family members who are also heirs often waive it — the inheritance is generally tax-free, but the fee would be taxed at their income rate.

What is the small estate limit in Indiana?

$100,000 of gross probate personal property (after liens, encumbrances and reasonable funeral expenses), 45 days after death, under IC 29-1-8-1. The limit rose from $50,000 to $100,000 on July 1, 2022. It does not cover real estate.

How long does probate take in Indiana?

Most Indiana estates close in 6–12 months; unsupervised estates can be faster. Creditors have 3 months to file claims after notice.

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal or financial advice. Indiana sets no statutory fee percentage; personal representative and attorney fees are "just and reasonable" under IC 29-1-10-13 and depend on the estate's size, complexity, and hours worked. The court filing fee is a flat $177 (IC 33-37-4-7 plus add-ons). The small-estate limit reflects IC 29-1-8-1 ($100,000, effective July 1, 2022). Bond and publication costs vary. Confirm current figures with the county court or a licensed Indiana attorney before acting.