New Albany Estate Planning Attorney for Wills, Trusts & Comprehensive Estate Plans

Plan for Tomorrow—Protect Your Legacy Today

At Mattox & Wilson, we understand that estate planning is more than just drafting documents—it’s about securing your future, protecting your loved ones, and ensuring that your hard-earned assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without a well-structured estate plan, your estate could face unnecessary taxes, probate delays, and disputes among heirs. Our experienced estate planning attorneys are here to provide personalized guidance to help you navigate the complexities of estate law and create a plan tailored to your needs.

Call 812-944-8005 today to schedule a consultation with a New Albany estate planning attorney and take the first step toward peace of mind.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is a proactive approach to managing your assets, ensuring financial security for your loved ones, and preparing for unexpected circumstances. A comprehensive estate plan goes beyond a simple will—it includes legal tools that provide instructions on asset distribution, healthcare decisions, and guardianship for minor children. Our goal at Mattox & Wilson is to help you create an estate plan that aligns with your values, minimizes burdens on your heirs, and safeguards your legacy.

What Are The Key Components of an Indiana Estate Plan?

A strong estate plan consists of several essential documents and strategies that work together to protect your interests. Below are the key components we help our clients establish:

Will

A will is the foundation of any estate plan. It allows you to dictate how your assets will be distributed upon your passing. Without a will, your estate will be subject to Indiana’s intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes. Additionally, a will allows you to designate a personal representative (also commonly referred to as an executor) to manage your estate and ensure that your affairs are settled according to your instructions.

Trusts

A trust is a legal entity that holds and manages assets on behalf of your chosen beneficiaries. Trusts can help avoid probate, provide tax benefits, and offer better control over how and when assets are distributed. As New Albany estate planning lawyers with decades of legal experience, we help clients establish various types of trusts, including:

• Revocable Living Trusts: Allow you to retain control over your assets during your lifetime while simplifying asset distribution after your passing.
• Irrevocable Trusts: Designed to protect assets from creditors and reduce estate tax liability.
• Special Needs Trusts: Ensure that a loved one with a disability receives financial support without losing eligibility for government benefits.

Powers of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (POA) allows you to appoint a trusted individual to handle your financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated. Without a POA, your family may have to go through a lengthy and expensive court process to gain control over your affairs. We ensure that your POA reflects your preferences and provides seamless management of your financial obligations if needed.

Advance Directives (Living Will & Healthcare POA)

Advance directives let you express your medical treatment preferences if you become unable to communicate. These documents include:

• Living Will: Outlines your wishes for end-of-life care, including whether you want life-sustaining treatments.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney: Authorizes a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so.

Guardianship Designations

If you have minor children, it is crucial to designate a guardian who will care for them should something happen to you. Without a designated guardian, the court will decide who takes custody, which may not align with your wishes. Naming a guardian in your estate plan provides clarity and security for your children’s future.

Take control of your future today—call 812-944-8005 to discuss your estate planning needs with our dedicated estate planning lawyers.

What Happens If I Die Without an Estate Plan in Indiana?

Dying without an estate plan means your assets will be distributed according to Indiana’s intestacy laws (Indiana Code § 29-1-2-1). Under these laws, the state determines who inherits your property, which may lead to unintended consequences.

• If you are married with children, your spouse and children will share your estate, which could cause financial complications for your surviving spouse.
• If you are unmarried with children, your children will inherit everything equally. This can be problematic if they are minors that require financial oversight.
• If you are married without children, your spouse may not inherit your entire estate. Instead, a portion could go to your parents or siblings, depending on the family structure.
• If you have no immediate family, your estate could end up going to distant relatives or even to the state of Indiana if no heirs are located.

Without an estate plan, your loved ones may face unnecessary stress, probate delays, and potential disputes. By creating a customized estate plan with Mattox & Wilson, you can ensure your wishes are honored and your family is protected.

Don’t leave your legacy up to chance—schedule a consultation with an experienced New Albany estate planning attorney today by calling 812-944-8005 or by filling out the form below.

How Estate Planning Can Help with Tax Minimization in Indiana

Indiana does not impose an estate tax, but strategic estate planning can still reduce federal tax burdens. Some of the strategies we use include:

• Utilizing trusts to shield assets from taxation.
• Making tax-exempt charitable donations to reduce the taxable estate.
• Gifting assets during your lifetime to minimize estate tax liability.

By working with Mattox & Wilson, you can take advantage of legal tax-saving opportunities while ensuring your estate plan reflects your long-term goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning in Indiana

Do I need a will if I have a trust?

Yes, even if you have a trust, in addition to a Last Will and Testament, a pour-over will is often necessary to account for any assets that were not transferred into the trust before your passing.

How often should I update my estate plan?

We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3–5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, childbirth, or significant financial changes.

Can I avoid probate in Indiana?

Yes, probate can often be avoided by using estate planning tools such as revocable living trusts, payable-on-death (POD) accounts, and joint ownership with rights of survivorship.

As experienced estate planning lawyers, we can advise you on the best course of action for potentially avoiding probate. By assessing your unique situation, we can recommend strategies to ensure a smooth transfer of assets to your loved ones. Contact us today at 812-944-8005 to discuss how we can help protect your estate and simplify the process for your heirs.

What is the role of a personal representative?

A personal representative is responsible for managing your estate, settling debts, and distributing assets according to your will. Choosing a responsible representative ensures that your estate is handled efficiently and with minimal complications.

Start Planning for Your Future Today – Schedule A Consultation with An Experienced New Albany Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning is a critical step in securing your family’s future and preserving your legacy. At Mattox & Wilson, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the process with clarity and care.

Call 812-944-8005 today to schedule a consultation with a New Albany estate planning lawyer and take the first step toward securing your legacy with confidence.