Estate Planning:
Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney
You never know when life may change.
Life can change in an instant. Many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy—or that a simple Last Will is enough. The truth is, a comprehensive estate plan is essential for anyone who wants to protect their family, assets, and peace of mind.
At Stinson Law Firm, we help Indiana families create personalized estate plans that anticipate life’s uncertainties, protect loved ones, and provide clear guidance for the future.
This is one of the most important things that anyone can do to safeguard life now and later on for you and your loved ones.
Do You Need an Estate Plan?
Estate planning ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for, no matter what happens. A well-crafted plan can:
Assign trusted individuals to manage your finances and healthcare if you become incapacitated.
Protect assets from unnecessary long-term care costs.
Preserve family businesses, farms, or other legacy assets for future generations.
Minimize probate and reduce unnecessary costs after death.
Provide peace of mind knowing your family is protected.
Without proper planning, the court may appoint a guardian, your estate may face unnecessary expenses, and your family could be forced into difficult decisions.
My business is a part of me. I celebrate my clients’ achievements, and I suffer through their losses with them. They are getting a full investment out of me when they hire me. I enjoy working with folks, learning more about them, and not just focusing on the situation.
What to Expect from Stinson Law Firm
We recognize the significance of safeguarding your assets and ensuring your loved ones’ welfare. Our team is committed to offering personalized and thorough estate planning services tailored to your specific requirements and objectives. A complete estate plan may include:
Wills – Distribute your assets according to your wishes.
Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts – Protect assets and provide flexibility.
Power of Attorney – Assign someone to handle finances if you cannot.
Health Care Directives & Appointment of Health Care Representatives – Ensure medical decisions align with your wishes.
Funeral Planning Declarations – Clarify your preferences in advance.
How the Estate Planning Process Works
1. Call, Email, or Submit a Contact Form.
Our intake specialist will follow up with you to gather some additional general information and schedule a meeting with an attorney.
2. Share Your Goals.
Complete a brief questionnaire so we understand your needs before we meet.
3. Meet with an Attorney
Review your concerns, options, and receive a clear quote. There is an initial consultation fee of $395 payable at the time of the initial meeting.
4. Design & Sign Your Plan.
We draft, review, and finalize your customized documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just get estate planning documents online?
While online templates may seem like a convenient or inexpensive option, they cannot replace personalized legal guidance. At Stinson Law Firm, our value lies not just in the documents themselves, but in our counsel: we ensure you have the right documents for your goals, identify the best individuals to carry out your plan, and connect all the pieces to work together effectively.
We also ensure that each document is executed properly according to Indiana law. Many “do-it-yourself” documents fail due to lack of formality or improper execution, which can make them invalid when you need them most.
What key questions should my estate plan answer?
Your estate plan should clearly address who will manage your finances, make healthcare decisions, and inherit your assets, ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.
Who will take care of me if I become incapacitated?
An estate plan designates trusted individuals to handle your personal care, medical decisions, and daily affairs if you cannot do so yourself.
Who will manage my finances and property?
You can assign a financial agent through a Power of Attorney to manage your finances, pay bills, and make investment decisions on your behalf.
What is a trust?
Think of a trust as a bucket that can hold a variety of assets—bank accounts, real estate, investments, and more. The Grantor (person creating the trust) gives instructions to a Trustee on how to manage and use the assets for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries.
Trusts are flexible tools that can help protect assets, avoid probate, and ensure your wishes are followed, providing peace of mind that your loved ones are cared for according to your plan.
Do I need to plan for other family members who rely on me?
If you have dependents—such as children or adult family members—your estate plan can include protections for them in the event of your incapacity or passing.
How can I reduce probate costs?
Properly structured estate plans, including trusts and beneficiary designations, can help your family avoid or minimize costly and time-consuming probate proceedings.
How will healthcare decisions be made?
Advance healthcare directives and healthcare representative appointments ensure someone you trust makes medical decisions consistent with your wishes.
How can I protect my assets if I need long-term care?
Through careful planning with trusts, asset protection strategies, and Medicaid guidance, your estate can be safeguarded while meeting care needs.
How can I ensure my spouse is financially secure if I require long-term care?
An estate plan can provide for your spouse’s needs while still preserving assets for other beneficiaries, balancing protection and inheritance goals
What happens to my assets after I die?
Your estate plan determines how your assets are distributed, whether through a Will, Trust, or other legal instruments, minimizing confusion or conflict.
Should I place restrictions on inheritances?
For beneficiaries who may face challenges—like disability, poor money management, or unstable relationships—your plan can include protections to preserve assets for their long-term benefit.
Who will care for my minor or disabled children?
You can designate guardians and trustees to ensure your children or dependents are properly cared for according to your wishes.
How can I reduce estate or death tax exposure?
Advanced planning strategies and proper use of exemptions can help minimize estate taxes while maximizing what you pass on to loved ones.
How do I balance providing for my spouse and leaving an inheritance for my children?
Your estate plan can be structured to meet your spouse’s needs while ensuring your children receive their intended inheritance, providing security for all.
Will my estate be subject to death taxes?
Fewer people today are affected by federal or state estate taxes than in the past. As of 2022, the first $12.06 million in assets is exempt from federal estate taxes, and this exemption is “portable” between spouses—allowing a surviving spouse to use the unused portion of the first spouse’s exemption, potentially passing up to $24.12 million tax-free.
Indiana abolished its inheritance tax on December 31, 2012, relieving many modest estates of this previously required burden. For most families, the primary financial risk to savings comes from long-term care costs rather than death taxes.