Sandra MillerThinking about what happens after you are gone is never a fun afternoon task. However, leaving your family to guess your wishes in a Marion County probate court is much worse.
Most people in Indy put off making a will because they think it is too complicated or only for the ultra-wealthy. In reality, a solid legal plan is just a gift to your kids and spouse to keep things simple during a hard time.
I have spent time looking into the local legal scene to find the most approachable and expert firms. Here are my top picks for the best wills lawyer in Indianapolis to help you protect your legacy.
How much does hiring a wills lawyer cost in Indianapolis?
Setting up your legal affairs in Indianapolis is generally affordable if you know what to expect. For a basic, straightforward will, you are likely looking at a price tag between $300 and $700.
If you want a full protection package that includes a Power of Attorney and a Living Will, the costs usually sit between $600 and $1,200. Families with complex assets or those needing specific trusts should plan for a higher investment.
These detailed plans often start around $1,500 and can climb above $3,500 depending on the work required. It is a small price to pay to avoid the massive legal fees of a contested estate later on.
1. Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Website: https://willandtrustindy.com/
Address: 7 Purdue Road, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Contact: +1 463-287-7088
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Among its competition, Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning really stands out because they focus on building real relationships with their clients and offering lifetime maintenance support.
To start, they do not just hand you a stack of papers and send you on your way. Instead, they stay in your corner long-term so your documents still make sense when you actually need them, especially since a will from ten years ago might not hold up today.
On a personal note, I met with their lead attorney last year to talk through a family trust, and I was impressed by how much attention they gave to my specific family dynamics.
Plus, their predictable flat-fee pricing makes the whole process feel a lot less stressful.
Just one thing to keep in mind is that they are a boutique shop focused exclusively on estates. They are not the right fit if you need help with something like a criminal case or a divorce.
Customer Reviews
Everything was handled promptly and efficiently
We had an excellent experience working with Syed. He was incredibly informative, took the time to explain all of our options, and never made us feel pressured. His approach was professional and thoughtful, discussing the pros and cons of each decision so we could choose what was best for us. Everything was handled promptly and efficiently, giving us great peace of mind throughout the process. Highly recommend his services!
- Jennifer Sutton | Google Review
They have put my mind at ease regarding our estate
Ali made the process of establishing a living revocable trust understandable. He and his assistant, Sara provided us with thorough directions to establish the document. They have put my mind at ease regarding our estate.
- Katie Vitolins | Google Review
2. Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm
Website: http://www.estate-planners.org/
Address: 3750 N. Meridian, Suite 300
Contact: +1 317-572-8696
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm takes a more big-picture approach with life care planning, so it goes way beyond simply deciding who gets what.
To put it another way, most estate lawyers stop at who gets the house, but this firm also helps plan for how you will be cared for if you ever get sick. Because of that, they do a great job connecting legal protections with real healthcare needs, which can be a huge relief for aging seniors.
On top of that, they really know their way around Medicaid eligibility and Veterans Benefits, which can feel like a total maze. This kind of guidance can help families protect what they have worked for instead of watching it get eaten up by nursing home costs.
However, this level of support usually comes with higher upfront fees than a basic document service. Also, since they focus strictly on elder law, they are not the place to go if you need help with something like business litigation.
Customer Reviews
They know their stuff and are an amazing team
If you are looking for an estate planning attorney that not only has experience but genuinely cares, Jennifer Norton is your answer. Hands down! From simple plans to complex plans and family situations her firm can make sure your planning needs are met. With care and compassion. They know their stuff and are an amazing team that helps every step of the way.
- Roslyn Cassidy | Google Review
I am very pleased with my attorney, Jennifer Norton
I am very pleased with my attorney, Jennifer Norton and her staff. She and her staff have an enormous amount of knowledge and are beyond capable of helping me with my legal situations. She an her staff are very friendly and it’s obvious they all really care about getting you the help and results you need.
- Karen Riley Google Review
3. Frank & Kraft, Attorneys at Law
Website: https://www.frankkraft.com/
Address: 135 N Pennsylvania St # 1100
Contact: +1 317-684-1100
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What I like about Frank & Kraft is that they are big on client education and long-term legacy protection, so they do not just want you to sign documents and move on.
Instead, they take the time to make sure you actually understand what you are putting in place and why it matters.
The firm also regularly hosts free public seminars that break down the more intimidating parts of probate and taxes in a way that feels a lot less overwhelming.
On top of the basics, they are comfortable handling more specialized needs like business succession planning and charitable giving. They are also members of the American Academy of Estate Excellence, which shows they hold themselves to a high standard.
The trade-off for this educational approach is that it requires a significant time investment from you. You have to be willing to sit through the learning phase to get the best results.
Customer Reviews
We are very pleased with our experience
Tanya was so articulate, knowledgeable and kind explaining all the many details of the most sensitive subject matter a family can face. We are very pleased with our experience. Thank you Tanya and Emily Kahn!! We give 10 stars!!
- Anastasia Phillips | Google Review
I feel like they thought of everything
The creating of our living trust is giving my husband and I peace of mind that our assets will be distributed according to our wishes. Mr.Kraft and his assistant Tonya were both excellent. I feel like they thought of everything. So glad we did this!
- Vickie Rhodes | Google Review
4. Indiana Estate & Elder Law
Website: https://www.indianaestateelderlaw.com/
Address: 10412 Allisonville Rd, Suite 113, Fishers
Contact: +1 317-863-2030
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Indiana Estate & Elder Law takes a more outcome-focused approach with what they call a “Wait & See” method, which basically means they plan for different future scenarios instead of only looking at where things stand today.
On top of that, their maintenance program is a big highlight because it includes annual reviews to keep your plan updated as tax codes and life circumstances change. As a result, families with changing assets can feel confident their documents stay up to date.
If you are just starting out, it also helps that they offer free initial consultations so you can explore your options without pressure.
Another nice touch is their team-based setup. In addition to the attorneys, they have Medicaid coordinators who work alongside the legal team to cover every angle of long-term care planning.
There are just a couple of things to keep in mind.
Moreover, their flat-rate pricing might not cover it if your case suddenly becomes more complicated.
Customer Reviews
They were very professional and knowledgeable
We had a good experience with Racheal Rode and all of the staff at Indiana Estate elder law. They were very professional and knowledgeable. Rachael has a great way of helping us to understand all of this “confusing stuff”. She has a fun personality also.
- Judy Davitto | Google Review
Indiana Estate and Elder Law provided exactly what I needed
Indiana Estate and Elder Law provided exactly what I needed. I felt they listened to me and gave me options so I could be comfortable with my decision. Rachael was very upbeat and a pleasure to work with throughout the process.
- Susan Powell | Google Review
5. Robinson Farthing Spandau Williams
Website: http://www.yourindyattorneys.com/
Address: 8500 Keystone Crossing, Suite 470
Contact: +1 317-587-7820
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Robinson Farthing Spandau Williams is a solid pick if you want a one-stop law firm with strong local trial experience. While a lot of other firms on this list stay tightly focused on estate planning, this team can handle just about anything.
Because of that, some clients work with them for multiple needs at once, like dealing with complex business litigation while also putting a personal will in place.
Another big plus is their deep courtroom experience in Marion County. So if an estate issue ever turns into a dispute, they already know the judges, the process, and how the system typically works.
But since they are a well-known firm with a wide client base, their lead attorneys can be pretty busy. As a result, you may not get the same level of frequent one-on-one communication you would expect from a smaller boutique practice.
Customer Reviews
Thomas Steele is extremely knowledgeable
I am so thankful that my family and I were able to have Thomas Steele as our attorney. He and Sherry Idlewine were thorough and timely for our complex case. Tom is extremely knowledgeable and always had a solution for things that felt impossible. I highly recommend him and this firm!
- Hannah D. | Google Review
I had a wonderful experience dealing with Thomas Steele
I had a wonderful experience dealing with Thomas Steele for dealing with my mother’s estate. I live out of state and they made the process of dealing with this so easy. I would recommend Thomas Steele and his associates for anyone looking to handle an estate after the loss of a loved one.
- Tiffanie Donellan | Google Review
