Estate Planning Adviser in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
Estate Planning Adviser in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
Indianapolis is the economic hub of Indiana, home to major employers in healthcare (Eli Lilly, Anthem), motorsports, logistics, and a growing tech sector. Indiana repealed both its state estate tax and inheritance tax in 2013, creating a clean state-level environment for wealth transfer. But federal estate tax still applies, and the projected 2026 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act exemption means Indianapolis families with significant assets need to act before the threshold drops. Indiana’s relatively affordable cost of living can mask the total value of estates when retirement accounts, business interests, and life insurance death benefits are added up.
Why You Need an Estate Planning Adviser in Indianapolis
The federal estate tax exemption is projected to drop from ~$13.6 million per individual to roughly ~$7 million in 2026. Indianapolis families who own a business, have large 401(k) or IRA balances, and carry life insurance may be closer to this threshold than they realize. Life insurance death benefits are included in the taxable estate unless the policy is owned by an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT). For a business owner with a $3 million company, $2 million in retirement accounts, and a $2 million life insurance policy, the combined estate value already exceeds the projected new exemption.
Indiana is a common law property state, meaning assets belong to the spouse whose name is on the title. This makes titling decisions central to estate planning. Joint tenancy with right of survivorship passes property automatically to the surviving owner outside of probate, but it also means the surviving spouse gets the asset regardless of what the will says — which can create problems in blended families.
Indiana allows transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds for real property, enabling homeowners to pass real estate directly to named beneficiaries without probate. This is a straightforward tool for simple estates, but it lacks the flexibility and control of a trust. An experienced adviser will know when a TOD deed is adequate and when the estate requires a more comprehensive trust-based plan.
Indiana’s probate process is not unusually expensive, but it is public. Court filings, asset inventories, and beneficiary information become part of the public record. For families who want privacy, a revocable living trust keeps these details out of court.
What to Look For in an Indianapolis Estate Planning Adviser
Look for advisers who hold a CFP designation and coordinate with estate planning attorneys licensed in Indiana. The Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) credential indicates specialized knowledge. The Estate Planning Council of Indianapolis connects financial planners, attorneys, and CPAs who focus on trust and estate matters.
Fee-only, fiduciary advisers give you advice that is free from commission-driven conflicts, which is especially important when insurance products are part of the estate plan.
Average Estate Planning Adviser Fees in Indianapolis
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Hourly consultation | ~$175 – ~$350 per hour |
| Comprehensive estate plan (financial planning component) | ~$1,500 – ~$4,500 |
| Ongoing advisory retainer (includes estate plan updates) | ~$2,000 – ~$5,000 per year |
| Assets under management (AUM) for integrated wealth/estate planning | ~0.75% – ~1.10% annually |
Note: legal fees for drafting trusts, wills, and other documents are separate. Expect to pay an estate planning attorney ~$1,500 – ~$3,500 for a complete trust-based plan in Indianapolis.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Estate Planning Adviser
- How are you preparing clients for the projected federal estate tax exemption sunset? Even without a state estate tax, the federal threshold change affects Indianapolis families with significant total assets.
- Do you have experience with business succession planning? Indianapolis has a strong base of privately held businesses, and succession planning is a core estate planning need.
- When do you recommend a trust versus TOD deeds for probate avoidance? The adviser should articulate clear criteria for each approach.
- How do you coordinate with estate planning attorneys and CPAs? Estate planning requires integrated legal, tax, and financial advice.
- Are you a fiduciary, and do you receive any commissions from insurance or annuity products? Conflicts of interest can steer estate plans in the wrong direction.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana’s repeal of state estate and inheritance taxes in 2013 simplifies the landscape, but the projected federal exemption sunset creates new urgency for Indianapolis families with combined assets near the ~$7 million threshold.
- TOD deeds, asset titling decisions, and the choice between simple probate avoidance tools and trust-based plans are key decisions in Indiana’s common law property system.
- Prioritize advisers with CFP and/or AEP credentials, fee-only compensation, and experience with business succession planning.
Next Steps
Start with Estate Planning 101 for a foundational overview of key concepts. To compare how advisers charge for their services, review Financial Adviser Fees Explained. When you are ready to search for estate planning specialists in Indianapolis, use our Compare Financial Advisers tool.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a licensed financial professional for your specific situation.