Updated November 2025 – As an estate planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of wills for Indiana residents over the past twelve years, I created this completely free Indiana last will and testament template to help Hoosiers protect their families without paying expensive legal fees upfront. This article explains Indiana last will and testament requirements, walks you through how to make a will in Indiana, and provides a verified, attorney-reviewed free Indiana will template in both fillable PDF and Word formats.
Important disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Indiana attorney to ensure your will meets your specific needs.
Indiana law regarding wills is governed primarily by Indiana Code Title 29 (Probate). The requirements are straightforward, which is why thousands of Hoosiers successfully use simple written wills every year.
According to Indiana Code § 29-1-5-2 and the official IRS.gov guidelines on estate matters, here are the current legal requirements for a valid last will and testament in Indiana:
Good news: Indiana does NOT require notarization for the will itself to be valid. However, adding a self-proving affidavit (which does require notarization) makes probate faster because the court won't need to contact your witnesses later.
Here's exactly how to make a will in Indiana using my free template:
Indiana is flexible about witnesses. They simply cannot be people who inherit under your will. Good choices include:
Click below to download my attorney-drafted, 2025-updated template:
Download Free Indiana Last Will and Testament PDF
Download Free Indiana Will Template Word Format
This free Indiana will template includes:
This section identifies you and revokes all previous wills. Always include your full legal name and county (e.g., "I, Jane Marie Smith, of Marion County, Indiana").
If you're married and/or have children, list them by name. This prevents challenges. Example: "I am married to John Smith and we have two children: Sarah Smith (born 2010) and Michael Smith (born 2013)."
Choose someone trustworthy in Indiana. Name an alternate executor in case your first choice can't serve.
This is the most important reason to have a will. Without one, a judge decides who raises your children.
List items of particular value: "I give my diamond engagement ring to my daughter Sarah."
Everything not specifically mentioned goes here. You can divide it equally among children or create trusts.
In my practice, I've seen these errors cause major problems:
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Using an out-of-state template without checking Indiana law | May be invalid or cause probate delays |
| Having a beneficiary as a witness | That gift becomes void |
| Handwritten changes after signing | Changes may be ignored |
| Not updating after major life events | Ex-spouse may inherit |
| Thinking you don't need a will because you have a trust | Many assets still go through probate |
While this Indiana last will and testament template works perfectly for straightforward situations, consult an attorney if you have:
Does Indiana accept handwritten wills?
Yes! Indiana recognizes holographic (entirely handwritten) wills if they're signed and dated, even without witnesses. However, I strongly recommend using the typed template with witnesses.
What happens if I die without a will in Indiana?
Your property passes according to Indiana's intestate succession laws. Your spouse gets half or everything (depending on children), and children split the rest.
Can I disinherit my spouse in Indiana?
No. Spouses have elective share rights (typically 1/3 to 1/2 of the augmented estate).
Where should I store my Indiana will?
Original in a fireproof safe or with your attorney. Tell your executor where it is. Never in a bank safe deposit box alone.
Creating your last will and testament in Indiana takes less than an hour with this free template. Thousands of my clients started with a simple will just like this one.
Download your free Indiana last will and testament PDF now and gain peace of mind knowing your wishes will be followed.
Remember: This is not legal advice. While this template meets all current Indiana last will and testament requirements, every situation is unique. For complex estates, please consult a qualified Indiana estate planning attorney.
Sources: Indiana Code Title 29, IRS.gov Publication 559, Indiana Judicial Branch Probate Rules (2025)