If you’re searching for a “revocable living trust Indiana” or wondering exactly how to go about “setting up a trust in Indiana,” you’ve landed in the right place. My name is Alex Carter, and for the last 12 years I’ve drafted hundreds of revocable living trusts for Indiana families as both an estate-planning attorney and template designer. In this comprehensive guide I’m giving you my battle-tested, attorney-reviewed free Indiana-specific revocable living trust template (updated for 2025) plus step-by-step instructions so you can create a valid trust without paying $2,000–$4,000 in legal fees—while still understanding when you should hire a professional.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change and every family’s situation is unique. Always consult a licensed Indiana estate-planning attorney before signing any legal document.
A revocable living trust in Indiana is a legal document you create during your lifetime that holds title to your assets (house, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, etc.). You are usually the initial trustee and beneficiary, which means you keep 100% control. Upon your death (or incapacity), a successor trustee you name steps in and distributes everything according to your wishes—without probate.
According to the Indiana Probate Code (Title 29) and recent 2024-2025 data from the Indiana Judicial Branch, probate can take 9–18 months and cost 3–7% of the estate in fees. A properly funded revocable living trust completely bypasses the probate court in Marion, Hamilton, Allen, Lake, and all 92 Indiana counties.
Click here to download the free Indiana Revocable Living Trust template (PDF + editable Word)
This 18-page template includes:
Single individuals use an individual trust. Married couples usually choose an A-B revocable living trust (survivor’s + bypass) to maximize federal estate-tax exemption ($13.99 million per person in 2025 – source: IRS.gov Rev. Proc. 2024-40).
Most Indiana clients name adult children, then a trusted sibling or corporate trustee (e.g., Old National Bank or Horizon Trust). Avoid naming co-trustees unless absolutely necessary—Indiana law allows majority rule, but it slows everything down.
Indiana does not require you to notarize the schedules when you initially fund the trust, but you must re-title assets (see Step 5).
Indiana requires:
Self-proving affidavit is optional but recommended.
| Asset Type | How to Re-Title in Indiana |
|---|---|
| Real Estate | New deed: “John Doe, Trustee of the John Doe Revocable Living Trust dated November 18, 2025” – record at county recorder |
| Bank/Brokerage | Ask institution for “Change of Ownership” or “TOD Registration” form pointing to the trust |
| Vehicles | Indiana BMV Form 23001 – list trust as owner (or keep TOD beneficiary designation) |
| Life Insurance/Retirement | Usually keep beneficiary as spouse/children; use pour-over will as backup |
Yes – you need a pour-over will. It catches any asset inadvertently left out of the trust and names guardians for minor children (the trust alone cannot do this under Indiana law).
| Method | Average Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Free template + self-funding | $0–$400 (deed recording & notary) | 1 weekend |
| Online legal service | $400–$900 | 1–2 weeks |
| Indiana estate attorney (flat fee) | $2,000–$4,500 | 2–6 weeks |
Setting up a revocable living trust in Indiana has never been more straightforward. Download my free 2025 template today, follow the steps above, and you can have a fully functional, probate-avoiding trust in place before the end of the month.
Download Your Free Indiana Revocable Living Trust Template Now
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below—I answer every single one personally. And remember: this is a powerful tool, but it is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. When in doubt, schedule a consultation with a licensed Indiana attorney.
Safe planning!
Alex Carter
Estate Planning Attorney & Template Creator
Last updated: November 18, 2025