Last Will and Testament in Indiana
A simple will form for straightforward estates. A will is valid only if it is signed and witnessed exactly as your state requires (below); one that is not executed correctly may be ignored by the court. Larger estates, blended families, trusts for minor children or business interests are worth a lawyer's review.
What Indiana law says
| Requirements for a valid will | A person of sound mind who is at least 18 (or a younger member of the armed forces or merchant marine) may make a will. Except for limited oral wills, the will-maker must, in the presence of two or more witnesses, indicate that the document is their will and sign it (or acknowledge their signature, or direct another person to sign in their presence). The witnesses must sign in the presence of the will-maker and of each other. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: IC 29-1-5-1, 29-1-5-3 |
|---|---|
| Self-proving affidavit | Yes. A will is self-proved by a self-proving clause, in the statutory wording or in substance the same, signed by the will-maker and the witnesses (signatures may be made under penalties for perjury). Notarization is not required. A clause may also be added after the will is signed. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: IC 29-1-5-3.1 |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | No. Indiana does not have a separate rule for handwritten wills; a written will must be signed by the will-maker and at least two witnesses to be valid. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: IC 29-1-5-3 |
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [your full name]
I, [your full name], of [city, county and state], being of sound mind, make this my will and revoke all earlier wills and codicils.
1. Executor. I name [executor name] as personal representative (executor). If they cannot serve, I name [alternate executor name].
2. Specific gifts. I give [item or amount] to [beneficiary name].
3. Everything else. I give the rest of my property to [beneficiaries and shares]. If a beneficiary does not survive me by 30 days, their share goes to [alternate beneficiary].
4. Guardian. If I have minor children, I name [guardian name] as guardian, and [alternate guardian name] as alternate.
Signed on [date signed] at [city and state]. Signature: ____________________
Witnesses: we signed below in the presence of the person making this will and of each other, as required by state law. Witness 1: [witness 1 name and address] ____________ Witness 2: [witness 2 name and address] ____________
[Notary or self-proving affidavit, if your state provides one]
Last Will and Testament for other states · Indiana tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.