Typically, a person creating a will appoints someone who will serve as executor to carry out the administration of their estate after they have passed away. In some cases, however, the chosen executor is not able to carry out their duties. In other cases, the person never had a valid will, but the court still needs someone to be in charge of settling the estate. In these cases, the court may appoint another person to administer the estate. Under Indiana law, this person is generally known as the administrator of the estate.
If you have been appointed as administrator, there are several different forms in Indiana that must be completed and submitted to the court before the process can begin. The following are the specific forms that you will need to submit:
- Claim allowance form: This form has a space for the cause number, estate name or guardianship name, attorney’s name or personal representative’s name.
- Claim form: This form asks for the deceased’s name, the claimant’s signature and the claimant’s full contact information. This document must be notarized.
- Instructions on filing a claim: This form provides step-by-step instructions on how to file a claim and on paying court fees.
- Letters of Administration (certified): This form has information on the deceased person’s estate and the stated authorization of the appointed administrator.
- Letters of Testamentary: This form states that the deceased person’s estate has been admitted to probate and the administrator is named on this form and signed by the county clerk.
- Notice of Administration: This form states the name of the deceased and the appointment of the individual as the administrator.
- Notice of Final Accounting: This form names the deceased and the administrator and states a full accounting of the estate.
- Oath of Personal Representative: This account states that the estate’s administrator swears that they will carry out their responsibilities to the estate to the best of their ability. All of the administrator’s contact information is included on the form.
Sound advice from an estate attorney
Being chosen as an estate administrator is an honor but it can also be complicated and time-consuming. In many cases, it is sensible to consult with an estate attorney rather than trying to handle the estate yourself. The attorney can walk you through all of the relevant information so that you can successfully handle the estate and make sure that every detail is taken care of. The deceased person chose you for a reason and you will have peace of mind knowing that they chose correctly when they chose you.