ESTATE PLANNING · PLAINFIELD & CENTRAL INDIANA
Indiana estate planning attorney for individuals and families.
Wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and trusts that put your wishes in writing and protect the people who depend on you.
OVERVIEW
Plan now so your family is not left guessing later.
Proper estate planning organizes your affairs so your wishes are followed and your family avoids unnecessary delay and expense. Your plan decides who manages your finances if you are incapacitated, who makes medical decisions when you cannot, and how your assets pass when you die.
Without a plan, assets may pass through probate under Indiana law, and Indiana’s intestacy rules, not you, decide who inherits. Shelton Law helps individuals and families across Indiana put clear, properly executed documents in place, explained in plain English.
Your will
A last will and testament names who inherits, what they receive, who serves as your personal representative, and who should be guardian of your minor children. It must be signed and witnessed correctly to hold up in probate.
Incapacity planning
A durable power of attorney names a trusted person to manage your finances and legal affairs if you cannot. An advance directive and living will record your medical wishes and name someone to make healthcare decisions for you.
Plans that fit your family
Blended families, minor children, rental properties, a family business, or a loved one with special needs all call for planning that a generic online form does not provide. Your documents are tailored to your family and your priorities.
ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES
How we help with estate planning
From a single will to a comprehensive plan, every engagement is scoped to what your family actually needs.
Wills
Simple wills and more detailed wills drafted under Indiana law, with guidance on choosing a personal representative and guardians for minor children.
Powers of Attorney
Durable financial powers of attorney that let someone you trust handle your affairs if you become incapacitated, without a court-supervised guardianship.
Advance Directives & Living Wills
Documents that record your healthcare wishes and name a healthcare representative, so your family is not forced to guess during a medical crisis.
Revocable Trusts
When appropriate, a revocable living trust to hold assets during your life and pass them to your beneficiaries outside of probate, with guidance on funding the trust.
Guardianships
Guidance on naming guardians for minor children in your will, and assistance with guardianship matters.
Not sure what you need?
Tell us about your family and your goals. We will recommend a plan and quote a flat fee before any work begins.
PLANNING OPTIONS
Estate planning packages and documents
Most clients choose one of two packages. If your situation calls for something different, ask. For a closer look at Indiana’s requirements, read our article on creating a valid will in Indiana.
Simple Will Package
Last will and testament
Personal representative appointment
Guardian nomination for minor children
Signing ceremony guidance
Plain-English review of your plan
Comprehensive Package
Last will and testament
Durable power of attorney
Advance healthcare directive
Living will declaration
Review of beneficiary designations
Additional Planning
Revocable living trusts
Trust funding guidance
Transfer on death planning
Updates after marriage, divorce, or a new child
Review of existing documents
OUR APPROACH
What working with us looks like
Estate planning should be practical, clear, and focused on the outcomes that matter to you. We explain your options in plain English and draft documents that work in real life under Indiana law.
01
Clarity first
We explain each option and its consequences in plain English, so you understand your plan before you sign it.
02
Direct access to your attorney
You work directly with Matt from the first conversation to the signing, and you can reach him when questions come up.
03
Flat-fee pricing
We quote estate planning work as a flat fee, so you know the cost before any work begins.
HOW IT WORKS
Straightforward process. Zero guessing.
From the moment you reach out, you will know what to expect, what comes next, and who is handling your matter. No confusion and no chasing updates.
01
Tell us what you need
Book a courtesy consultation online or call (317) 804-1495 and tell us a little about your family and your goals.
02
Get a clear plan and fee
We talk through your family, your assets, and who you want making decisions, answer your questions, and recommend a plan. You will know the cost before any work begins.
03
Review and sign
Once you sign a retainer agreement, we draft your documents, review them with you, and guide you through a proper signing so your plan holds up.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Estate planning grounded in real experience
Matthew Shelton, Founding Attorney
During law school, Matt worked on projects involving several dozen complex trusts for a family office, gaining an institutional understanding of estate planning tools. He brings that experience to everyday Hoosiers and families.
Combined with his business and finance background, Matt takes a proactive, practical approach to planning that protects your assets and helps your loved ones inherit according to your wishes.
What clients say
“Matt made the entire process feel easy and broke things down so we always knew what to expect.”
— M.Q.
“He answered all my questions and was able to do everything in a very reasonable timeframe.”
— N.B.
“Can’t recommend Mr. Shelton enough, he gave me the most detailed, thoughtful, and nuanced answer.”
— K.B.
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome in any matter. No attorney client relationship is created until a retainer agreement is signed.
GET STARTED
Contact us for a courtesy consultation
Tell us about your family and what you need. We will reach back out within 24 hours to schedule your consultation. Questions? Call (317) 804-1495.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Estate Planning FAQs
Do I need an estate plan?
You don’t have to have one, but an estate plan prevents uncertainty, can reduce probate exposure, and names decision-makers for incapacity and death. Without a plan, Indiana’s intestacy rules determine who inherits your assets.
What core documents should I have?
A basic, effective plan usually includes a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney, a healthcare directive, and, when appropriate, a revocable living trust.
Does your firm do simple wills?
Yes. If you only need a will, we can prepare that document.
What is the difference between online DIY forms and your documents?
DIY templates are generic and rarely account for state-specific signing rules, how your assets are titled, or family complexities. Common problems include improperly signed documents, unfunded trusts, and beneficiary designations that conflict with a will.
How do I choose a personal representative?
Choose someone trustworthy, organized, and willing to serve. If no one is named, or the named person cannot serve, the probate court appoints someone, which can delay the process.
Do I need a trust?
Not always. For many Indiana residents, a well-drafted will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive cover the essentials. Trusts are most useful for avoiding probate, owning real estate in multiple states, blended families, or special needs planning.
What is probate?
Probate is the court-supervised process that validates a will, pays debts, and transfers assets after death. Assets with beneficiary designations, joint ownership with survivorship rights, transfer on death designations, or a funded trust generally pass outside probate.
How much does an estate plan cost?
We quote estate planning work as a flat fee based on the documents you need. You will know the cost before any work begins.
In which counties do you provide estate planning services?
Matt serves clients in every county in Indiana, from Hendricks, Marion, and Hamilton to Allen, Lake, and Vanderburgh.
Ready to put your estate plan in place?
Book a courtesy consultation online, or call (317) 804-1495. Meetings by appointment only.