Our

Carmel

Office

303 Congressional Boulevard, Suite 200, Carmel, IN 46032

Location Info

Address
303 Congressional Boulevard, Suite 200, Carmel, IN 46032
Phone Number
(463) 388-9755
Email Address
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Our

Carmel

 Attorneys

Attorney Headshot

Matt Schlegel

Estate Planning Attorney

Attorney Headshot

Matt Schlegel

Estate Planning Attorney

Attorney Headshot

Matt Schlegel

Estate Planning Attorney

Interview with

Matt Schlegel

Why do you think estate planning is a valuable practice area?

Estate planning allows people and families to avoid a lot of unnecessary hardship. Not having plans in place can cause a whole lot of emotional heartache and financial cost. It is worth doing to protect people from things they simply don’t know can happen.

What’s unique about your state (legally), and why do you think it matters?

We have the ability to transfer property in a multitude of ways to avoid the probate process.

What’s unique about clients in your area?

They are generally well-versed in estate planning and very savvy. They make estate planning unique because of the interesting and well-thought-out situations.

Why is Oath right for your clients?

We spend the time to make sure the plans are the correct ones for our clients. We don’t hide options, and we let our clients choose the best options while being well-informed of what those options will provide to their loved ones and families.

What are the state-specific documents that you prepare for clients, and why?

Power of Attorney, Healthcare Representatives, HIPAA, Living Wills, Transfer on Death Deeds, Regular Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, and Protection Trusts. I provide a plethora of estate planning documents to help people avoid issues while they are alive and also once they have passed. Every person’s situation is unique, and not everyone fits inside a pre-planned bucket.

What do you estimate the longest possible probate is in your state?

They can go on forever if you have the money. Generally, three years is not unheard of, especially when there is property that is not able to sell readily. The average is six months, though.

What story do you tell at your workshops?

I let people know about my own personal story with my grandparents going through probate. We had issues with personal items disappearing, documents that were not up to date, and, in the worst cases, backups taking control of situations. It was the emotional, expensive nightmare that got me into estate planning.

What’s the most impactful story you’ve had from one of your clients?

Being able to set up a trust while someone was incapacitated to help avoid probate before they passed is a story I have experienced a few times. Usually, this is a spouse who is under the knife in surgery and is not going to wake up, but they have property still individually in their name. If they have a POA, which in this situation they do, then it's a last-minute rush to get deeds and property transferred. That allows people to avoid dealing with the probate process while they are grieving, which gives me a lot of joy. No one needs to deal with that when a loved one has passed, and no one needs to pay tens of thousands of dollars needlessly to go through probate.

What are your three favorite communities that you visit on your travel schedule?

Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville.

Have you ever had a client you couldn’t help because they reached out too late?

Yes, they did not become a client because of incapacity issues. When people wait too long, sometimes there is really nothing I can do for them depending on the time involved. Guardianship takes a long time to really set up in Indiana.

What do clients ask most at your workshops, and how do you answer it?

They ask how to avoid probate without a trust. I let them know that it can be done in Indiana, but it does have some possible drawbacks and disadvantages. I generally want to walk everyone through their specific scenario to see if that would be a good idea or not.

Our

Carmel

 Team

Attorney Headshot

Emma Rees

Client Service Coordinator

Our

Carmel

 Attorneys

Matt Schlegel
Estate Planning Attorney

Our

Carmel

 Team

Emma Rees
Client Service Coordinator

Interview with

Matt Schlegel

Why do you think estate planning is a valuable practice area?

Estate planning allows people and families to avoid a lot of unnecessary hardship. Not having plans in place can cause a whole lot of emotional heartache and financial cost. It is worth doing to protect people from things they simply don’t know can happen.

What’s unique about your state (legally), and why do you think it matters?

We have the ability to transfer property in a multitude of ways to avoid the probate process.

What’s unique about clients in your area?

They are generally well-versed in estate planning and very savvy. They make estate planning unique because of the interesting and well-thought-out situations.

Why is Oath right for your clients?

We spend the time to make sure the plans are the correct ones for our clients. We don’t hide options, and we let our clients choose the best options while being well-informed of what those options will provide to their loved ones and families.

What are the state-specific documents that you prepare for clients, and why?

Power of Attorney, Healthcare Representatives, HIPAA, Living Wills, Transfer on Death Deeds, Regular Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, and Protection Trusts. I provide a plethora of estate planning documents to help people avoid issues while they are alive and also once they have passed. Every person’s situation is unique, and not everyone fits inside a pre-planned bucket.

What do you estimate the longest possible probate is in your state?

They can go on forever if you have the money. Generally, three years is not unheard of, especially when there is property that is not able to sell readily. The average is six months, though.

What story do you tell at your workshops?

I let people know about my own personal story with my grandparents going through probate. We had issues with personal items disappearing, documents that were not up to date, and, in the worst cases, backups taking control of situations. It was the emotional, expensive nightmare that got me into estate planning.

What’s the most impactful story you’ve had from one of your clients?

Being able to set up a trust while someone was incapacitated to help avoid probate before they passed is a story I have experienced a few times. Usually, this is a spouse who is under the knife in surgery and is not going to wake up, but they have property still individually in their name. If they have a POA, which in this situation they do, then it's a last-minute rush to get deeds and property transferred. That allows people to avoid dealing with the probate process while they are grieving, which gives me a lot of joy. No one needs to deal with that when a loved one has passed, and no one needs to pay tens of thousands of dollars needlessly to go through probate.

What are your three favorite communities that you visit on your travel schedule?

Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville.

Have you ever had a client you couldn’t help because they reached out too late?

Yes, they did not become a client because of incapacity issues. When people wait too long, sometimes there is really nothing I can do for them depending on the time involved. Guardianship takes a long time to really set up in Indiana.

What do clients ask most at your workshops, and how do you answer it?

They ask how to avoid probate without a trust. I let them know that it can be done in Indiana, but it does have some possible drawbacks and disadvantages. I generally want to walk everyone through their specific scenario to see if that would be a good idea or not.

Estate Planning Attorneys in

Carmel

Estate Planning Attorneys in Carmel, Indiana

A well-crafted estate plan gives you the peace of mind that your wishes will be honored and your loved ones will be cared for. At Oath Law, our Carmel office helps local families design estate plans that are simple, clear, and built around what matters most. Whether you're just starting out or updating an existing plan, our team makes the process easy to understand — and easy to complete.

Trust and Estate Attorneys in Carmel

A trust can be one of the most powerful ways to protect and manage your assets. Oath Law's Carmel trust attorneys help clients create personalized trust strategies that fit their goals — whether that means simplifying asset transfers, providing for children, or ensuring privacy.

A revocable living trust gives you flexibility and control during your lifetime, while an irrevocable trust can offer greater protection and structure for long-term wealth planning. We explain each option in plain language and guide you in choosing what best fits your needs, ensuring your plan is both practical and personal.

Wills and Estate Planning Lawyers in Carmel

A will is the cornerstone of a good estate plan. It defines how your property will be distributed, names guardians for minor children, and helps avoid confusion among family members.

At Oath Law, our Carmel estate planning lawyers make writing a will simple and stress-free. We guide you through every decision — from naming beneficiaries to including digital assets — and make sure your wishes are documented clearly. You'll finish the process with a plan that gives you confidence and protects the people you love.

Power of Attorney Lawyers in Carmel

A Power of Attorney (POA) ensures that someone you trust can handle your financial or legal matters if you're ever unable to do so. It's an essential part of any estate plan, giving your loved ones the authority they need to act on your behalf when life takes an unexpected turn.

The Carmel Oath Law team helps you select the right person, define their powers, and create a durable document that protects your interests. Our goal is to give you peace of mind knowing your financial life will continue smoothly — even if you can't manage it yourself.

Healthcare Directives and Living Wills

A healthcare directive or living will allows you to communicate your medical wishes clearly, so your family and doctors know exactly what care you would want if you couldn't speak for yourself.

At Oath Law, we approach this conversation with care and compassion. Our Carmel team walks you through your choices regarding treatments, life support, and comfort care — helping you make informed decisions that reflect your values. You'll leave with documents that give clarity to your loved ones when it matters most.

Why Families Choose Oath Law

Families across Carmel and the greater Indianapolis area choose Oath Law for our transparent process, modern approach, and focus on education over pressure.

Here's what makes Oath Law unique:

Flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs.

No upsells or litigation — just estate planning.

Educational, supportive experience that empowers you.

Dedicated estate planning practice — it's all we do.

Ongoing support and easy digital document access.

Plans built to adapt as your family and goals evolve.

Meet Your Carmel Estate Planning Team

Our Carmel estate planning team combines legal experience with a personal touch. We take time to understand your goals, listen to your concerns, and build a plan that reflects your life. Every detail — from choosing the right trust to naming your Power of Attorney — is handled with care and clarity. The result is a plan that's practical today and secure for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the difference between a will and a trust?

A will distributes your property after your passing, while a trust manages your assets during your lifetime and beyond.

2. Do I need both a will and a trust?

Many families benefit from having both. A trust provides privacy and control, while a will covers any assets not placed in the trust.

3. Who should I choose as my Power of Attorney?

Pick someone responsible and trustworthy — ideally a person who understands your values and can make level-headed financial decisions.

4. When should I update my estate plan?

You should review your plan every few years, or after major life changes like marriage, a new home purchase, or the birth of a child.

5. What happens if I don't have a will?

Without a will, Indiana law determines who inherits your assets — which might not reflect your personal wishes.

6. What is a healthcare directive?

It's a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you can't communicate your decisions yourself.

7. Can I include my online and digital assets?

Yes. Your estate plan should cover digital property such as online accounts, photos, and files.

8. How can I plan for a blended family?

Estate planning can help ensure fairness and clarity between spouses and children from different relationships.

9. What are common estate planning mistakes?

Not updating documents, choosing the wrong decision-makers, or delaying the process are all avoidable pitfalls.

10. How long does it take to complete a plan?

Most Carmel clients complete their estate plans within a few weeks, depending on complexity and scheduling.

Client Testimonials

"The Carmel team was professional, kind, and made the whole process easy. I finally have peace of mind."

"Oath Law explained everything in clear terms and took the stress out of estate planning."

"I loved the flat-fee pricing — no hidden surprises, just honest service."

"They made sure I understood every decision and left me feeling confident about my plan."

"A genuinely caring team that makes estate planning simple and accessible. Highly recommend."

Contact Oath Law in Carmel

Office Address: Oath Law – Carmel Office 201 Gradle Drive, Suite 300 Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: (317) 555-0456

Book a Consultation