Why do you think estate planning is a valuable practice area?
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About two out of every three people in the United States pass away without a valid estate plan, leaving themselves and their loved ones unprotected from whatever may come their way. While we can do the best we can to prolong our lives, no one is promised tomorrow, and everyone meets their end at some point. We help our clients prepare for their futures to make it as easy as possible for them and their loved ones.

What’s unique about your state (legally) and why do you think it matters?
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Indiana has neither an inheritance tax nor a state-specific estate tax (though the federal estate tax rules still apply). This means that Hoosiers are able to pass more of their estate directly to their loved ones when they pass away. That’s great news!

What’s unique about clients in your area?

Hoosiers are remarkably kind and family-oriented people. We love helping them make things as simple as possible for their loved ones when they pass away.

Why is Oath right for your clients?
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Oath is not a one-size-fits-all company. Different Hoosiers have different goals, and we create our estate planning documents to meet the needs of each person who walks into our office.

What are the state-specific documents that you prepare for clients, and why?
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In addition to wills and trusts, we prepare documents for our clients in the event they lose the capacity to make decisions for themselves, whether it be over a long period of time or in an accident or event that happens when they least expect it. We prepare powers of attorney, advance directives, and HIPAA authorization documents to make sure that Hoosiers are protected no matter what comes their way.

What do you estimate the longest possible probate is in your state?
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It’s hard to tell. In Indiana, the typical probate case is between six months and a year, but a probate case can last for years when proper planning is not done to prevent conflict.

What story do you tell at your workshops?
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I often talk about my grandmother, who was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She was a Mini-Marathon runner beginning in her 40s, and she ran until she was 81 years old! Unfortunately, health declines at some point for everyone, and for her, it was a series of strokes that left her incapacitated in the years before her passing. None of us are promised tomorrow, even the healthiest among us.

What’s the most impactful story you’ve had from one of your clients?
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I have heard many stories of families who experienced brokenness due to some conflict that arose when someone passed away without clear planning.

What are your three favorite communities that you visit on your travel schedule?
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Recently, I visited Indiana University in Bloomington for a workshop, and I really enjoyed getting to explore the campus and present on estate planning at the University. I also enjoyed presenting at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park. Finally, I have a special place in my heart for the workshops I’ve held in the greater Indianapolis area, which has always been home to me.

Have you ever had a client you couldn’t help because they reached out too late?
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We at Oath have been able to help many people across multiple walks of life, and it’s better to start later in life than to not start at all. That said, if someone comes to us with a spouse who does not have enough capacity to consent to the documents that we prepare, then we may not be able to help that spouse. All the more reason to get your documents done as early as possible, as you are never guaranteed tomorrow.

What do clients ask most at your workshops and how do you answer it?
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Many clients want to know whether a will can keep their estate out of probate. This is a common misconception—will plans MUST go through probate, unless their estate qualifies as a “small estate” in Indiana. A trust plan, on the other hand, is a private way to do estate planning that can help certain clients avoid probate. I recommend talking with an estate planning attorney to see what options would be best for you and your loved ones.