Indiana · Probate administration

Indiana Probate Creditor Deadlines and Small-Estate Rules

Indiana creditor claims are generally barred unless filed within three months after the first published notice to creditors. A known or reasonably ascertainable creditor served later under Indiana Code section 29-1-7-7(f) must submit a claim within two months from service of that notice. Claims filed under section 29-1-14-1(a) more than nine months after death are barred.

3 rules checked against governing sourcesSources checked through Jul 3, 2026Inspect the coverage gate

Answer first, sources attached

Three administration rules to check first

Creditor timing, notice procedure, and simplified-estate eligibility are state-specific. These source-linked rules are a starting point for the administration plan.

Claims deadline

Creditor claim period

Indiana creditor claims are generally barred unless filed within three months after the first published notice to creditors. A known or reasonably ascertainable creditor served later under Indiana Code section 29-1-7-7(f) must submit a claim within two months from service of that notice. Claims filed under section 29-1-14-1(a) more than nine months after death are barred.

Ind. Code §§ 29-1-14-1, 29-1-7-7.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Procedure threshold

Small-estate procedure

Indiana small-estate affidavits are available forty-five days after death when the gross probate estate, wherever located and less liens, encumbrances, and reasonable funeral expenses, does not exceed $100,000 for an individual who dies after June 30, 2022, and no personal-representative appointment is pending or granted in any jurisdiction.

Ind. Code § 29-1-8-1.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Publication and service

Notice to creditors

Indiana notice of estate administration must be published as soon as letters are issued in an English-language newspaper of general circulation in the county where the court is located, once each week for two consecutive weeks. The notice is served on listed heirs, devisees, legatees, and known creditors, and the personal representative must serve other known or reasonably ascertainable creditors within one month after first publication or as soon as possible thereafter.

Ind. Code § 29-1-7-7.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

What changes the answer

The statewide rule is the starting point

  • Date and type of appointmentLetters, qualification, and the form of administration can change the trigger.
  • Known versus unknown creditorsPublication and direct notice may create different duties and deadlines.
  • Property included in the thresholdExempt property, real estate, and nonprobate assets may be treated differently.
  • Local court procedureForms, publication practice, hearing calendars, and closing requirements can be county-specific.

Read the public guide

Understand the broader process and the records worth organizing first.

Browse related guides

Go deeper on deadlines, evidence, forms, and the practical workflow.

Find licensed help

Use public directories to find a lawyer who can apply the rules to a specific matter.

For probate attorneys

Turn the rule into a visible administration plan

DocketBuddy connects notice, claim periods, inventory, accounting, distributions, and closing exceptions to the same matter record.

Open a sample probate brief Watch Ready check a sample packet

This page reports source-linked state rules and review dates. It does not calculate a deadline, determine eligibility, select a procedure, value a claim, or apply law to an individual situation. Verify the cited authority, local procedure, and current law before relying on a rule.