In Indiana, a small estate is an estate that has a value of $50,000 (if decedent died prior to July 1, 2022), $100,000 (if decedent died after June 30, 2022) or less after liens, encumbrances and reasonable funeral expenses are subtracted. All joint assets and beneficiary designations are not included in the $50,000/$100,000 estate amount Beneficiary designations include life insurance and joint assets. To file a small estate there needs to be 45 days pass since the passing of the person and you must their death certificate.
If the estate has a value of over $50,000 (if decedent died prior to July 1, 2022), $100,000 (if the decedent died after June 30, 2022) the a regular estate will need to be filed by an attorney.