Free Tools and Information
for Munster, IN Consumers

Indiana Inheritance Law & Probate Procedure

• Indiana PROBATE COURT FINDER:
  
  • Probate Court for Lake County: Key information about your local probate court (Superior Court in Indiana) for Lake County.
• How Probate Works in Indiana: How to handle the probate of an inheritance at Lake County's probate court.
  • Here are links to:
    • Indiana Probate Forms and the
    • Indiana State Probate Court Website.
• Small Estates Procedures in Indiana: Learn how to use Indiana's Small Estate procedures that can save you time and money.

  • In Indiana, you can use an Affidavit if the value of the gross estate, not including liens and encumbrances, is less than $100,000. There is a 45-day waiting period.

    Ind. Code 29-1-8-1.

    You can also use a summary probate procedure if if the value of the gross estate, not including liens and encumbrances, is less than $50,000. 

    Ind. Code 29-1-8-3.

• Indiana Estate Taxes:

  • Indiana, like most states, does not impose an estate or inheritance tax. Only a few states do.

• Avoiding Probate in Indiana. Find out what property bypasses probate death and goes directly to beneficiaries. such as:
  • Transfer on Death Deeds (TODDs)

---

Bankruptcy & Debt

• MEANS TEST CALCULATOR
  • for Lake County, Indiana (applies the state and county income and expense standards into your means test calculation. Updated with the latest median income and expense standards for May 15, 2024)
• Indiana BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTION FINDER: Search detailed listings of bankruptcy exemptions under Indiana law and Federal law, for use in filing out Schedule C, when you file for bankruptcy. 
  • Federal Exemptions available in Indiana?:  

    • No. Ind. Code § 34-55-10-1.

  • Indiana Homestead Exemption

    • Real or personal property used as residence to $22,750 (husband and wife may double);
      Property held as tenancy by the entirety may be exempt against debts incurred by only one spouse

  • Indiana Vehicle Exemption

    • No specific exemption

• Indiana BANKRUPTCY COURT ESSENTIAL INFO: Get information about using your local bankruptcy court.
• FREE BANKRUPTCY FORMS:
  We'll tell you which bankruptcy forms you need and where to find them.

---

Indiana Unemployment Benefits

• Benefit Amounts in Indiana: Learn how unemployment works, how much you'll get, and for how long.
  • Minimum: 
    • $37 per week
  • Maximum: 
    • $390 per week
  • Duration: 

    • In Indiana, you can receive unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks under state law. 

• Eligibility: >Whether you qualify for unemployment.
• How to Apply: How to apply for unemployment in Indiana.
  • Indiana Department of Workforce Development 
    • 800-891-6499
• Unemployment Office Near Me? How to find your local unemployment office.
• COVID-19 Benefits: We tracked the rise and fall of COVID-19 unemployment benefit payments.

• Indiana Wage & Hour Law

  • Indiana Minimum Wage:  

    • The minimum wage in Indiana is the same as the federal minimum wage: $7.25 an hour.

      Lake County Minimum Wage

      The minimum wage in Lake County is $7.25 an hour, the state minimum wage. Indiana law prohibits city and county governments from adopting a local minimum wage that's higher than the state minimum wage. 

  • Overtime Pay: Every state has rules about weekly maximum hours and overtime. Learn about the overtime laws in Indiana and whether they apply to you.
  • Wage Claims: If you're being unlawfully underpaid, you need to learn how to file a "Wage Claim" in Indiana. 
  • Tips : Every state has special pay rates for tipped workers. Find out the rules for tipped workers in Indiana.

    • In Indiana, your employer may pay you a minimum wage of $2.13 an hour, as long as you earn enough in tips to bring your total hourly pay up to the full minimum wage, $7.25 an hour. If you don’t earn enough in tips to bring your compensation to the full minimum wage, your employer must make up the difference.

---

Democracy In Indiana, Lake County, Munster 

• Elected Representatives: Find out the websites and phone numbers of those representing you at the Federal, State, County, and City levels of government.
• How to Vote: Learn how to register and where and when to vote in Munster, IN.
  • Key Links:
    • Check Your Indiana Voter Registration Status: https://indianavoters.in.gov/
• Gerrymandering in Indiana: Has your state been gerrymandered? Find out how to end gerrymandering and have voters pick politicians, not vice versa.
• Tracking Issues: Organizations that track legislation you care about 
  •  

---

Find a Lawyer in Munster, IN

• Our Lawyers by Zipcode section allows users to find a local lawyer using the best online resources, including on topics we don't cover.
• DUI, Criminal Defense
• Auto Accidents & Personal Injury
• Immigration
• Legal Aid
  • Indiana Legal Help 

---