Detailed Answer

Short answer: Under Indiana law, admitting (approving) an out-of-state will typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months. If the original will is available, the paperwork is complete, no one contests the will, and the case proceeds informally, many estates are admitted and a personal representative appointed within 2–8 weeks. If the will is contested, if witnesses or proof of execution are missing, or if formal proceedings or ancillary administration are required, the process can take several months to a year or more.

How admission of an out-of-state will works in Indiana

In Indiana you start probate by filing a petition in the probate court of the county with proper jurisdiction—normally the county where the decedent was domiciled at death or, if the decedent was domiciled elsewhere, the county where the decedent owned real property in Indiana. The court will review the original will (or a properly certified copy), the death certificate, and required filings before admitting the will and appointing a personal representative.

Indiana courts generally recognize wills that were validly executed under the law of the place where they were signed or under Indiana formalities. The probate code and related rules govern how a will is presented and proved; see Indiana Code, Title 29 (Estates and Trusts) for the statutes that apply to wills and probate: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2024/ic/titles/029.

Typical timelines and what affects them

Informal admission without complications (common): 2–8 weeks from filing. Many routine cases where the original will, death certificate, and basic documents are available proceed fairly quickly if there are no disputes.
Formal probate or contested will: 3–12+ months. If an interested person contests the will’s validity or if the court requires a formal hearing, the matter can take much longer depending on discovery, motions, and court scheduling.
Missing original will or proof issues: If the original will is lost, destroyed, or not properly witnessed/notarized, the court may require additional proof (affidavits, testimony, or foreign-authentication documents). Gathering that proof can add weeks or months.
Ancillary probate (decedent domiciled outside Indiana): If the decedent lived in another state but owned Indiana real property, you may need ancillary probate or limited administration in Indiana. Ancillary processes can add a few weeks to several months, depending on cooperation from the domiciliary executor and the requirements of the foreign jurisdiction.
Creditor claims and estate administration: Probate admission is only one step. Creditor notice periods, tax filings, and estate settlement tasks will extend the overall timeline for closing the estate.

Steps the court typically requires

File a petition for probate/admission of will in the proper Indiana probate court and pay the filing fee.
Submit the original will (or a certified copy when authorized) and a certified copy of the death certificate.
Provide a list of heirs and beneficiaries and their contact information, if available.
Serve notice on interested parties and sometimes publish notice to creditors—timing varies by county and the type of probate.
If everything is in order and there are no objections, the court admits the will and issues letters of personal representative. If objections arise, the court schedules a formal hearing.

How to reduce delays

To keep the process moving:

Locate and bring the original will to the probate court clerk—courts prefer originals.
Obtain a certified death certificate before filing.
Collect witness affidavits or notarized proof of execution if there is any question about how the will was signed.
Provide complete names, addresses, and relationships for heirs and beneficiaries to speed notice service.
Contact the local probate court clerk before filing to confirm county-specific requirements and fees.

If the will was executed in another country, you may need an apostille or certified translation and the court may require additional proof that the document was validly executed where signed.

When to consider an attorney

Hiring an Indiana probate attorney is wise when the will is contested, when witnesses are unavailable, when the will was executed in another country, or when ancillary probate is needed. An attorney can help prepare the petition correctly, collect necessary affidavits, respond to objections, and, if necessary, represent you at hearings.

Practical example (hypothetical)

Hypothetical facts: Decedent lived in Ohio, owned a house in Marion County, Indiana, and left an original will executed in Ohio. The person with the will files an ancillary probate petition in Marion County with the original will and a death certificate. No one contests the will. Typical outcome: the court admits the will and issues Indiana letters of authority in roughly 3–6 weeks, allowing the representative to manage the Indiana property. If an heir objects or the will lacks the original, the process could take several months.

Where to find the law

For statutes and more details on procedures and requirements, consult Indiana Code, Title 29 (Estates and Trusts): https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2024/ic/titles/029. Also contact the probate court clerk in the county where you plan to file for county-specific forms and local filing rules.

Disclaimer: This article explains general principles of Indiana probate law and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed Indiana probate attorney.

Helpful Hints

Estimate time: plan for 2–8 weeks for an uncontested informal admission, longer if contested or complicated.
Bring the original will and a certified death certificate to the probate filing.
Ask the probate clerk which forms and notices your county requires before filing.
If the decedent lived outside Indiana but owned Indiana property, expect ancillary probate steps.
Get witness affidavits if there is any question about execution or witness availability.
Consider a probate attorney when disputes, interstate issues, or missing documents exist.
Keep beneficiaries informed; timely notice can reduce the chance of surprises and contests.