First Marriage and no children: Your surviving spouse will receive three-fourths (3/4ths) of your estate and your surviving parents will receive one-fourth (1/4) of your estate. If your parents predecease you, then your surviving spouse will receive all of your estate.
Who does this default “plan” exclude? In the event your parents survive you, your spouse is not fully provided for by your estate. This plan also excludes everyone else for whom you may wish to provide, including your stepchildren, siblings, friends, and charities.
Married and children with your spouse: Your surviving spouse will receive one-half (1/2) of your estate and your surviving children will share one-half (1/2) of your estate.
Who does this default “plan” exclude? Neither your spouse nor your children are fully provided for by your estate. This plan also excludes everyone else for whom you may wish to provide, including your parents, stepchildren, siblings, friends, and charities.
Second (or subsequent) Marriage, and no children with current spouse: Your surviving spouse (who did not have children with you) will receive one-half (1/2) of your estate personal property, but only one-fourth (1/4th) of your net real estate. Your surviving children (from a prior marriage) will share one-half (1/2) of your estate and three-fourths (3/4ths) of your net real estate.
Who does this default “plan” exclude? Neither your spouse nor your children are fully provided for by your estate. This plan also excludes everyone else for whom you may wish to provide, including your parents, stepchildren, siblings, friends, and charities.
Dying Without a Will: Indiana’s Default Estate Plan