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On October 19, 2025, Indiana Governor James Higgins signed into law a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the state's trusts and estates laws. The new legislation, which comes into effect immediately, is expected to provide greater flexibility and efficiency in the administration of trusts and estates in Indiana.One of the key provisions of the new law is the establishment of a statutory framework for directed trusts. Directed trusts allow trust settlors to delegate certain investment and administrative duties to a designated trustee, while retaining control over important decisions such as distribution of assets. This new option is expected to attract more high-net-worth individuals and families to establish trusts in Indiana, boosting the state's reputation as a trust-friendly jurisdiction.Additionally, the new legislation includes reforms to simplify the probate process and reduce administrative burdens for executors and administrators of estates. For example, the law increases the threshold for small estate proceedings, allowing more estates to qualify for simplified administration. This change is expected to expedite the distribution of assets to beneficiaries and reduce legal costs associated with probate proceedings.Furthermore, the new legislation enhances protections for beneficiaries by requiring trustees to provide more frequent and transparent accountings of trust assets and distributions. This increased accountability is intended to prevent mismanagement and ensure that beneficiaries are informed about the status of their trust interests.Overall, the reforms enacted by Governor Higgins are seen as a positive step towards modernizing Indiana's trusts and estates laws and making the state a more attractive destination for individuals and families seeking to establish trusts. Legal experts predict that these changes will encourage more trust formation and estate planning activity in Indiana, ultimately benefiting both residents and the state's economy.