Bill Text: IN SB0065 | 2010 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Guardianships, estate administration, trust matters, and wills.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2010-03-25 - Sections 26 through 40 effective 07/01/2010 [SB0065 Detail]
Download: Indiana-2010-SB0065-Amended.html
Citations Affected: IC 6-4.1; IC 9-17; IC 9-31; IC 29-1; IC 29-3;
IC 30-5; IC 32-17; IC 32-17.5; noncode.
Synopsis: Guardianships and estate administration. Specifies the
requirements of an affidavit used to state that no inheritance tax is due
after applying statutory exemptions to each transferee receiving
property as a result of the decedent's death. Requires that inheritance
tax returns include all taxable transfers known to the person filing the
return. Specifies a guardian's powers concerning the estate planning of
a protected person. Repeals the current statute governing a guardian's
authority to engage in estate planning for a protected person. Makes
various changes to statutes concerning the following: (1) The transfer
on death of motor vehicles and watercraft. (2) Probate notice
requirements. (3) Protected persons. (4) Funeral declarations. (5)
Attorneys in fact. (6) Nonprobate transferees. (7) The transfer on death
act. (8) Disclaiming interests in property. (The introduced version of
this bill was prepared by the probate code study commission.)
Effective: July 1, 2009 (retroactive); July 1, 2010.
January 5, 2010, read first time and referred to Committee on Judiciary.
January 19, 2010, amended, reported favorably _ Do Pass.
January 21, 2010, read second time, amended, ordered engrossed.
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type, additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
probate.
(b)
(1) The decedent's name and date of death.
(2) The name of each known transferee and the transferee's relationship to the decedent.
(3) The total value of property transferred to each known transferee as a result of the decedent's death.
(4) A statement that the total value of property transferred to each known transferee as a result of the decedent's death is less than the amount of the exemption provided to the transferee under IC 6-4.1-3.
(c) An affidavit described in subsection (b) may be:
(1) recorded in the office of the county recorder if the affidavit concerns real property and includes the legal description of the real property in the decedent's estate; or
(2) submitted as required by IC 6-4.1-8-4 if the affidavit concerns personal property.
If consent by the department of state revenue or the appropriate county assessor is required under IC 6-4.1-8-4 for the transfer of personal property, the affidavit must be submitted with a request for a consent to transfer under IC 6-4.1-8-4.
(1) properly executed; and
(2) recorded in the decedent's county of residence or submitted under IC 6-4.1-8-4.
(1) properly executed; and
(2) recorded in the county in which the real property is located.
(1) an affidavit described in subsection (b) is properly executed;
(2) the affidavit described in subsection (b) is submitted to the department of state revenue or the appropriate county assessor in conformity with IC 6-4.1-8-4; and
(3) the department of state revenue or the appropriate county assessor consents to the transfer.
However, subdivision (3) does not apply if consent of the department of state revenue or the appropriate county assessor is not required under IC 6-4.1-8-4 before the property may be transferred.
(1) contain a statement of all property interests transferred by the decedent under taxable transfers known to the person filing the return;
(2) indicate the fair market value, as of the appraisal date prescribed by IC 6-4.1-5-1.5, of each property interest included in the statement;
(3) contain an itemized list of all inheritance tax deductions claimed with respect to property interests included in the statement;
(4) contain a list which indicates the name and address of each transferee of the property interests included in the statement and which indicates the total value of the property interests transferred to each transferee; and
(5) contain the name and address of the attorney for the personal representative or for the person filing the return.
(b) If the decedent died testate, the person filing the return shall attach a copy of the decedent's will to the return.
transferee of property transferred by the decedent shall file an
inheritance tax return with the department of state revenue within nine
(9) months after the date of the decedent's death. The person filing the
return shall file it under oath on the forms prescribed by the department
of state revenue. The return shall:
(1) contain a statement of all property interests transferred by the
decedent under taxable transfers known to the person filing the
return;
(2) indicate the fair market value, as of the appraisal date
prescribed by IC 6-4.1-5-1.5, of each property interest included in
the statement;
(3) contain an itemized list of all inheritance tax deductions
claimed with respect to property interests included in the
statement;
(4) contain a list which indicates the name and address of each
transferee of the property interests included in the statement and
which indicates the total value of the property interests transferred
to each transferee; and
(5) contain the name and address of the attorney for the personal
representative or for the person filing the return.
(b) If the decedent died testate, the person filing the return shall
attach a copy of the decedent's will to the return.
(b) Subject to subsection (e), an interest in a vehicle transferred under this section vests upon the death of the transferor.
(c) A certificate of title that is:
(1) worded in substance as "A.B. transfers on death to C.D."; and
(2) signed by the transferor;
is a good and sufficient conveyance on the death of the transferor to the transferee.
(d) A certificate of title obtained under this section is not required to be:
(1) supported by consideration; or
(2) delivered to the named transfer on death beneficiary;
to be effective.
(e) Upon the death of an individual conveying an interest in a vehicle in a certificate of title obtained under this section, the interest in the vehicle is transferred to each beneficiary who is described by either of the following:
(1) The beneficiary:
(2) The beneficiary:
(A) survives the transferor; and
(B) is entitled to an interest in the vehicle under IC 32-17-14-22 following the death of a beneficiary who:
(i) is named in the certificate; and
(ii) did not survive the transferor.
(f) A transfer of an interest in a vehicle under this section is subject to IC 6-4.1.
(g) A certificate of title designating a transfer on death beneficiary is not testamentary.
(h) In general, IC 32-17-14 applies to a certificate of title designating a transfer on death beneficiary. However, a particular provision of IC 32-17-14 does not apply if it is inconsistent with the requirements of this section or IC 9-17-2-2(b).
(b) Subject to subsection (e), an interest in a watercraft transferred under this section vests upon the death of the transferor.
(c) A certificate of title that is:
(1) worded in substance as "A.B. transfers on death to C.D."; and
(2) signed by the transferor;
is a good and sufficient conveyance on the death of the transferor to the transferee.
(d) A certificate of title obtained under this section is not required to be:
(1) supported by consideration; or
(2) delivered to the named transfer on death beneficiary;
to be effective.
(e) Upon the death of an individual conveying an interest in a
watercraft in a certificate of title obtained under this section, the
interest in the watercraft is transferred to each beneficiary who is
described by either of the following:
(1) The beneficiary:
(1) (A) is named in the certificate; and
(2) (B) survives the transferor.
(2) The beneficiary:
(A) survives the transferor; and
(B) is entitled to an interest in the watercraft under
IC 32-17-14-22 following the death of a beneficiary who:
(i) is named in the certificate; and
(ii) did not survive the transferor.
(f) A transfer of an interest in a watercraft under this section is
subject to IC 6-4.1.
(g) A certificate of title designating a transfer on death beneficiary
is not testamentary.
(h) In general, IC 32-17-14 applies to a certificate of title
designating a transfer on death beneficiary. However, a particular
provision of IC 32-17-14 does not apply if it is inconsistent with the
requirements of this section or IC 9-31-2-16.
(1) a written consent to the petition or other document; or
(2) a written waiver of notice of proceedings in the estate;
must contain a statement that the personal representative has delivered a copy of the petition or other document to each person whose written consent or waiver of notice of proceedings is presented to the court in support of the petition or other document.
(b) An
(1) The change in the control of the corporate fiduciary occurred after the date of the execution of the decedent's will but before the decedent's death.
(2) The change in the control of the corporate fiduciary occurred after the corporate fiduciary was appointed and during the administration of the decedent's estate.
(c) A petition described in subsection (b) must be filed:
(1) not later than thirty (30) days after an
(2) not later than a reasonable time after the change of control, in the case of a change of control described in subsection (b)(2).
(d) The court may remove the corporate fiduciary if the court determines, after a hearing, that the removal is in the best interests of all
(e) For purposes of this section, a change in control of a corporate fiduciary occurs whenever a person or group of persons acting in concert acquires the beneficial ownership of a total of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the outstanding voting stock of:
(1) a corporate fiduciary; or
(2) a corporation controlling a corporate fiduciary.
(f) The removal of a corporate fiduciary after letters are duly issued does not invalidate official acts performed before the removal.
(g) If a corporate fiduciary is replaced under this section, the corporate fiduciary is entitled to receive reasonable compensation for services rendered before the removal.
(b) Notice of the filing of a petition under this chapter for the issuance of a protective order and the hearing on the petition shall be given under IC 29-3-6.
(c) Incapacitated persons and minors have the same rights at the hearing on a petition filed under this chapter for the issuance of a protective order as they would have at a hearing for the appointment of a guardian.
(d) The court may issue a protective order concerning an incapacitated person if the court finds that:
(1) the incapacitated person:
(A) owns property or has income requiring management or protection that cannot otherwise be provided;
(B) has or may have financial or business affairs that may be jeopardized or impaired; or
(C) has property that needs to be managed to provide for the support or protection of the incapacitated person;
(2) the incapacitated person is unable to manage the incapacitated person's property and financial or business affairs effectively; and
(3) the protection sought is necessary.
The court shall make the orders that it considers proper and appropriate to protect the person, business affairs, and property of the incapacitated person.
(e) The court may issue a protective order concerning a minor if the court finds that:
(1) the minor:
(A) owns property or has income requiring management or protection that cannot otherwise be provided;
(B) has or may have financial or business affairs that may be jeopardized or impaired; or
(C) has property that needs to be managed to provide for the support or protection of the minor; and
(2) the protection sought is necessary.
The court shall make the orders it considers proper and appropriate to protect the person, business affairs, and property of the minor.
(f) If the court finds grounds for a protective order under subsection (d) or (e), it may, without appointing a guardian, declare the person to be a protected person and authorize or ratify any transaction necessary or desirable to meet the needs of the protected person. Protective arrangements include the following:
(1) The payment, delivery, deposit, or retention of property.
(2) The sale, mortgage, lease, or other transfer of property.
(3) The entry into an annuity contract, a contract for life care, a deposit contract, or a contract for training and educating a person.
(4) The addition to or establishment of a suitable trust.
(1) The name, age, residence, and post office address of the alleged incapacitated person or minor for whom the guardian is sought to be appointed or the protective order issued.
(2) The nature of the incapacity.
(3) The approximate value and description of the property of the incapacitated person or minor, including any compensation, pension, insurance, or allowance to which the incapacitated person or minor may be entitled.
(4) If a limited guardianship is sought, the particular limitations requested.
(5) Whether a protective order has been issued or a guardian has been appointed or is acting for the incapacitated person or minor in any state.
(6) The residence and post office address of the proposed guardian or person to carry out the protective order and the
(A) the proposed guardian; or
(B) the person proposed to carry out the protective order.
(7) The names and addresses, as far as known or as can reasonably be ascertained, of the persons most closely related by blood or marriage to the person for whom the guardian is sought to be appointed or the protective order is issued.
(8) The name and address of the person or institution having the care and custody of the person for whom the guardian is sought to be appointed or the protective order is issued.
(9) The names and addresses of any other incapacitated persons or minors for whom the proposed guardian or person to carry out the protective order is acting if the proposed guardian or person is an individual.
(10) The reasons the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a protective order is sought and the interest of the petitioner in the appointment or issuance.
(11) The name and business address of the attorney who is to represent the guardian or person to carry out the protective order.
(b) Notice of a petition under this section for the appointment of a guardian or the issuance of a protective order and the hearing on the petition shall be given under IC 29-3-6.
(c) After the filing of a petition, the court shall set a date for hearing on the issues raised by the petition. Unless an alleged incapacitated person is already represented by counsel, the court may appoint an attorney to represent the incapacitated person.
(d) A person alleged to be an incapacitated person must be present at the hearing on the issues raised by the petition and any response to
the petition unless the court determines by evidence that:
(1) it is impossible or impractical for the alleged incapacitated
person to be present due to the alleged incapacitated person's
disappearance, absence from the state, or similar circumstance;
(2) it is not in the alleged incapacitated person's best interest to be
present because of a threat to the health or safety of the alleged
incapacitated person as determined by the court;
(3) the incapacitated person has knowingly and voluntarily
consented to the appointment of a guardian or the issuance of a
protective order and at the time of such consent the incapacitated
person was not incapacitated as a result of a mental condition that
would prevent that person from knowingly and voluntarily
consenting; or
(4) the incapacitated person has knowingly and voluntarily
waived notice of the hearing and at the time of such waiver the
incapacitated person was not incapacitated as a result of a mental
condition that would prevent that person from making a knowing
and voluntary waiver of notice.
(e) A person alleged to be an incapacitated person may present
evidence and cross-examine witnesses at the hearing. The issues raised
by the petition and any response to the petition shall be determined by
a jury if a jury is requested no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior
to the original date and time set for the hearing on the petition.
However, in no event may a request for a jury trial be made after thirty
(30) days have passed following the service of notice of a petition.
(f) Any person may apply for permission to participate in the
proceeding, and the court may grant the request with or without hearing
upon determining that the best interest of the alleged incapacitated
person or minor will be served by permitting the applicant's
participation. The court may attach appropriate conditions to the
permission to participate.
TO: (name and address of person receiving notice)
On (date of hearing) at (time of hearing) in (place of hearing) at (city), Indiana, the (name and address of court) will hold a hearing to determine whether a guardian should be appointed or a protective order should be issued for (name of alleged incapacitated person or minor). A copy of the petition requesting appointment of a guardian or
for the issuance of a protective order is attached to this notice.
At the hearing the court will determine whether (name of alleged
incapacitated person or minor) is an incapacitated person or minor
under Indiana law. This proceeding may substantially affect the rights
of (name of alleged incapacitated person or minor).
If the court finds that (name of alleged incapacitated person or
minor) is an incapacitated person or minor, the court at the hearing
shall also consider whether (name of proposed guardian, if any) should
be appointed as guardian of (name of alleged incapacitated person or
minor). The court may, in its discretion, appoint some other qualified
person as guardian. The court may also, in its discretion, limit the
powers and duties of the guardian to allow (name of alleged
incapacitated person or minor) to retain control over certain property
and activities. The court may also determine whether a protective order
should be entered on behalf of (name of alleged incapacitated person
or minor).
(Name of alleged incapacitated person) may attend the hearing and
be represented by an attorney. The petition may be heard and
determined in the absence of (name of alleged incapacitated person) if
the court determines that the presence of (name of alleged
incapacitated person) is not required. If (name of alleged incapacitated
person) attends the hearing, opposes the petition, and is not represented
by an attorney, the court may appoint an attorney to represent (name of
alleged incapacitated person). The court may, where required, appoint
a guardian ad litem to represent (name of alleged incapacitated person
or minor) at the hearing.
The court may, on its own motion or on request of any interested
person, postpone the hearing to another date and time.
(1) Make gifts.
(2) Exercise any power with respect to transfer on death or payable on death transfers that is described in IC 30-5-5-7.5.
(3) Convey, release, or disclaim contingent and expectant interests in property, including marital property rights and any right of survivorship incident to joint tenancy or tenancy
by the entireties.
(4) Exercise or release a power of appointment.
(5) Create a revocable or irrevocable trust of all or part of the
property of the estate, including a trust that extends beyond
the duration of the guardianship.
(6) Revoke or amend a trust that is revocable by the protected
person.
(7) Exercise rights to elect options and change beneficiaries
under insurance policies, retirement plans, and annuities.
(8) Surrender an insurance policy or annuity for its cash
value.
(9) Exercise any right to an elective share in the estate of the
protected person's deceased spouse.
(10) Renounce or disclaim any interest by testate or intestate
succession or by transfer inter vivos.
(b) Before approving a guardian's exercise of a power listed in
subsection (a), the court shall consider primarily the decision that
the protected person would have made, to the extent that the
decision of the protected person can be ascertained. If the
protected person has a will, the protected person's distribution of
assets under the will is prima facie evidence of the protected
person's intent. The court shall also consider:
(1) the financial needs of the protected person and the needs
of individuals who are dependent on the protected person for
support;
(2) the interests of creditors;
(3) the possible reduction of income taxes, estate taxes,
inheritance taxes, or other federal, state, or local tax
liabilities;
(4) the eligibility of the protected person for governmental
assistance;
(5) the protected person's previous pattern of giving or level
of support;
(6) the protected person's existing estate plan, if any;
(7) the protected person's life expectancy and the probability
that the guardianship will terminate before the protected
person's death; and
(8) any other factor the court considers relevant.
(c) A guardian may examine and receive, at the expense of the
guardian, copies of the following documents of the protected
person:
(1) A will.
(2) A trust.
(3) A power of attorney.
(4) A health care appointment.
(5) Any other estate planning document.
(1) the attorney in fact dies;
(2) the attorney in fact resigns;
(3) the attorney in fact is adjudged incapacitated by a court;
(4) the attorney in fact cannot be located upon reasonable inquiry;
(5) the attorney in fact, if at one time the principal's spouse, legally is no longer the principal's spouse; or
(6) a physician familiar with the condition of the current attorney in fact certifies in writing to the immediate successor attorney in fact that the current attorney in fact is unable to transact a significant part of the business required under the power of attorney.
(b) Except as stated otherwise in the power of attorney, if the replaced attorney in fact reappears or is subsequently able to transact business, the successor attorney in fact shall remain as the attorney in fact.
(c) Except as otherwise stated in the power of attorney, an attorney in fact designated as a successor has the powers granted under the power of attorney to the original attorney in fact.
(d) Unless a power of attorney provides a different method for an attorney in fact's resignation, an attorney in fact may resign by giving notice to the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated:
(1) to:
(A) the principal's guardian, if a guardian has been appointed for the principal; and
(B) a co-attorney in fact or successor attorney in fact; or
(2) if there is no person described in subdivision (1), to:
(A) the principal's
(B) another person reasonably believed by the attorney in fact to have sufficient interest in the principal's welfare; or
(C) a governmental agency having authority to protect the welfare of the principal.
transfer" means a valid transfer, effective at death, by a transferor:
(1) whose last domicile was in Indiana; and
(2) who immediately before death had the power, acting alone, to
prevent transfer of the property by revocation or withdrawal and:
(A) use the property for the benefit of the transferor; or
(B) apply the property to discharge claims against the
transferor's probate estate.
The term does not include transfer of a survivorship interest in a
tenancy by the entireties real estate, transfer of a life insurance policy
or annuity, or payment of the death proceeds of a life insurance policy
or annuity.
(b) With respect to a security described in IC 32-17-9 "nonprobate
transfer" means a transfer on death resulting from a registration in
beneficiary form by an owner whose last domicile was in Indiana.
(c) (b) With respect to a nonprobate transfer involving a multiple
party account, a nonprobate transfer occurs if the last domicile of the
depositor whose interest is transferred under IC 32-17-11 was in
Indiana.
(d) (c) With respect to a motor vehicle or a watercraft, a nonprobate
transfer occurs if the transferee obtains a certificate of title in Indiana
for:
(1) the motor vehicle under IC 9-17-2-2(b); or
(2) the watercraft as required by IC 9-31-2-16(a)(1)(C).
(e) (d) A transfer on death transfer completed under IC 32-17-14 is
a nonprobate transfer.
(b) If the personal representative declines or fails to commence a proceeding within sixty (60) days after receiving the demand, a person making the demand may commence the proceeding in the name of the decedent's estate at the expense of the person making the demand and not of the estate.
(c) A personal representative who declines in good faith to commence a requested proceeding incurs no personal liability for declining.
the person's death, but a proceeding on behalf of a creditor whose claim
was allowed after proceedings challenging disallowance of the claim
timely filed may be commenced within:
(1) sixty (60) days after final allowance of the claim; or
(2) ninety (90) days after demand is made under section 7 of
this chapter if the personal representative declines or fails to
commence a proceeding after receiving the demand.
(1) adversely affect a right given to an owner or beneficiary;
(2) give a right to any owner or beneficiary that the owner or beneficiary was not intended to have when the transfer on death security, transfer on death securities account, or pay on death account was created;
(3) impose a duty or liability on any person that was not intended to be imposed when the transfer on death security, transfer on death securities account, or pay on death account was created; or
(4) relieve any person from any duty or liability imposed:
(A) by the terms of the transfer on death security, transfer on death securities account, or pay on death account; or
(B) under prior law.
(b) Subject to section 32 of this chapter, this chapter applies to a transfer on death transfer if at the time the owner designated the beneficiary:
(1) the owner was a resident of Indiana;
(2) the property subject to the beneficiary designation was situated in Indiana;
(3) the obligation to pay or deliver arose in Indiana;
(4) the transferring entity was a resident of Indiana or had a place of business in Indiana; or
(5) the transferring entity's obligation to make the transfer was accepted in Indiana.
(c)
designation in whole or in part by express reference.
(d) Except for section 24 of this chapter, This chapter does not apply
to a transfer on death transfer if the beneficiary designation or an
applicable law expressly provides that this chapter does not apply to the
transfer.
(e) Subject to IC 9-17-3-9(h) and IC 9-31-2-30(h), this chapter
applies to a beneficiary designation for the transfer on death of a motor
vehicle or a watercraft.
(f) The provisions of:
(1) section 22 of this chapter; and
(2) section 26(b)(9) of this chapter;
relating to distributions to lineal descendants per stirpes apply to
a transfer on death or payable on death transfer created before
July 1, 2009.
(1) "Beneficiary" means a person designated or entitled to receive property because of another person's death under a transfer on death transfer.
(2) "Beneficiary designation" means a written instrument other than a will or trust that designates the beneficiary of a transfer on death transfer.
(3) "Governing instrument" refers to a written instrument agreed to by an owner that establishes the terms and conditions of an ownership in beneficiary form.
(A) names the owner of the property;
(B) directs ownership of the property to be transferred upon
the death of the owner to the designated beneficiary; and
(C) designates the beneficiary.
(7) (8) "Person" means an individual, a sole proprietorship, a
partnership, an association, a fiduciary, a trustee, a corporation,
a limited liability company, or any other business entity.
(8) (9) "Proof of death" means a death certificate or a record or
report that is prima facie proof or evidence of an individual's
death.
(9) (10) "Property" means any present or future interest in real
property, intangible personal property (as defined in
IC 6-4.1-1-5), or tangible personal property (as defined in
IC 6-4.1-1-13). The term includes:
(A) a right to direct or receive payment of a debt;
(B) a right to direct or receive payment of money or other
benefits due under a contract, account agreement, deposit
agreement, employment contract, compensation plan, pension
plan, individual retirement plan, employee benefit plan, or
trust or by operation of law;
(C) a right to receive performance remaining due under a
contract;
(D) a right to receive payment under a promissory note or a
debt maintained in a written account record;
(E) rights under a certificated or uncertificated security;
(F) rights under an instrument evidencing ownership of
property issued by a governmental agency; and
(G) rights under a document of title (as defined in
IC 26-1-1-201).
(10) (11) "Registration in beneficiary form" means titling of an
account record, certificate, or other written instrument that:
(A) provides evidence of ownership of property in the name of
the owner;
(B) directs ownership of the property to be transferred upon
the death of the owner to the designated beneficiary; and
(C) designates the beneficiary.
(11) (12) "Security" means a share, participation, or other interest
in property, in a business, or in an obligation of an enterprise or
other issuer. The term includes a certificated security, an
uncertificated security, and a security account.
(12) (13) "Transfer on death deed" means a deed that conveys an
interest in real property to a grantee by beneficiary designation.
(13) (14) "Transfer on death transfer" refers to a transfer of
property that takes effect upon the death of the owner under a
beneficiary designation made under this chapter.
(14) (15) "Transferring entity" means a person who:
(A) owes a debt or is obligated to pay money or benefits;
(B) renders contract performance;
(C) delivers or conveys property; or
(D) changes the record of ownership of property on the books,
records, and accounts of an enterprise or on a certificate or
document of title that evidences property rights.
The term includes a governmental agency, business entity, or
transfer agent that issues certificates of ownership or title to
property and a person acting as a custodial agent for an owner's
property. However, the term does not include a governmental
office charged with endorsing, entering, or recording the transfer
of real property in the public records.
(1) The submission to the transferring entity of a beneficiary designation under a governing instrument.
(2) Registration by a transferring entity of a transfer on death direction on any certificate or record evidencing ownership of property.
(3) Consent of a contract obligor for a transfer of performance due under the contract.
(4) Consent of a financial institution for a transfer of an obligation of the financial institution.
(5) Consent of a transferring entity for a transfer of an interest in the transferring entity.
(b) When subsection (a) applies, a transferring entity is not required to accept an owner's request to assist the owner in carrying out a transfer on death transfer.
(c) If a beneficiary designation, revocation, or change is subject to acceptance by a transferring entity, the transferring entity's acceptance of the beneficiary designation, revocation, or change relates back to and is effective as of the time the request was received by the transferring entity.
JULY 1, 2010]: Sec. 9. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), a
beneficiary designation that satisfies the requirements of subsection
(b):
(1) authorizes a transfer of property under this chapter;
(2) is effective on the death of the owner of the property; and
(3) transfers the right to receive the property to the designated
beneficiary who survives the death of the owner.
(b) A beneficiary designation is effective under subsection (a) if the
beneficiary designation is:
(1) executed; and
(2) delivered;
in proper form to the transferring entity before the death of the owner.
(c) A transferring entity shall make a transfer described in
subsection (a)(3) unless there is clear and convincing evidence of the
owner's different intention at the time the beneficiary designation was
created.
(1) assigns the right to receive any performance remaining due under the contract to an assignee designated by the owner; and
(2) expressly states that the assignment does not take effect until the death of the owner;
transfers the right to receive performance due under the contract to the designated assignee beneficiary if the assignment satisfies the requirements of subsection (b).
(b) A written assignment described in subsection (a) is effective upon the death of the owner if the assignment is:
(1) executed; and
(2) delivered;
(c) A beneficiary assignment described in this section is not required to be supported by consideration or delivered to the assignee beneficiary.
(d) This section does not preclude other methods of assignment that are permitted by law and have the effect of postponing the enjoyment of the contract right until after the death of the owner.
(1) executed
(2) recorded with the recorder of deeds in the county in which the real property is situated before the death of the owner.
(b) A transfer on death deed is void if it is not recorded with the recorder of deeds in the county in which the real property is situated before the death of the owner.
(c) A transfer on death deed is not required to be supported by consideration or delivered to the grantee beneficiary.
(d) A transfer on death deed may be used to transfer an interest in real property to either a revocable or an irrevocable trust.
(e) If the owner makes a transfer on death deed, the effect of the conveyance is determined as follows:
(1) If the owner's interest in the real property is as a tenant by the entirety, the conveyance is inoperable and void unless the other spouse joins in the conveyance.
(2) If the owner's interest in the real property is as a joint tenant with rights of survivorship, the conveyance severs the joint tenancy and the cotenancy becomes a tenancy in common.
(3) If the owner's interest in the real property is as a joint tenant with rights of survivorship and the property is subject to a beneficiary designation, a conveyance of any joint owner's interest has no effect on the original beneficiary designation for the nonsevering joint tenant.
(4) If the owner's interest is as a tenant in common, the owner's interest passes to the beneficiary as a transfer on death transfer.
(5) If the owner's interest is a life estate determined by the owner's life, the conveyance is inoperable and void.
(6) If the owner's interest is any other interest, the interest passes in accordance with this chapter and the terms and conditions of the conveyance establishing the interest. If a conflict exists between the conveyance establishing the interest and this chapter, the terms and conditions of the conveyance establishing the interest prevail.
(f) A beneficiary designation in a transfer on death deed may be worded in substance as "(insert owner's name) conveys and warrants (or quitclaims) to (insert owner's name), TOD to (insert beneficiary's name)". This example is not intended to be exhaustive.
(g) A transfer on death deed using the phrase "pay on death to" or the abbreviation "POD" may not be construed to require the liquidation of the real property being transferred.
(h) This section does not preclude other methods of conveying real
property that are permitted by law and have the effect of postponing
enjoyment of an interest in real property until after the death of the
owner. This section applies only to transfer on death deeds and does
not invalidate any deed that is otherwise effective by law to convey title
to the interest and estates provided in the deed.
(b) Property is registered in beneficiary form by showing on the account record, security certificate, or instrument evidencing ownership of the property:
(1) the name of the owner and, if applicable, the estate by which two (2) or more joint owners hold the property; and
(2) an instruction substantially similar in form to "transfer on death to (insert name of beneficiary)".
An instruction to "pay on death to (insert name of the beneficiary)" and the use of the abbreviations "TOD" and "POD" are also permitted by this section.
(c) Only a transferring entity or a person authorized by the transferring entity may place a transfer on death direction described by this section on an account record, a security certificate, or an instrument evidencing ownership of property.
(d) A transfer on death direction described by this section is effective on the death of the owner and transfers the owner's interest in the property to the designated beneficiary if:
(1) the property is registered in beneficiary form before the death of the owner; or
(2) the transfer on death direction is delivered
(e) An account record, security certificate, or instrument evidencing ownership of property that contains a transfer on death direction written as part of the name in which the property is held or registered is conclusive evidence, in the absence of fraud, duress, undue influence, lack of capacity, or mistake, that the direction was:
(1) regularly made by the owner;
(2) accepted by the transferring entity; and
(3) not revoked or changed before the owner's death.
JULY 1, 2010]: Sec. 16. (a) A beneficiary designation may be revoked
or changed during the lifetime of the owner.
(b) A revocation or change of a beneficiary designation involving
property owned as tenants by the entirety must be made with the
agreement of both tenants for so long as both tenants are alive. After an
individual dies owning as a tenant by the entirety property that is
subject to a beneficiary designation, the individual's surviving spouse
may revoke or change the beneficiary designation.
(c) A revocation or change of a beneficiary designation involving
property owned in a form of ownership (other than as tenants by the
entirety) that restricts conveyance of the interest unless another person
joins in the conveyance must be made with the agreement of each
living owner required to join in a conveyance.
(d) A revocation or change of a beneficiary designation involving
property owned by joint owners with a right of survivorship must be
made with the agreement of each living owner.
(e) A subsequent beneficiary designation revokes a prior beneficiary
designation unless the subsequent beneficiary designation expressly
provides otherwise.
(f) A revocation or change in a beneficiary designation must comply
with the terms of any governing instrument, this chapter, and any other
applicable law.
(g) A beneficiary designation may not be revoked or changed by a
will or trust unless the beneficiary designation expressly grants the
owner the right to revoke or change the beneficiary designation by a
will or trust.
(h) A transfer during the owner's lifetime of the owner's interest in
the property, with or without consideration, terminates the beneficiary
designation with respect to the property transferred.
(i) The effective date of a revocation or change in a beneficiary
designation is determined in the same manner as the effective date of
a beneficiary designation.
(j) An owner may revoke a beneficiary designation made in a
transfer on death deed by executing and recording before the death of
the owner with the recorder of deeds in the county in which the real
property is situated either:
(1) a subsequent deed of conveyance revoking, omitting, or
changing the beneficiary designation; or
(2) an affidavit acknowledged or proved under IC 32-21-2-3 that
revokes or changes the beneficiary designation.
(k) A physical act, such as a written modification on or the
destruction of a transfer on death deed after the transfer on death deed
has been recorded, has no effect on the beneficiary designation.
(l) A transfer on death deed may not be revoked or modified by will
or trust.
(b) A beneficiary designation designating the children of the owner or children of any other person as a class and not by name includes all children of the person regardless of whether the child is born or adopted before or after the beneficiary designation is made.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (d), a child of the owner born or adopted after the owner makes a beneficiary designation that names another child of the owner as the beneficiary is entitled to receive a fractional share of the property that would otherwise be transferred to the named beneficiary. The share of the property to which each child of the owner is entitled to receive is expressed as a fraction in which the numerator is one (1) and the denominator is the total number of the owner's children.
(d) A beneficiary designation or a governing instrument may provide that subsection (c) does not apply to an owner's beneficiary designation. In addition, a transferring entity is not obligated to apply subsection (c) to property registered in beneficiary form.
(e) If a beneficiary designation does not name any child of the owner as the designated beneficiary with respect to a particular property interest, a child of the owner born or adopted after the owner makes the beneficiary designation is not entitled to any share of the property interest subject to the designation.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in a beneficiary designation, a
governing instrument, or any other applicable law, the following rules
apply to a beneficiary designation:
(1) A beneficiary designation or a request for registration of
property in beneficiary form must be made in writing, signed by
the owner, dated, and, in the case of a transfer on death deed,
compliant with all requirements for the recording of deeds.
(2) A security that is not registered in the name of the owner may
be registered in beneficiary form on instructions given by a broker
or person delivering the security.
(3) A beneficiary designation may designate one (1) or more
primary beneficiaries and one (1) or more contingent
beneficiaries.
(4) On property registered in beneficiary form, a primary
beneficiary is the person shown immediately following the
transfer on death direction. Words indicating that the person is a
primary beneficiary are not required. The name of a contingent
beneficiary in the registration must have the words "contingent
beneficiary" or words of similar meaning to indicate the
contingent nature of the interest being transferred.
(5) Multiple surviving beneficiaries share equally in the property
being transferred unless a different percentage or fractional share
is stated for each beneficiary. If a percentage or fractional share
is designated for multiple beneficiaries, the surviving
beneficiaries share in the proportion that their designated shares
bear to each other.
(6) A transfer of unequal shares to multiple beneficiaries for
property registered in beneficiary form may be expressed in
numerical form following the name of the beneficiary in the
registration.
(7) A transfer on death transfer of property also transfers any
interest, rent, royalties, earnings, dividends, or credits earned or
declared on the property but not paid or credited before the
owner's death.
(8) If a distribution by a transferring entity under a transfer on
death transfer results in fractional shares in a security or other
property that is not divisible, the transferring entity may distribute
the fractional shares in the name of all beneficiaries as tenants in
common or as the beneficiaries may direct, or the transferring
entity may sell the property that is not divisible and distribute the
proceeds to the beneficiaries in the proportions to which they are
entitled.
(9) On the death of the owner, the property, minus all amounts
and charges owed by the owner to the transferring entity, belongs
to the surviving beneficiaries and, in the case of substitute
beneficiaries permitted under section 22 of this chapter, the lineal
descendants of designated beneficiaries who did not survive the
owner are entitled to the property as follows:
(A) If there are multiple primary beneficiaries and a primary
beneficiary does not survive the owner and does not have a
substitute under section 22 of this chapter, the share of the
nonsurviving beneficiary is allocated among the surviving
beneficiaries in the proportion that their shares bear to each
other.
(B) If there are no surviving primary beneficiaries and there
are no substitutes for the nonsurviving primary beneficiaries
under section 22 of this chapter, the property belongs to the
surviving contingent beneficiaries in equal shares or according
to the percentages or fractional shares stated in the
registration.
(C) If there are multiple contingent beneficiaries and a
contingent beneficiary does not survive the owner and does not
have a substitute under section 22 of this chapter, the share of
the nonsurviving contingent beneficiary is allocated among the
surviving contingent beneficiaries in the proportion that their
shares bear to each other.
(10) If a trustee designated as a beneficiary:
(A) does not survive the owner;
(B) resigns; or
(C) is unable or unwilling to execute the trust as trustee and
no successor trustee is appointed in the twelve (12) months
following the owner's death;
the transferring entity may make the distribution as if the trust did
not survive the owner.
(11) If a trustee is designated as a beneficiary and no affidavit of
certification of trust instrument or probated will creating an
express trust is presented to the transferring entity within the
twelve (12) months after the owner's death, the transferring
entity may make the distribution as if the trust did not survive the
owner.
(12) If the transferring entity is not presented evidence during the
twelve (12) months after the owner's death that there are lineal
descendants of a nonsurviving beneficiary for whom LDPS
distribution applies who survived the owner, the transferring
entity may make the transfer as if the nonsurviving beneficiary's
descendants also failed to survive the owner.
(13) If a beneficiary cannot be located at the time the transfer is
made to located beneficiaries, the transferring entity shall hold the
missing beneficiary's share. If the missing beneficiary's share is
not claimed by the beneficiary or by the beneficiary's personal
representative or successor during the twelve (12) months after
the owner's death, the transferring entity shall transfer the share
as if the beneficiary did not survive the owner.
(14) A transferring entity has no obligation to attempt to locate a
missing beneficiary, to pay interest on the share held for a missing
beneficiary, or to invest the share in any different property.
(15) Cash, interest, rent, royalties, earnings, or dividends payable
to a missing beneficiary may be held by the transferring entity at
interest or reinvested by the transferring entity in the account or
in a dividend reinvestment account associated with a security held
for the missing beneficiary.
(16) If a transferring entity is required to make a transfer on death
transfer to a minor or an incapacitated adult, the transfer may be
made under the Indiana Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, the
Indiana Uniform Custodial Trust Act, or a similar law of another
state.
(17) A written request for the execution of a transfer on death
transfer may be made by any beneficiary, a beneficiary's legal
representative or attorney in fact, or the owner's personal
representative.
(18) A transfer under a transfer on death deed occurs
automatically upon the owner's death subject to the requirements
of subdivision (20) and does not require a request for the
execution of the transfer.
(19) A written request for the execution of a transfer on death
transfer must be accompanied by the following:
(A) A certificate or instrument evidencing ownership of the
contract, account, security, or property.
(B) Proof of the deaths of the owner and any nonsurviving
beneficiary.
(C) An inheritance tax waiver from states that require it.
(D) In the case of a request by a legal representative, a copy of
the instrument creating the legal authority or a certified copy
of the court order appointing the legal representative.
(E) Any other proof of the person's entitlement that the
transferring entity may require.
(20) On the death of an owner whose transfer on death deed has
been recorded, the beneficiary shall file an affidavit in the office
of the recorder of the county in which the real property is located.
The affidavit must contain the following:
(A) The legal description of the property.
(B) A certified copy of the death certificate certifying the
owner's death.
(C) The name and address of each designated beneficiary who
survives the owner or is in existence on the date of the owner's
death.
(D) The name of each designated beneficiary who has not
survived the owner's death or is not in existence on the date of
the owner's death.
(E) A cross-reference to the recorded transfer on death deed.
(c) A beneficiary designation is presumed to be valid. A party may
rely on the presumption of validity unless the party has actual
knowledge that the beneficiary designation was not validly executed.
A person who acts in good faith reliance on a transfer on death deed is
immune from liability to the same extent as if the person had dealt
directly with the named owner and the named owner had been
competent and not incapacitated.
(1) are with parties other than a transferring entity or purchaser or lender for value; and
(2) concern the ownership of property transferred under this chapter.
(b) Unless the payment or transfer can no longer be challenged because of adjudication, estoppel, or limitations, a transferee of money or property under a transfer on death transfer that was improperly distributed or paid is liable for:
(1) the return of the money or property, including income earned on the money or property, to the transferring entity; or
(2) the delivery of the money or property, including income earned on the money or property, to the rightful transferee.
In addition, the transferee is liable for the amount of attorney's fees and costs incurred by the rightful transferee in bringing the action in court.
(c) If a transferee of money or property under a transfer on death transfer that was improperly distributed or paid does not have the
property, the transferee is liable for an amount equal to the sum of:
(1) the value of the property as of the date of the disposition; and
(2) the income and gain that the transferee received from the
property and its proceeds; and
(3) the amount of attorney's fees and costs incurred by the
rightful transferee in bringing the action in court.
(d) If a transferee of money or property under a transfer on death
transfer that was improperly distributed or paid encumbers the
property, the transferee:
(1) shall satisfy the debt incurred in an amount sufficient to
release any security interest, lien, or other encumbrance on the
property; and
(2) is liable for the amount of attorney's fees and costs
incurred by the rightful transferee in bringing the action in
court.
(e) A purchaser for value of property or a lender who acquires a
security interest in the property from a beneficiary of a transfer on
death transfer:
(1) in good faith; or
(2) without actual knowledge that:
(A) the transfer was improper; or
(B) information in an affidavit provided under section
26(b)(20) of this chapter was not true;
takes the property free of any claims of or liability to the owner's estate,
creditors of the owner's estate, persons claiming rights as beneficiaries
of the transfer on death transfer, or heirs of the owner's estate. A
purchaser or lender for value has no duty to verify sworn information
relating to the transfer on death transfer.
(f) The protection provided by subsection (e) applies to information
that relates to the beneficiary's ownership interest in the property and
the beneficiary's right to sell, encumber, and transfer good title to a
purchaser or lender but does not relieve a purchaser or lender from the
notice provided by instruments of record with respect to the property.
(g) A transfer on death transfer that is improper under section 22,
23, 24, or 25 of this chapter imposes no liability on the transferring
entity if the transfer is made in good faith. The remedy of a rightful
transferee must be obtained in an action against the improper
transferee.
(1) A disclaimer takes effect:
(A) when the instrument creating the interest becomes irrevocable; or
(B) upon the intestate's death if the interest arose under the law of intestate succession.
(2) A disclaimed interest passes according to any provision in the instrument creating the interest:
(A) that provides for the disposition of the interest should the interest be disclaimed; or
(B) that concerns disclaimed interests in general.
(3) If the instrument creating the disclaimed interest does not contain a provision described in subdivision (2), the following rules apply:
(A) If the disclaimant is an individual, the following rules apply:
(i) Except as provided in
(ii) If, by law or under the instrument, the descendants of the disclaimant would share in the disclaimed interest by any method of representation had the disclaimant died before the time of distribution, the disclaimed interest passes only to the descendants of the disclaimant who survive at the time of distribution.
(iii) If the disclaimed interest would have passed to the disclaimant's estate had the disclaimant died before the time of distribution, the disclaimed interest passes by representation to the descendants of the disclaimant who survive at the time of distribution. If no descendant of the disclaimant survives the time of distribution, the disclaimed interest becomes part of the residue under the instrument creating the disclaimed interest.
(B) If the disclaimant is not an individual, the disclaimed interest passes as if the disclaimant did not exist.
(4) If the disclaimed interest arose under the law of intestate succession, the disclaimed interest passes as if the disclaimant had died immediately before the intestate's death.
(5) Upon the disclaimer of a preceding interest:
(A) a future interest held by a person other than the disclaimant takes effect as if the disclaimant had died or ceased to exist immediately before the time of distribution; and
(B) a future interest held by the disclaimant is not accelerated in possession or enjoyment.
STEP ONE: Determine the amount of the property attributable to the deceased holder's contributions.
(A) one (1); divided by
(B) the number of joint holders alive immediately before the death of the holder to whose death the disclaimer relates.
STEP THREE: Determine the product of:
(1) the STEP ONE amount; multiplied by
(2) the STEP TWO quotient.
(b) This subsection applies in the case of the death of a holder of jointly held property that is not subject to subsection (a). Another holder may disclaim an amount that may not exceed the amount determined in STEP FOUR of the following formula:
STEP ONE: Determine the value of the total amount of the jointly held property.
STEP TWO: Determine the product of:
(A) the number of joint holders alive immediately before
the death of the holder to whose death the disclaimer
relates; multiplied by
(B) the number of joint holders alive immediately after the
death of the holder to whose death the disclaimer relates.
STEP THREE: Determine the quotient of:
(A) one (1); divided by
(B) the STEP TWO result.
STEP FOUR: Determine the product of:
(A) the value determined in STEP ONE; multiplied by
(B) the quotient determined in STEP THREE.
(b) (c) A disclaimer under subsection (a) or (b) takes effect as of the
death of the holder of jointly held property to whose death the
disclaimer relates.
(c) (d) An interest in jointly held property disclaimed by a surviving
holder of the property passes as if the disclaimant predeceased the
holder to whose death the disclaimer relates.