How Much Does Guardianship Cost in Indiana? Fees, Totals, and Fee Waivers

Probate fees alone total $177, and most families end up paying between $205 and $250 once sheriff service and certified copies are added. That range catches people off guard — especially grandparents on a fixed income who assumed the courthouse would be the cheap part.

Baseline Probate Fees: $177 Statewide

An Indiana minor guardianship under IC 29-3 is filed as a probate case. The Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual lists total probate fees of $177 statewide. If the clerk collects the sheriff's $28 service-of-process fee, the total is $205.

The manual lists the same $177 total probate fees statewide; it lists the sheriff's service fee separately, so the total is $205 when that fee is collected. Confirm the service method with your county clerk.

Sheriff Service and Other Costs

Beyond the filing fee, you'll pay for serving notice on every respondent parent:

• Sheriff service: $28 per case (one fee covers the entire case through judgment, with one additional $28 fee allowed for post-judgment service)
• Certified mail: varies by number of recipients, typically $7–$15 per return receipt
• Service by publication: may be requested when a diligent search shows a person can't be found, has concealed their whereabouts, or has left the state — newspaper publication costs run $75–$200 depending on the paper
• Background checks and fingerprinting: paid directly to the state vendor, usually $30–$60
• Certified copies of Letters of Guardianship: a few dollars per copy from the clerk, and you'll want several for schools, doctors, and agencies

A typical uncontested guardianship where both parents are served by certified mail runs roughly $200–$250 total. A contested case with a GAL appointment, publication service, or attorney fees will cost significantly more.

How to Request a Fee Waiver

If you can't afford the filing fee, Indiana allows you to file a Verified Motion for Fee Waiver alongside your petition. You'll need to disclose your income, assets, household size, and any public assistance you receive.

The court evaluates your request under in forma pauperis standards. If approved, the waiver covers required court fees and other court costs. When the clerk provides service because of indigency, the filer does not pay certified-mail costs or the sheriff's service fee. It does not cover attorney fees or assign you a free lawyer.

You can download the fee waiver form from Indiana Legal Help — the same site that hosts the standardized guardianship petition packets. File it with your petition to ask the court to waive the costs. Indiana law does not require prepayment of court fees in proceedings to appoint a guardian.

What the Fee Waiver Does Not Cover

A granted fee waiver relieves court filing costs. It does not waive:

• Background check and fingerprinting fees paid to the state vendor
• Newspaper publication costs if you need service by publication
• Attorney fees if you hire a lawyer
• GAL costs if the court appoints a guardian ad litem

Some legal aid organizations can help cover background check costs for qualifying families. Indiana Legal Services and county pro bono programs may also represent you at no cost if you meet their eligibility rules. Indiana Legal Services generally uses 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, with eligibility up to 200% in some circumstances based on expenses and other rules.

Keeping Total Costs Down

Most relatives filing a guardianship in Indiana do it without a lawyer. The standardized form packets from Indiana Legal Help walk you through the petition step by step. If both parents consent, the process is straightforward and the hearing is brief.

The biggest unexpected expense is usually service by publication. Under Trial Rule 4.13, publication may be used when a diligent search shows the person cannot be found, has concealed their whereabouts, or has left the state. If you can serve by certified mail or sheriff, your costs stay closer to $200.

Our Indiana Guardianship and Custody Court Process Guide breaks down fees, forms, and filing steps for each scenario — consent, no consent, incarcerated parent, and emergency orders — so you know what to verify before you walk into the clerk's office.

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