Title Company vs. Attorney: What’s the Difference in Indiana & Kentucky Closings?

When it’s time to buy or sell real estate, one of the most common questions clients ask is:
“Do I need a title company or an attorney for my closing?”

In Indiana and Kentucky, the answer depends on the transaction, state requirements, and the level of service you need. Both title companies and attorneys play meaningful roles — but their responsibilities, scope, and focus are very different.

As a locally owned company serving Southern Indiana and Greater Louisville since 2014, Aristocrat Title believes in educating the public so buyers, sellers, and REALTORS® can make informed decisions. Here’s a clear, fact-driven breakdown of how title companies and attorneys fit into the closing process — and when each option makes the most sense.

1. What a Title Company Does

A title company coordinates the full closing process, manages the transfer of ownership, and issues title insurance.

This includes:

  • Comprehensive title search & examination

  • Clearing liens, judgments, or title issues

  • Preparing deeds and closing documents

  • Coordinating with lenders, REALTORS®, and clients

  • Ensuring compliance with the Indiana Good Funds Law

  • Managing payoffs and disbursements

  • Conducting the signing

  • Recording documents with the appropriate county

  • Issuing title insurance policies

Title companies handle hundreds of closings a year, giving them the systems, staff, and experience to execute clean, efficient transactions.

Learn more about our team:
About Aristocrat Title

2. What a Real Estate Attorney Does

A real estate attorney provides legal advice and handles matters requiring legal interpretation or representation.

Attorneys typically assist with:

  • Drafting or negotiating contracts

  • Resolving disputes

  • Boundary or easement issues

  • Litigation

  • Probate, estates, and trusts

  • Commercial negotiation

  • Entity structuring for investment property

Attorneys are essential when a transaction becomes legal in nature.

3. Closings in Indiana vs. Kentucky: What’s Required?

Indiana

Indiana is a title company state — meaning an attorney is not required for standard residential closings.

A title company handles:

  • Title search

  • Closing coordination

  • Document signing

  • Funding

  • Payoffs

  • Recording

  • Title insurance

Clients may hire an attorney if they want legal representation — but it is not required.

Kentucky

Kentucky is considered an attorney state.
Attorney involvement is required or customary in many counties, especially in Louisville and surrounding markets.

In Kentucky, it’s common to see:

  • A real estate attorney handling the legal component

  • A title company handling title work, title insurance, escrow, and coordination

This creates a combined model where both professionals play key roles.

4. We Work Closely With Indiana Attorneys — and Have a Kentucky Attorney on Staff

While Indiana does not require attorney involvement, Aristocrat Title maintains strong relationships with experienced Indiana real estate attorneys. When legal questions arise — estate issues, litigation, entity matters, or complex contract questions — we coordinate with trusted legal partners to support our clients.

For Kentucky transactions, Aristocrat Title has a licensed Kentucky attorney on staff to ensure:

  • Full compliance with Kentucky’s attorney closing requirements

  • Smooth coordination between legal and title functions

  • Support for residential, commercial, and multi-state clients

  • Seamless closings for cross-river transactions involving both Indiana and Kentucky parties

This dual-state capability strengthens the client experience and ensures compliance across all transaction types.

5. Which Should You Choose?

Here’s the simplest way to understand it:

Choose a Title Company When You Want:

✔ A smooth, efficient closing
✔ Clear communication
✔ Accurate coordination
✔ Transparent fees
✔ A neutral, detail-driven closing partner
✔ Title insurance and escrow services
✔ A team built for residential and commercial volume

Aristocrat Title serves clients throughout
Jeffersonville •
New Albany •
Sellersburg •
Paoli •
Louisville

Explore our commercial capabilities:
Commercial Title Services

Choose an Attorney When You Need:

✔ Legal advice or representation
✔ Contract negotiation
✔ Estate or probate guidance
✔ Litigation
✔ Entity structuring for investments
✔ Boundary, zoning, or development issues
✔ Legal interpretation beyond the scope of title work

In many commercial or complex transactions, both a title company and an attorney are involved.

6. A Common Misconception: Title Companies Can’t Handle Complex Closings

This is false.

Local title companies often handle:

  • Investor portfolios

  • Large-scale transactions

  • 1031 exchanges

  • Multi-state transactions

  • Builder/developer files

  • Commercial properties

Aristocrat Title has coordinated one of the region’s largest closings: a 171-property investor transaction completed in a single day.

That level of volume and precision requires an experienced, well-structured title team.

The Bottom Line

In Southern Indiana and Greater Louisville:

  • Title companies handle the closing process

  • Attorneys handle legal advice and representation

  • Some transactions require both — and we are built to support that

For most residential and many commercial closings, a title company provides the most efficient, cost-effective, and streamlined experience.

Learn More or Start Your Closing

Aristocrat Title proudly serves the communities of Southern Indiana and Greater Louisville with accuracy, transparency, and a local commitment to excellence.