Expert guides to help you navigate estate settlement, probate, and the many tasks that come after losing a loved one.
Learn how to avoid probate with living trusts, POD/TOD beneficiary designations, joint ownership, transfer-on-death deeds, and small-estate options.
A warm, practical funeral planning checklist covering arrangements, decisions, typical costs, and money-saving tips to help you plan a funeral with confidence.
Learn how to file a deceased person's taxes: the final 1040, who signs it, Form 1310 for refunds, Form 1041 for estate income, and key IRS deadlines.
Learn how to write a eulogy with a simple step-by-step structure, length and delivery tips, and a short example outline to honor someone you love.
Learn how to write an obituary with a step-by-step guide, real examples, a fill-in-the-blank template, and etiquette tips to honor your loved one with care.
What a medical power of attorney is, how it differs from a financial POA and living will, who to name as your healthcare proxy, and how to set one up.
Learn what an advance directive is, how a living will and healthcare power of attorney work together, when it takes effect, and how to create one today.
A clear comparison of wills and living trusts — how they differ, what each costs, how they affect probate, and how to choose the right one for your situation.
Many estates qualify to skip probate entirely with a small estate affidavit. Learn how it works, state dollar limits, what you need, and how to file one.
A plain-English guide to Letters of Testamentary — what they are, why banks and agencies demand them, and the exact steps to obtain them from probate court.
Complete guide to organizing your estate while you can. Make things easier for your loved ones with proper planning.
How to file a life insurance claim, required documents, timeline expectations, and what to do if a claim is denied.
Guide to canceling a deceased person's credit cards, handling debt, preventing fraud, and protecting beneficiaries from liability.
Understand probate timelines, what causes delays, and how to speed up the process. Includes state-by-state variations.
Step-by-step guide to reporting a death to Social Security, stopping benefits, avoiding overpayments, and claiming survivor benefits.
Everything you need to know about being an executor, from accepting the role to closing the estate. Includes legal duties and common pitfalls.
Learn the exact process for closing a deceased person's bank account, including required documents, timelines, and what to do with the funds.
A comprehensive guide covering every task you need to complete after a loved one passes, from immediate actions to final estate closure.