Guides and resources for families navigating estate administration.
March 15, 2026
Closing a bank account after someone dies is more complicated than most families expect. This guide covers timing, required documents, the process at major banks, and how to handle joint and POD accounts.
Read more →March 10, 2026
Notifying Social Security after a death is one of the first and most critical steps. This guide covers timing, methods, the $255 lump-sum benefit, and survivor benefits eligibility.
Read more →March 3, 2026
The average estate involves notifying more than 30 institutions. This guide covers every institution, what each requires, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost families time and money.
Read more →March 12, 2026
Not every estate requires probate. Understanding when it applies — and when it doesn't — can save thousands in fees and months of delay. Here's how to tell which situation you're in.
Read more →March 8, 2026
You've been named executor. Here is a day-by-day breakdown of the first 30 days — legal duties, financial tasks, and institution notifications — so nothing critical gets missed.
Read more →March 5, 2026
A death certificate is the single most important document in estate settlement. This guide covers how to obtain them, how many you need, what they cost by state, and the mistakes to avoid.
Read more →March 24, 2026
You are not supposed to be doing this right now. Here are five practical strategies for managing the impossible dual burden of grief and estate paperwork at the same time.
Read more →March 22, 2026
If the person who died is owed a tax refund, IRS Form 1310 is how you claim it. This guide covers who needs to file, how to complete the form, and the deadlines to know.
Read more →March 20, 2026
Most life insurance companies process claims within 30 to 60 days — but only if you file correctly. This guide covers how to find policies, file claims, and handle denials.
Read more →March 17, 2026
Canceling a driver's license and transferring vehicle titles after a death prevents identity theft and resolves property ownership. Here is the process and what varies by state.
Read more →