Guides
Plain answers to the questions families ask after a death, from finding the will to closing the estate.
September 3, 2026
A comprehensive, step-by-step guide for executors on how to open an estate bank account. Learn the exact documents you need, how to secure a free estate EIN, why commingling funds is a critical mistake, and how to protect probate funds from liability.
August 27, 2026
Settling an estate is a massive, time-consuming job, and the law allows you to be paid for it. However, the calculation methods vary wildly by state, and the tax implications (income tax vs. tax-free inheritance) mean that taking the fee isn't always the smartest move for family members. Learn how executor fees work.
July 27, 2026
A comprehensive guide for executors and families on how to systematically identify and cancel a deceased person's subscriptions, stop recurring charges, and prevent estate waste without prematurely closing essential accounts.
July 24, 2026
A comprehensive guide and checklist for executors detailing the exact vital records, court filings, financial statements, and IRS documents needed to settle an estate smoothly and avoid legal delays.
July 23, 2026
A calm, emotionally supportive checklist guiding recently bereaved families through immediate logistical priorities in the first week after a loss, intentionally pausing overwhelming probate tasks.
July 20, 2026
Discover exactly how to locate a will after death with our comprehensive step-by-step document search guide. Learn where to look, how to legally access a safe deposit box, and what to do if you can only find a copy of the original will.
July 18, 2026
A complete, compassionate guide for bereaved executors who are balancing intense personal grief with the demanding legal responsibilities of estate administration. Learn how to triage urgent tasks, manage complex family dynamics, and navigate probate without burning out.
July 2, 2026
Discover how to settle an estate without paying upfront costs. Learn about deferred probate attorney fees, court fee waivers, executor reimbursement, and how the estate pays its own administrative expenses so you never risk your personal savings.
June 29, 2026
Discover the true cost of probate in 2026, including court fees, attorney rates, executor compensation, and the out-of-pocket cash flow gaps families face.
June 25, 2026
A comprehensive, chronological executor checklist detailing the duties, timelines, tax requirements, and legal responsibilities you face when settling a loved one's estate.