Guides

Guides for settling an estate.

Plain answers to the questions families ask after a death, from finding the will to closing the estate.

September 8, 2026

Beneficiary Receipt and Release Forms: What They Mean Before Distribution

Reaching the end of probate should be a relief, but the final step often causes friction. Discover why executors require a beneficiary receipt and release form before distributing inheritance funds, what rights beneficiaries waive by signing, and how refunding clauses protect the estate.

September 7, 2026

How to Close Probate: Final Petition, Receipts, and Court Discharge

A comprehensive guide for executors and administrators on exactly how to close probate. Learn how to file the final petition, distribute assets, secure beneficiary receipts, and obtain the court's final order of discharge to protect yourself from personal liability.