Plain-language walkthroughs
For the practical things.

The first 24 hours after a loss: a gentle checklist
What needs to happen now, what can wait, and how to take care of yourself in the first day after someone dies.
6 min read

How many death certificates do you actually need?
A practical guide to how many certified copies to order, who will ask for them, and what they typically cost.
5 min read

Notifying Social Security and claiming survivor benefits
How to report a death to the SSA, what survivor benefits exist, and what documents you will need.
7 min read

What an executor actually does (and does not do)
If you have been named executor or personal representative, here is a plain-language overview of what is ahead.
8 min read

Your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule
Funeral providers must give you itemized prices and let you choose only what you want. Here is how to use that to your advantage.
5 min read

Veterans burial and memorial benefits
What the VA provides for honorably discharged veterans, including burial in a national cemetery, headstones, and a burial allowance.
6 min read

Filing the final tax return for someone who has died
What the IRS expects, who signs, and how the estate files separately when it generates income.
7 min read

Closing credit cards and freezing the credit report
How to notify the three credit bureaus, prevent identity theft, and avoid being chased for a deceased person’s debts.
6 min read

Avoiding probate with a small estate affidavit
Many estates qualify for a simplified, affidavit-based process that avoids full probate. Here is how to know if yours does.
6 min read

Transfer-on-death and payable-on-death accounts: how they work
These designations bypass probate entirely. Here is how to claim them and what to watch for.
5 min read

Claiming a life insurance policy
What insurers ask for, how long claims take, and what to do if you cannot find a policy.
5 min read

Closing digital accounts: email, social media, and subscriptions
How to memorialize, close, or take over the digital footprint of someone who has died.
6 min read
What to do when a parent passes away
State-specific walkthroughs covering vital records, probate, and taxes.
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- Kentucky
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- Maine
- Maryland
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- Michigan
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- Mississippi
- Missouri
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- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
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- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
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- Oregon
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- Tennessee
- Texas
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- Vermont
- Virginia
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- West Virginia
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