Estate Settlement Resources

Guides & Resources

Expert guides to help you navigate estate settlement, probate, and the many tasks that come after losing a loved one.

All Articles

Legal

Small Estate Affidavit: How to Settle an Estate Without Full Probate

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.

Jul 198 min read
Legal

Letters of Testamentary: What They Are and How to Get Them

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.

Jul 128 min read
Planning

Estate Planning Checklist: Prepare Before It's Too Late

Complete guide to organizing your estate while you can. Make things easier for your loved ones with proper planning.

Feb 111 min read
Insurance

Filing a Life Insurance Claim: Complete Process Guide

How to file a life insurance claim, required documents, timeline expectations, and what to do if a claim is denied.

Jan 308 min read
Financial

How to Cancel Credit Cards After Death (Protect the Estate)

Guide to canceling a deceased person's credit cards, handling debt, preventing fraud, and protecting beneficiaries from liability.

Jan 286 min read
Legal

How Long Does Probate Take? Timeline and Factors

Understand probate timelines, what causes delays, and how to speed up the process. Includes state-by-state variations.

Jan 259 min read
Government

How to Notify Social Security of a Death (Complete Guide)

Step-by-step guide to reporting a death to Social Security, stopping benefits, avoiding overpayments, and claiming survivor benefits.

Jan 227 min read
Legal

Executor Duties: Your Complete Responsibility Checklist

Everything you need to know about being an executor, from accepting the role to closing the estate. Includes legal duties and common pitfalls.

Jan 2010 min read
Financial

How to Close a Bank Account After Death (Step-by-Step)

Learn the exact process for closing a deceased person's bank account, including required documents, timelines, and what to do with the funds.

Jan 188 min read
Guides

What to Do When Someone Dies: Complete 67-Step Checklist

A comprehensive guide covering every task you need to complete after a loved one passes, from immediate actions to final estate closure.

Jan 1512 min read

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