Estate planning &
settlement resources

Learn how Elayne protects your information, and uses the same security standards as major banks. We also cover why that commitment is so important to us, and how safety is woven into everything we do.

When a 529 account owner or beneficiary passes away, the plan needs to be formally updated to stay valid. This guide walks through how to identify the account, submit transfer paperwork, and confirm the new ownership or beneficiary

Learn how to close Medicare coverage after a loved one’s passing. This guide walks you through reporting the death, ending private Medicare plans, and confirming that all accounts are closed.

Employer benefits can include retirement accounts, stock plans, or life insurance that families may not be aware of. This guide explains how to find them, file claims, and understand what to expect at each step.

Understanding how a 401(k) is handled after death can make a difficult task feel more manageable. Here’s what to expect, who to contact, and how to keep the process on track.

Learn how to notify the IRS after a death, file final tax returns, and claim any refunds. Includes key IRS forms, steps, and guidance for executors and spouses.

If you’ve lost someone and aren’t sure whether they had a 401(k), pension, or other retirement benefits, here’s how to find out — plus what survivor benefits might apply, and who to contact for help.

Receiving debt collection letters after a loved one’s death can feel distressing and confusing. Here’s what they mean, what to do, and how to handle them with calm and confidence.

Learn how to settle a loved one's estate in Iowa without full probate using a small estate affidavit. Dec 2025 guide covers eligibility, steps, and key rules for Iowa families.

Learn how to find out if someone had life insurance after death. Search personal records, contact employers, and use official databases to locate policies.

The timeline for transferring property depends on how the asset was owned and whether probate is required. This guide explains typical timeframes, the documents you’ll need, and how to avoid delays.

Filing a life insurance claim after someone dies can feel overwhelming. This simple, step-by-step guide shows what to do, what documents you’ll need, and how to avoid common delays — explained with compassion and clarity.

When someone dies without a will, property transfer can feel confusing and stressful. This guide explains how probate works, who handles the process, and what documents you’ll need — with compassion and clarity.

Learn how to notify credit bureaus after a death to prevent identity theft, protect your loved one’s credit, and make estate settlement smoother.

If you’ve lost someone in Michigan, you’ll need their death certificate for many next steps. Here’s how to request one, who can apply, and how long it takes explained with care and clarity.

Learn how to notify the IRS after a death, file final tax returns, and claim any refunds. Includes key IRS forms, steps, and guidance for executors and spouses.

Learn how to forward or stop mail after someone’s death. Understand who can request USPS mail forwarding for a deceased person, what documents are required, and how to protect against identity theft.

After speaking with over a thousand families, Irina Vishnevskaya reflects on the lessons, challenges, and acts of resilience that shape life after loss — and how these experiences continue to guide Elayne’s work supporting grieving families.

Learn how Social Security survivor benefits work after a spouse’s death — including who qualifies, how much you can receive, and how to apply for benefits through the SSA.

Discover what the “informant” on a death certificate means, who can serve in this role, why it matters for legal and estate purposes, and how to correct errors if they occur.

Learn what details appear on a death certificate, who provides and files it, why it matters for legal and estate tasks, and how to request copies.

Learn how to transfer a car title after death. Get step-by-step guidance on DMV requirements, documents needed, and who can complete the transfer in December 2025.

Discover Elayne’s After-Death Checklist: the first tool that transforms an obituary into a personalized estate settlement plan. Organized, step-by-step guidance with professional support at every stage.

Discover how Elayne and estate attorneys work together to help families after a loss — combining legal expertise with hands-on administrative support to make estate settlement more organized, efficient, and affordable.