Estate planning &
settlement resources

Featured on
Backed by

Featured resources

Get your personalized after-death checklist

Paste an obituary link and get a free, personalized checklist of everything that comes next.

Resource library

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

How to Report a Death and End Medicaid Coverage

Learn how to report a death and close a Medicaid account. Steps include notifying your state office, handling estate recovery, and documenting closure.
After death logistics

How Long Can You Keep an Estate Open After Death?

Learn how long you can keep an estate open after death in June 2026. Covers probate timelines, delays, executor duties, and closure.
After death logistics

Veteran’s Benefits: How to Apply and What You’ll Need

Learn how to apply for veterans benefits yourself in December 2025. Get step-by-step instructions, required documents, and tips for VA survivor and burial benefits.
After death logistics

How Elayne Keeps Your Data Safe

Learn how Elayne protects your personal data using bank-level security, encryption, and multi-factor authentication. See why data safety is at the core of what
Inside Elayne

How to Transfer or Update 529 College Savings Accounts

When a 529 account owner or beneficiary passes away, the plan must be formally updated. This guide covers how to identify the account, submit transfer
End-of-life preparation

How to Cancel Medicare After a Loved One’s Death

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.
After death logistics

How to Claim Employer Benefits After a Death

Employer benefits like 401(k)s, pensions, and life insurance may be owed to your family. Learn how to find, file, and track claims after a death in July 2026.
End-of-life preparation

What Happens to a 401(k) After Someone Dies

Learn who inherits a 401(k) after death, how to file a claim, and what families need to know about beneficiaries and payouts.
After death logistics

How to Set Up Fraud Monitoring on Behalf of Someone

Learn how to set up fraud monitoring, credit freezes, and fraud alerts on behalf of someone. Step-by-step guide for executors and POA holders in Dec 2025.
After death logistics

Discovering 401(k) and Retirement Benefits After a Death

Learn how to find 401(k) accounts, pensions, and survivor benefits after a death. June 2026 guide on beneficiary forms, claims, and what to expect.
After death logistics

When Letters Come From Collections After a Death

Receiving debt collection letters after a loved one's death can feel distressing. Learn what they mean, what you owe, and how to respond with calm and
After death logistics

How to Settle a Loved One’s Estate in Iowa Without Full Probate

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.
Navigating probate
When someone dies

How to Find Out If Someone Had Life Insurance

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

How Long Do You Have to Transfer Property After Death?

Learn how long you have to transfer property after death. Probate timelines, trust options, required documents, and deadlines explained. June 2026 guide.
After death logistics

How to File a Life Insurance Claim After Someone Dies

Filing a life insurance claim after someone dies can feel like a lot. This July 2026 guide walks through each step — from locating the policy to receiving the
After death logistics

How to Transfer Property After Death Without a Will

When someone dies without a will, property transfers through probate under state intestacy laws. This July 2026 guide explains who handles the process and what
Navigating probate

How to Notify Credit Bureaus of Death: Report a Loved One’s Passing

Learn how to notify credit bureaus of a death in July 2026 to prevent identity theft, protect your loved one's credit file, and support estate settlement.
After death logistics

How to Get a Death Certificate in Michigan

Learn who can request a Michigan death certificate, where to apply, what documents you need, and how long it takes.
After death logistics

How to Notify the IRS of a Death: June 2026

Learn how to notify the IRS after a death in June 2026. File final tax returns, claim refunds with Form 1310, and meet executor and surviving spouse responsibilities.
After death logistics

Forwarding Mail After Death: USPS Mail Redirect Guide

Learn how to forward or stop USPS mail after death. Find out who can request mail forwarding for a deceased person and what documents you need.
After death logistics

What I've Learned from 1,000 Conversations After a Loss

After 1,000 conversations with grieving families, Irina Vishnevskaya shares the lessons, challenges, and resilience that shape life after loss in July 2026.
Inside Elayne

Social Security Benefits for a Deceased Spouse: What You Need to Know

Discover how Social Security survivor benefits work after a spouse's death. Learn eligibility, benefit amounts, and how to apply in June 2026.
After death logistics

Informant on Death Certificate: What It Means and Why It Matters

Learn what the informant on a death certificate means, who can serve in this role, and why it matters for estate settlement.
After death logistics

What Information Is on a Death Certificate?

Learn what information is on a death certificate, who files and signs it, and how to request copies for estate settlement.
After death logistics

Build a legacy that lasts

Try Elayne