Estate planning &
settlement resources

Explore inspirational quotes for grief that offer comfort and connection, paired with genuinely helpful words to support healing, reflection, and hope after loss.

Find comfort through a guided meditation for grief and healing after loss, designed to ease sorrow, nurture acceptance, and create space for peace in your heart.

Discover self-reflection journal prompts for grief and acceptance that gently guide you through healing, offering comfort, clarity, and space to process emotions after loss.

Elayne was born from personal loss and a broken system. We’re reimagining estate planning with clarity, compassion, and innovation—helping families feel guided, supported, and understood every step of the way

Learn how to become executor of estate after death, including court appointment, legal documents, and key responsibilities. Understand the process and what to consider before accepting the role.

If you’re the ‘Responsible One’ in your family, the weight of estate planning and settlement can be overwhelming. Elayne helps lighten the load with secure organization, guided steps, and compassionate support.

Settling an estate after death involves probate, paying debts, and distributing assets. This step-by-step guide explains the process, executor duties, and ways to make it smoother.

Closing an estate usually takes 6–18 months. Learn what steps executors must complete, common delays like taxes or disputes, and how beneficiaries can manage expectations.

Wondering when beneficiaries get paid after death? Executors must first settle debts, taxes, and court requirements. Learn the steps, timelines, and common delays in estate payouts.

Do will executors get paid? In most cases, yes. Learn how executor fees work, common payment methods, tax rules, and what state laws say about fair compensation.

A will does not override beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, or POD/TOD assets. Learn why beneficiaries take precedence and how to keep your estate plan aligned.

Wondering who reads a will after death? There’s usually no dramatic group reading—executors file it with probate court, notify beneficiaries, and share copies through legal channels.

Learn how to use a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois to avoid probate for estates under $100,000. Discover eligibility, requirements, and step-by-step filing guidance.

My mom just died, what now? This step-by-step guide helps adult children navigate grief and urgent tasks after a mother’s passing, from funeral planning to settling her estate.

My dad just died, what now? This compassionate guide helps adult children with grieving, funeral planning, securing property, and settling the estate.

Funerals are usually held 3–7 days after death, but timing depends on cultural, legal, and family needs. Learn how traditions, embalming, cremation, and logistics shape when a funeral takes place.

At Elayne, we design technology for grief with empathy and care—not just efficiency. Our platform simplifies estate tasks while honoring clarity, trust, and dignity, helping families navigate loss with compassionate support.

Medicare does not cover funeral costs, and Medicaid offers only limited state-based assistance. Learn about burial funds, prepaid plans, and insurance options to ease expenses.

Learn what needs to happen in the first 24 to 48 hours after a death, including how to arrange transportation, notify others, and gather important documents.

How much is a funeral plot depends on location, cemetery type, and burial style. Understand average costs, key factors, and options for confident planning.

Cremation prices in California range from $800 to $7,000 depending on services, location, and provider. Explore cost breakdowns, affordable options, and how to plan with confidence.

Maryland estate tax applies to estates over $5 million and is separate from federal taxes. Learn how it's calculated, who it affects, and strategies to reduce the tax burden.

When a parent dies without a will, state intestacy laws decide how their estate is divided. Learn what probate involves, who inherits, and how to get legal and emotional support.

After a loved one dies, grief is only part of the struggle—the paperwork, deadlines, and decisions can feel overwhelming. Elayne helps families manage estate tasks with clarity, compassion, and step-by-step support.