Estate planning &
settlement resources

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Learn how Elayne's after-death checklist turns an obituary into a personalized estate settlement plan, with step-by-step guidance for families. July 2026.

Learn how Elayne and estate attorneys work together after a loss, combining legal expertise with hands-on administrative support for families in July 2026.

If your mother died without a will, learn what happens next. This July 2026 guide covers intestate succession, probate, asset division, and planning ahead.

Learn how Elayne supports families through estate settlement with compassion. Get guidance for probate, closing accounts, and managing after-death tasks with care.

Learn how to plan a funeral for your mother in July 2026—covering costs, honoring her wishes, writing a eulogy, and creating a meaningful tribute.

Learn how to help a grieving parent after the death of a spouse. Practical tips for daily support, emotional care, and honoring your mom's memory. July 2026.