Estate planning &
settlement resources

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 use an Iowa Small Estate Affidavit to avoid full probate when a loved one passes. This simple guide explains eligibility, steps, and key rules for Iowa families managing small estates.

If you’re not sure whether your loved one had life insurance, you’re not alone. Here’s how to search personal records, contact employers, and use official databases to find out.

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 a loved one’s death, including what documents are required, who can complete the transfer, and how to navigate the DMV process smoothly.

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.

If your mother died without a will, learn what happens next from probate and inheritance laws to family communication and planning ahead for the future.

After a loss, even the smallest items can feel overwhelming. At Elayne, we guide families through these moments with compassion, and respect for the deeper meaning behind each step

A gentle, step-by-step guide to planning your mom’s funeral—clarify her wishes, manage costs, write a eulogy, and create a meaningful tribute.

Learn how to help a grieving parent with empathy and practical care from daily support to honoring your mom’s memory and guiding them through healing.

Learn how to write a heartfelt obituary for your mother with examples, templates, and tips to honor her life and legacy with love and clarity.

Learn how to write a heartfelt obituary for your dad. Step-by-step guidance, examples, and tips to honor his life with love and clarity.