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.

Understand how to get a pronouncement of death in hospitals, hospice, or at home, and why it’s a crucial first step after a loved one passes.

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 what to do when someone dies at home—who to call, what steps to take next, and how to handle both expected and unexpected deaths with care.

Learn how to write a heartfelt eulogy for your dad with simple steps, personal stories, and tips to honor his life and legacy.

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

Being the 'Responsible One' in your family means carrying the weight of estate planning and settlement. Learn how to lighten the load in December 2025.

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 about 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.

Learn who reads a will after death, how executors file with probate court, and your rights as a beneficiary in December 2025.

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.

Learn how long after death a funeral is held. Most occur within 3-7 days, but timing varies by culture, religion, and logistics. Updated December 2025.

Learn how Elayne builds estate settlement technology with empathy at its core. Discover our approach to clarity, trust, and compassion in grief support. July 2025.

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.