Estate planning &
settlement resources

Learn what an executor of a will actually does, from filing probate to distributing assets. A complete guide to executor duties and responsibilities. July 2026.

Letters Testamentary are court-issued documents granting executors legal authority to manage estates. Learn what they are and how to get them in July 2026.

A Transfer on Death deed lets you name beneficiaries who inherit your property automatically, skipping probate court. Learn how TOD deeds work in July 2026.

Per stirpes is a Latin will term meaning by branch. It determines how inheritance is distributed if a beneficiary dies before you do. Learn what it means in

What's appropriate to send a grieving coworker, neighbor, or long-distance friend? A modern etiquette guide to sympathy gifts that fit every relationship.

Learn how to find a grief group near you through hospices, hospitals, and online options. Discover the right type of grief support for your needs. (Feb 2026)

A Letter of Administration grants legal authority to manage an intestate estate. Learn who can apply, how the court process works, and what powers

Can you inherit a college fund? Learn what happens to 529 accounts when the owner or beneficiary dies, and what successor owners need to know. July 2026.

Learn how to sort through your mom's mail after she passes away. Covers bills, insurance, tax notices, and stopping junk mail. Updated February 2026.

Probate typically takes 6 months to 2 years. Learn average timelines by state, what factors affect duration, and common causes of delays in July 2026.

When someone dies without a will in 2026, state intestacy laws decide who inherits. Learn how intestate succession works and who gets left out.

Learn how to close and delete a Cash App account after someone dies, including what documents you need and how to transfer remaining funds to the estate.

Learn how long to forward a deceased person's mail. Most estates need 6–12 months of USPS forwarding to capture tax documents, creditor claims, and financial

Learn how to stop junk mail addressed to a deceased loved one using opt-out services, credit bureau alerts, and direct company contact. July 2026 guide.

Learn what to do with a deceased person's safe deposit box, including legal access requirements, executor steps, and how to handle contents. (February 2026)

Learn how to transfer utilities into your name after a death in June 2026. Step-by-step guide to avoid liability and service interruptions.

Bereavement leave is not federally mandated in the U.S. Learn how much time off you're entitled to, which states have laws, and what employer policies cover in

A month-by-month look at the challenges families encounter after a loss. It maps out what to expect, and how to make each stage easier to manage.

Learn who pays final utility bills after death, when family members are liable, and how executors handle electric, gas, and water bills. June 2026 guide.

Returning to work after losing someone can feel impossible. Learn how to set boundaries, request accommodations, and manage grief at the office in July 2026.

Learn how to manage a deceased person's security system, smart home devices, and subscriptions during estate administration in July 2026.

Learn what to do after dad dies: get death certificates, notify Social Security, file insurance claims, and settle the estate. Complete guide for January 2026.

Yes, you can legally refuse to inherit a timeshare by filing a formal disclaimer with probate court within 9 months of death. Learn your options for July 2026.

Learn what to do with a tax refund check made out to someone who died. June 2026 guide covers endorsement, deposits, and IRS procedures.