Resources
Estate Administration Guides
Plain-language guides to help families understand probate, legal documents, and everything that comes after a loss.
Getting Started
What to Do When Someone Dies: A Complete Checklist
Everything you need to handle after a loved one passes — from the first 24 hours through estate settlement.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
You need at least 10 certified copies. Here's exactly who requires one, how to order them, and what they cost in every state.
Legal & Probate
Probate 101: A Beginner's Guide
What probate is, whether you need it, and how long it takes — explained in plain language without legal jargon.
How to Find a Lost Will
A practical guide to locating the original will when it can't be found. Where to look and who to contact.
Common Estate Tasks
How to Notify Social Security After Someone Dies
Can you do it online? No — here's how to notify the SSA by phone, what to bring, and how to claim survivors benefits.
What to Do With a Deceased Person's Car
How to transfer, sell, or donate a vehicle — including what to do about car loans, insurance, and title transfers.
State-Specific Guides
Probate in California: A Complete Guide
How California probate works, how much it costs, how long it takes, and how to avoid it — including the living trust alternative.
How to Become an Executor in Texas
A step-by-step guide to filing for probate, getting Letters Testamentary, and administering a Texas estate.
Planning & Other
Obituary Examples: 26 Templates You Can Use Today
26 obituary examples for every relationship and situation — parent, spouse, child, veteran, and more — plus how to write and publish one.
The Ultimate Green Burial Guide
Everything you need to know about eco-friendly green burials — what they are, types of green cemeteries, and how they compare in cost.
State-specific guides
Laws vary by state. Find guidance specific to your location — death certificates, probate, and executor duties.