Important Disclaimer
We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. The information on this page is based on public sources and government publications, but it may not be complete or up to date. Probate procedures can vary based on individual circumstances. Please consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance. Our number one recommendation is to hire an attorney. Our second recommendation is to consider hiring a professional fiduciary when needed.
Practical help for families facing caregiving, end-of-life planning, or estate responsibilities.
What to do when someone dies, how to get death certificates, first steps after a death, and funeral planning checklists. This guide covers immediate tasks, securing the home, notifying agencies, and what to expect in the first hours and days. Includes keywords like what to do after someone dies, who to call when a loved one dies, first 24 hours after death, funeral home questions, and death paperwork.
Understanding probate, how probate works, when probate is required, and what an executor does. This section is ideal for families starting the estate process and those managing responsibilities after a death. Keywords include probate process explained, duties of an executor, probate checklist, probate court process, and how to file probate without a lawyer.
What a probate bond is, when a bond is required, how to apply for a bond, and how bond amounts are set by the court. Includes keywords like probate bond explained, executor bond requirement, administrator bond, court bond for probate, and probate surety bond application.
Options for small estate procedures by state, such as summary or simplified probate, transfer without probate, and affidavit procedures. Useful for families with limited assets. Keywords include small estate affidavit, avoid probate with transfer-on-death, release from administration, probate shortcuts by state, and no probate estate options.
Resources for caregivers managing aging parents, including powers of attorney, advance directives, guardianships, and financial planning tools. Keywords: caring for elderly parent legal steps, guardianship for aging parent, power of attorney for elderly parent, senior planning resources, elder care legal checklist.
Guides for individuals and families planning before a death, including wills, living trusts, medical directives, funeral planning, and naming an executor. Keywords: how to prepare for probate, estate planning checklist, create a will, pre-planning funeral steps, and legal documents before death.
