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Helpful resources to guide you through the probate process.
Essential Guides
What is Probate? A Simple Guide for Families
6 min readProbate Checklist: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
15 min readHow to Settle an Estate Without a Lawyer: A Complete Guide for Executors
18 min readWhat to Do When a Parent Dies: A Complete Checklist
12 min readBest AI Tools for Estate Executors in 2026
15 min readThe Best Estate Bank Accounts (2026): A Complete Guide for Executors
22 min readU.S. Savings Bonds After Death: How to Claim or Redeem Them
U.S. savings bonds do not automatically transfer at death. How you claim them depends on whether the bonds were paper or electronic, whether a co-owner or POD beneficiary was named, and how much the estate is worth. This guide walks through every path.
How to Open an Estate Account Online with Quorum Federal Credit Union
Almost every bank makes you visit a branch to open an estate account. Quorum Federal Credit Union lets executors do it entirely online — here's how it works, who qualifies, and the few states where it won't.
Payable-on-Death (POD) Account After Death: How to Claim the Money
A payable-on-death account passes directly to the named beneficiary outside of probate. The beneficiary just needs a death certificate and ID to claim the funds at the bank. This guide explains exactly what to expect, what documents you need, and how POD accounts interact with the rest of the estate.
How to Avoid Probate: Strategies Worth Considering
Probate is not always the costly nightmare people assume. But there are real reasons to avoid it -- cost, time, privacy, and multi-state property. This guide covers the most common avoidance strategies, their trade-offs, and when probate is actually the right path.
Do Executors Get Paid? Executor Compensation by State
Serving as executor is real work, and in most states executors are legally entitled to compensation. But how much? The answer varies widely depending on your state -- from statutory percentage schedules in California and New York to 'reasonable compensation' standards elsewhere. This guide breaks down executor pay rules across all 50 states.
How to Close a Probate Case: Final Steps for Executors
Closing a probate case is the last phase of estate administration. This guide walks you through every step -- from filing the final accounting to petitioning the court for discharge -- so you can wrap things up properly.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Help for Probate: Resources for Every State
If you're settling an estate and need to talk to a lawyer, there's almost certainly a free or reduced-fee option in your state. Here's where to start in all 50 states and DC.
Final Accounting in Probate: What Executors Need to File
The final accounting is a detailed report of every dollar that came into and went out of the estate during probate. Learn what it must include, how to prepare one, and what happens if beneficiaries raise objections.
What Is a Probate Bond and How Much Does It Cost?
A fiduciary bond -- also called a probate bond or surety bond -- protects beneficiaries from potential executor misconduct. This guide explains when the court requires one, how much it costs, how to obtain one, and when it gets released.
How to Get Certified Copies of a Death Certificate
Need more certified copies of a death certificate? This step-by-step guide covers every method -- from ordering through the funeral home to requesting copies from your county or state vital records office -- along with costs, processing times, and what to do if there is an error.
How Many Death Certificate Copies Do You Need?
A death certificate is one of the most important documents you will need during estate settlement. This guide explains what it is, what information it contains, and how many certified copies you should order to avoid delays.
What to Do When a Spouse Dies
Losing a spouse is devastating, and the practical demands that follow can feel overwhelming. This timeline-based checklist covers everything from the first day through the first year -- legal, financial, and personal steps -- so nothing critical falls through the cracks.
Can an Executor Sell Estate Property Without Beneficiary Consent?
Executors often need to sell estate property to pay debts, cover expenses, or distribute assets. This guide explains when an executor can sell without beneficiary consent, when court approval is required, and what beneficiaries can do if they disagree.
What Happens to a Car Loan When Someone Dies?
A car loan does not disappear when the borrower dies. The loan becomes an obligation of the estate, and the lender retains its lien on the vehicle. This guide explains what happens next, your options as executor or heir, and how to resolve the loan.
Toyota Financial Services and a Deceased Borrower: Your Options
If someone who financed or leased a vehicle through Toyota Financial Services has passed away, the estate has several options. TFS also offers a Probate Lease Cancellation program that may reduce the estate's lease liability. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will and No Family?
When someone dies without a will and no obvious next of kin, the estate still goes through probate. This guide explains how intestate succession reaches further than most people expect, what escheat means, and how the state searches for heirs.
Credit Life Insurance on a Car Loan: How to File a Claim After Death
If the deceased had credit life insurance on their auto loan, the remaining balance may be paid off automatically. This guide explains how to find out if coverage exists, how to file a claim, and what to expect from the process.
How to Handle Probate From Out of State
More executors are handling probate from a distance than ever before. Whether you live in a different city or a different state from the deceased, this guide covers the digital tools, legal options, and practical strategies that make remote probate management possible.
Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Vehicle Title: Which States Allow It (2026)
More than 25 states allow vehicle owners to add a Transfer-on-Death beneficiary to their car title, letting the vehicle pass directly to the named person without probate. This guide lists every state that offers TOD vehicle registration and explains how it works.
How to Close a Credit Card Account After Death
When someone passes away, their credit card accounts need to be closed and any remaining balances addressed. This guide explains who is responsible for the debt, how to notify credit card companies, and what to do about authorized users and automatic payments.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services: Lease Forgiveness After Death
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBFS) may forgive remaining lease payments when the lessee dies, provided the account is in good standing and the vehicle is returned promptly. This guide covers how the process works, what documents you need, and how to file a claim.
How to Change a Deed After Someone Dies
When a property owner passes away, the deed needs to be updated to reflect the new ownership. The process depends on how the property was held -- joint tenancy, tenancy in common, community property, or in a trust. This guide walks through each scenario and the steps to record a new deed.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Inherited Money or Property?
Inheriting money or property raises an immediate question: will you owe taxes on it? The answer depends on what you inherited. Cash inheritances are generally not taxed as income, but retirement accounts, property sales, and state inheritance taxes can create tax obligations that catch beneficiaries off guard.
Joint Car Title When One Owner Dies: "And" vs "Or" Explained
If a vehicle title lists two owners, what happens when one dies depends entirely on one word -- whether the names are connected by 'and' or 'or.' This guide explains the difference, your rights as the surviving owner, and when probate is required.
Estate Tax vs. Inheritance Tax: What's the Difference?
Estate tax and inheritance tax are often confused, but they work very differently. Estate tax is paid by the estate before assets are distributed, while inheritance tax is paid by the beneficiaries who receive them. This guide explains how each works, which states impose them, and what executors and heirs need to know.
Cosigner on a Car Loan Dies: Who Owes What?
When a cosigner on a car loan passes away, the loan does not disappear -- but who is responsible depends on whether the deceased was the primary borrower or the cosigner. This guide explains what happens to the loan, your obligations, and what steps to take.
Does Power of Attorney End at Death? (Interactive Brokers & Other Brokerages)
A power of attorney terminates the moment the principal dies -- at Interactive Brokers and at every other U.S. brokerage. This guide explains why, what happens to the account, what the former agent should do next, and how the estate can actually access the funds.
Does GAP Insurance Cover a Car Loan If the Borrower Dies?
GAP insurance does not pay off a car loan when the borrower dies. Learn what GAP actually covers, how credit life insurance works, and what happens to an auto loan after the borrower's death.
How to Claim Life Insurance After Death: A Complete Guide
Filing a life insurance claim after a loved one's death is one of the most important financial steps you can take. This guide covers how to find out if a policy exists, the step-by-step claims process, payout options, typical timelines, tax implications, and what to do if complications arise.
Can an Executor Drive a Deceased Person's Car?
Yes, an executor can generally drive a deceased person's vehicle for estate-related purposes -- but only with proper insurance in place. This guide covers what's allowed, insurance requirements, heir restrictions, and practical tips for managing estate vehicles.
Ford Credit Peace of Mind Program: What Happens to a Loan or Lease After Death
Ford Credit's Peace of Mind Program may forgive remaining loan or lease payments when an account holder dies. Learn who qualifies, how to file a claim, what documents you need, and what to do if the program doesn't apply to your contract.
How to Get an EIN for an Estate: Step-by-Step Guide
Every estate that goes through probate needs its own Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This guide walks you through exactly why you need one, how to apply online in minutes, what information to have ready, and what to do once you receive it.
Can AI Help You Through Probate? What Executors Should Know
AI tools for estate settlement are becoming more capable in 2026. Here is a practical look at what AI can and cannot do for executors — and how to use it effectively alongside traditional resources.
AI vs Probate Attorney: When to Use Each (and When to Use Both)
Should you use an AI probate tool, hire an attorney, or both? A practical decision framework based on your estate's complexity, your budget, and what kind of help you actually need.
What Happens to a Leased Car When Someone Dies?
A car lease does not end when the lessee dies -- it becomes an obligation of the estate. This guide covers your options as an executor, from returning the vehicle to transferring or buying out the lease, plus which leasing companies may forgive remaining payments.
How Much Does Probate Cost? A Complete Breakdown
Probate costs go well beyond attorney fees. From court filing fees and executor compensation to appraisals, surety bonds, and publication costs, this guide breaks down every expense you can expect during the probate process and offers practical tips for keeping costs manageable.
What Happens to a Joint Bank Account When Someone Dies?
Joint bank accounts are one of the most common financial arrangements between spouses and family members. When one account holder passes away, what happens next depends on how the account was set up. This guide explains rights of survivorship, tax implications, FDIC coverage changes, and when probate may still be required.
How to Transfer a Car Title After Death: What You Need to Know
Transferring a vehicle title after a loved one passes away involves specific steps depending on your state, whether there was a will, and how the title was held. This guide covers the documents you need, the DMV process, and common complications like liens and joint ownership.
How to File Taxes for a Deceased Person
Filing taxes for someone who has passed away is one of the first financial responsibilities an executor faces. This guide covers the final individual return, estate income tax, and the deadlines and forms you need to know.
Handling Disputes Among Heirs During Probate: A Practical Guide for Executors and Families
Heir disputes are one of the most common reasons probate gets delayed and expensive. This guide covers the most frequent types of conflicts, your legal options from mediation to litigation, and practical strategies for resolving disagreements before they escalate.
Ancillary Probate & Foreign Estates: What to Do When the Estate Includes Out-of-State Property
If your loved one owned real estate in a state other than where they lived, you may need to open a separate probate proceeding in that state. This guide explains when ancillary probate is required, how the process works, what it costs, and how to avoid it in estate planning.
Managing the Estate of an Estranged Relative: A Practical Guide for Reluctant Executors
Being named executor of an estranged relative's estate creates a unique set of challenges -- from finding assets you did not know existed to navigating complicated family dynamics. This guide covers how to handle the legal obligations, discover unknown assets, and decide whether to serve at all.
Notice to Creditors in Probate: What Executors Need to Know
As an executor, you are required to notify creditors that the estate is open. This guide explains both types of creditor notice, state-specific claim periods, how to evaluate claims, and what happens if you skip this step.
How to Find Tax Documents for a Deceased Person
A practical guide for executors and family members on locating a deceased person's tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and other tax records — including how to request transcripts from the IRS when originals are missing.
How to Find a Deceased Person's Bank Accounts, Insurance, and Other Assets
A step-by-step guide to locating all of a deceased person's financial accounts, insurance policies, retirement funds, and other assets — especially when there is no will.
How to Close Bank Accounts After Death: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing a loved one's bank accounts is one of the most common tasks during estate settlement. This guide covers the documents you need, bank-specific processes for Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, and the difference between POD and non-POD accounts.
Letters Testamentary Explained: What They Are and How to Get Them
Letters testamentary are the key document that gives an executor legal authority to manage a deceased person's estate. This guide explains what they are, how to obtain them, what they cost, and how the process varies by state.
How to Notify Social Security of a Death: What You Need to Know
Reporting a death to the Social Security Administration is one of the first tasks after losing a loved one. This guide covers who needs to notify the SSA, how to handle benefit overpayments, how to claim the lump-sum death payment, and what surviving spouses need to know about survivor benefits.
Probate Attorney Cost by State: What You'll Really Pay
Probate attorney fees vary wildly depending on your state, the size of the estate, and the fee structure. This guide breaks down real costs for every major state so you know what to expect before you hire.
Probate Without a Lawyer: Can You Do It Yourself?
Many executors wonder if they can handle probate without hiring an attorney. The answer depends on the estate's complexity, your state's requirements, and your willingness to do the research. Here is an honest breakdown of when DIY probate works and when it does not.
Can You Sell a House Before Probate?
Selling a deceased loved one's home is often the most significant financial decision during estate settlement. Learn when you can sell before probate, when court approval is required, and how the rules vary by state.
What Debts Are Forgiven at Death?
Not all debts follow you to the grave. Federal student loans are discharged, but mortgages and joint debts survive. Learn exactly which debts are forgiven at death, which ones the estate must pay, and when family members could be on the hook.
How to Find Out If Someone Left a Will
After a loved one passes away, one of the first questions families face is whether a will exists. This guide covers where to search, how to access probate court records, and what to do if no will can be found.
How Long Does an Executor Have to Settle an Estate?
There is no single deadline for settling an estate, but executors face real time pressure from courts, creditors, and beneficiaries. Learn the state-specific timelines, consequences of delay, and what beneficiaries can do if the process stalls.
Do All Wills Go Through Probate?
Having a will does not automatically mean the estate must go through full probate. Learn when wills skip probate entirely, when simplified procedures apply, and the key factors that determine whether probate is required.
Small Estate Affidavit: When You Can Skip Probate
Many states allow small estates to bypass the full probate process using a simplified affidavit procedure. Learn the thresholds, requirements, and step-by-step process for your state.
Probate Without a Will: How Intestate Succession Works
When someone dies without a will, state law determines who inherits. This guide explains intestate succession rules, how administrators are appointed, and what families need to know.
Estate Inventory Checklist: How to Find and Catalog All Assets
Creating a thorough estate inventory is one of the executor's most important responsibilities. This checklist covers every asset category to help ensure nothing is overlooked.
How Long Does Probate Take? Timeline by State
Probate timelines vary dramatically depending on the state, estate complexity, and whether disputes arise. This guide breaks down realistic timelines and the factors that speed things up or slow them down.
What Does an Executor Do? A Complete Guide
Being named executor of an estate is a significant responsibility. This guide covers everything an executor needs to know, from legal duties and fiduciary obligations to practical day-to-day tasks.
5 Things to Do Immediately After a Loved One Passes
The days after losing a loved one are overwhelming. Here are the five most important things to take care of right away, so nothing critical falls through the cracks.
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