The library
A free library for families after a death.
Plain language. State by state. No legal jargon.
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Death in different state from where they lived
Domicile vs residence, where probate is filed, and how to handle paperwork across two states.
Parent died from cancer or long illness
Hospice closure, final medical expenses, and the unique grief of anticipated loss after months or years of caregiving.
Parent died out of state
How to handle probate, real estate, and logistics when a parent dies in a state where you do not live.
Parent died with debt
What creditors can collect, when family is liable, and how to handle credit cards, medical bills, and mortgages after a parent dies.
Parent died with medicare and medicaid
Estate recovery, how Medicaid recoups long term care costs, and what families need to know about the house.
Sibling died unmarried no children
Heir hierarchy, sibling inheritance rights, and how to handle probate when you are the next of kin.
Spouse died from suicide
Life insurance contestability, immediate steps, and where to find support after a suicide loss.
Spouse died with business
Business succession, partnership buyouts, valuing a small business at death, and what happens to the company.
Spouse died with minor children
Survivor benefits for kids, guardianship questions, life insurance, and immediate financial steps for surviving parents.
Spouse died without will
Practical guide for surviving spouses: intestate succession, joint property, immediate steps, and how to claim what is rightfully yours.
Sudden death no will no advance planning
Emergency starter guide for the first 72 hours when a loved one dies suddenly without a will or any advance planning.
Veteran died
VA burial allowance, military funeral honors, survivor pensions, and benefits available to families of deceased veterans.
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Apply for survivor benefits
How to apply for Social Security survivor benefits as a spouse, child, or other eligible family member.
Cancel medicare after death
How to notify Medicare of a death, stop coverage, and handle the final billing.
Claim 401k or ira after death
How to claim retirement accounts as a beneficiary, the tax consequences, and rollover options.
Claim life insurance payout
Step by step guide to filing a life insurance claim, what to expect, and how long it takes.
Claim pension survivor benefits
How to claim pension survivor benefits from a private or government pension plan.
Close bank accounts after death
Step by step guide to closing a deceased person's bank accounts, transferring joint accounts, and accessing safe deposit boxes.
File final tax return
How to file a deceased person's final 1040, what deductions apply, and who signs the return.
File for va burial allowance
Step by step guide to claiming the VA burial allowance for a deceased veteran.
File small estate affidavit
How to use a small estate affidavit to settle an estate without full probate.
Freeze credit after death
How to prevent identity theft by freezing the deceased's credit at all three bureaus.
Get employer life insurance payout
How to claim group life insurance benefits through the deceased's employer.
Handle credit card debt after death
What to do with the deceased's credit cards, who owes the debt, and how to deal with collectors.
Memorialize facebook account
How to memorialize, delete, or download a deceased loved one's social media accounts.
Notify social security of death
How and when to notify Social Security, what benefits stop, and what survivor benefits begin.
Order death certificates
Step by step guide to ordering certified copies of a death certificate, how many you need, and what they cost.
Start probate process
Step by step guide to opening probate, what documents you need, and what to expect from the court.
Transfer house title after death
How to update a real estate deed after a death, when probate is required, and what it costs.
Transfer vehicle title after death
How to transfer a car, truck, or motorcycle title to a surviving owner or heir.
Update deed after spouse dies
How to remove a deceased spouse from the deed and place the house in the surviving spouse's name alone.
Write thank you notes after funeral
A simple, gentle guide to writing thank you notes after a death, with templates and timing suggestions.
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