Knowledge Base

The Complete Guide to Wills and Estate Planning

Everything you need to know about wills, trusts, executors, and estate planning — so your assets go where you want and your family is protected.

5 min read

Types of Wills: Which One Is Right for You?

Simple wills, living wills, holographic wills, pour-over wills — learn the differences and which type fits your situation.

6 min read

What to Include in Your Will: A Comprehensive List

A detailed breakdown of everything your will should cover — from asset distribution and beneficiaries to guardianship and funeral wishes.

4 min read

When and How to Update Your Will

Life changes — and your will should too. Learn when to review your will and how to make changes legally and effectively.

5 min read

What Happens If You Die Without a Will (Intestate)?

Dying without a will leaves your estate in the hands of state law — and the results can surprise your family. Learn what intestate succession means.

6 min read

Trust vs. Will: Which Estate Planning Tool Do You Need?

Trusts and wills both transfer assets, but they work very differently. Learn which one — or both — makes sense for your estate plan.

5 min read

How to Choose an Executor for Your Estate

Your executor will manage your estate after you die. Learn what the role involves, what qualities to look for, and how to set them up for success.

5 min read

Do You Need an Estate Attorney? What to Know

Not every estate needs a lawyer — but many benefit from one. Find out when to hire an estate attorney and how to get the most from the relationship.

Guide11 min read

Advance Directives: The Complete Guide to Healthcare Planning

Advance directives let you control your medical care even when you can't speak for yourself. Learn about living wills, healthcare proxies, DNRs, and more.

5 min read

What Is a Living Will and How Do You Create One?

A living will documents your medical treatment preferences before you need them. Learn what it covers and how to create a legally valid document.

4 min read

Understanding Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders

A DNR order instructs medical staff not to perform CPR. Learn what it means, how it differs from other directives, and how to get one.

5 min read

Healthcare Proxy: Choosing Your Medical Decision-Maker

A healthcare proxy gives someone you trust the legal authority to make medical decisions on your behalf. Learn how to choose and appoint one.

5 min read

What Is a POLST Form? A Guide to Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment

A POLST form translates your end-of-life wishes into actionable medical orders. Learn how it differs from a living will and when you need one.

4 min read

Organ Donation: How to Register and Document Your Wishes

Organ donation is a deeply personal decision. Learn how to register as a donor, inform your family, and document your wishes clearly.

5 min read

Understanding Life-Sustaining Medical Treatments

Ventilators, feeding tubes, dialysis — knowing what life-sustaining treatments exist helps you make informed decisions about your own care.

5 min read

Advance Directives and State Laws: What You Need to Know

Advance directive requirements vary by state. Learn how to make sure your documents are valid where you live and what to do if you move.

Guide11 min read

Planning Your Funeral in Advance: A Complete Guide

Pre-planning your funeral is one of the kindest things you can do for your family. Learn everything about burial, cremation, costs, and leaving clear instructions.

5 min read

Burial vs. Cremation: Weighing the Options

Burial and cremation each come with different costs, environmental impacts, and emotional considerations. Here's what to know before deciding.

5 min read

How Much Does a Funeral Cost? Planning Your Budget

The average funeral costs thousands of dollars. Learn what drives those costs and how to plan a meaningful farewell within your budget.

5 min read

Prepaid Funeral Plans: Pros, Cons, and What to Watch Out For

Prepaid funeral plans lock in today's prices and ease the burden on your family. But they also come with risks. Here's what to know before signing.

5 min read

Green Burial Options: Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Funerals

Green burials, natural burials, and aquamation are growing alternatives that are gentler on the environment. Explore the options and find one that fits your values.

5 min read

How to Plan a Memorial Service

A memorial service celebrates a life. Learn how to leave instructions for a meaningful ceremony — from readings and music to venue and guest wishes.

4 min read

How to Choose a Funeral Home

Choosing a funeral home is a significant decision, often made under grief and time pressure. Learn how to evaluate and select one in advance — calmly and carefully.

5 min read

What to Include in Your Funeral Instructions

Leaving clear funeral instructions means your family won't have to guess. Here's everything to document — burial preferences, music, readings, attendees, and more.

Guide12 min read

Managing Your Digital Legacy: A Complete Guide

From social media accounts to cryptocurrency, your digital life has real value and meaning. Learn how to plan your digital legacy and protect your loved ones.

5 min read

What Happens to Your Social Media Accounts After You Die?

Each platform has different policies for accounts after death. Learn what happens to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and TikTok when you pass away.

4 min read

How to Set Up Facebook Memorialization Settings

Facebook lets you designate a Legacy Contact to manage your profile after death — or request account deletion. Here's how to set it up now.

4 min read

How to Use Google's Inactive Account Manager

Google's Inactive Account Manager lets you decide what happens to your Gmail, Drive, Photos, and YouTube when your account goes inactive. Here's how to set it up.

4 min read

How to Set Up an Apple Legacy Contact

Apple's Legacy Contact feature lets someone you trust access your Apple ID data after you die. Learn how to set it up on your iPhone or Mac today.

5 min read

Creating a Digital Assets Inventory

A digital assets inventory documents every online account, subscription, and digital file your heirs may need to manage. Here's how to create one.

5 min read

Password Management: Leaving Access for Your Loved Ones

Your loved ones may need access to your accounts after you die — but sharing passwords safely is tricky. Learn the best approaches for every situation.

6 min read

Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan

Cryptocurrency can be lost forever if heirs can't access it. Learn how to include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets in your estate plan.

4 min read

What to Do with Email Accounts After Death

Email accounts contain important communications, subscriptions, and financial statements. Learn how to plan for yours and help heirs manage email after a death.

Guide10 min read

How to Preserve Your Life Stories and Memories: A Complete Guide

Your stories, photos, and life experiences are irreplaceable. This guide covers every method — written, audio, video, and digital — for preserving your legacy.

6 min read

How to Write Your Life Story: A Step-by-Step Guide

You don't need to be a professional writer to tell your story. This guide walks you through capturing your memories in a memoir your family will treasure.

5 min read

Organizing Your Photos and Videos for Future Generations

Thousands of photos on your phone and boxes of prints in storage — learn how to organize, digitize, and preserve them for the people who will treasure them.

5 min read

How to Record an Oral History: Capturing Your Stories on Video

A recorded conversation can preserve your voice, personality, and stories in a way no written document can. Here's how to create a meaningful oral history.

5 min read

How to Create and Share Your Family Tree

A family tree connects generations and preserves stories that might otherwise be lost. Learn how to research, build, and share yours — and the digital tools that help.

5 min read

Creating a Time Capsule: What to Include and How to Store It

A time capsule captures a moment in time — your values, your voice, your world — for people who haven't yet been born. Learn how to create one that lasts.

5 min read

What Is an Ethical Will? How to Write a Legacy Letter

Unlike a legal will, an ethical will passes on values, stories, hopes, and blessings — not assets. Learn how to write one your family will keep forever.

Guide10 min read

Leaving Messages and Letters for Your Loved Ones: A Complete Guide

Messages left for the people you love — letters, videos, audio recordings — can bring comfort for years. Learn how to create lasting messages they'll cherish.

5 min read

Writing Letters to Your Children for Future Milestones

Imagine your child reading your words on their graduation day, wedding day, or the birth of their first child. Here's how to write letters for moments you may not see.

5 min read

How to Record Video Messages for Your Loved Ones

A video message lets you speak directly to the people you love — sharing your voice, face, and presence in a way no letter can. Here's how to record one well.

4 min read

Recording Voice Messages: A Personal Way to Stay Connected

Your voice carries warmth no text can replicate. Learn how to record meaningful audio messages for family members — and how to store them for the long term.

5 min read

Writing a Legacy Love Letter to Your Partner

A love letter written now can bring your partner comfort for the rest of their life. Here's how to write one that expresses everything you've always wanted to say.

5 min read

Leaving Messages and Stories for Your Grandchildren

Your grandchildren may be too young to know you now — but they'll treasure your stories and words for the rest of their lives. Here's how to leave something lasting.

6 min read

What to Say in Your Final Messages: Tips and Inspiration

Many people struggle to find the right words. Here are prompts, examples, and guidance for expressing love, gratitude, and wisdom in your farewell messages.

Guide12 min read

Organizing Your Finances for Your Heirs: A Complete Guide

Leaving your finances organized is a profound act of love. This guide covers beneficiaries, accounts, insurance, and everything your heirs need to settle your estate.

5 min read

Beneficiary Designations: Why They Matter and How to Update Them

Beneficiary designations override your will. Learn why keeping them current is critical — and how outdated designations can derail even the best estate plan.

5 min read

Life Insurance and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know

Life insurance can be the cornerstone of your estate plan — or an afterthought. Learn how to integrate it properly and avoid common mistakes.

6 min read

Retirement Accounts and Inheritance: IRAs, 401(k)s, and More

Retirement accounts have special inheritance rules that differ from other assets. Learn what happens to IRAs and 401(k)s after death — and how to plan accordingly.

5 min read

Creating a Comprehensive Assets Inventory

An assets inventory gives your heirs a complete picture of what you own — and where to find it. Learn how to document everything from real estate to online accounts.

5 min read

Joint Accounts and Transfer-on-Death Designations

Joint accounts and TOD designations can pass assets to heirs without probate — but they're not right for every situation. Learn when and how to use them.

4 min read

Safe Deposit Boxes: What to Store and How to Grant Access

A safe deposit box is a secure place for important documents — but if your heirs can't access it, it creates problems. Learn what to store and how to grant access.

5 min read

Small Estate Procedures: Simplified Probate for Modest Estates

Most states offer simplified probate procedures for small estates. Learn whether your estate qualifies and how to help your heirs avoid full probate.

5 min read

How to Fund Funeral Costs: Life Insurance, Savings, and Plans

Funerals can cost thousands of dollars, often when family finances are stretched thin. Learn how to pre-fund your funeral so your loved ones aren't left with the bill.

Guide11 min read

Essential Legal Documents for End-of-Life Planning: A Complete Guide

From wills and powers of attorney to advance directives and trusts, learn which legal documents every adult needs and how to put them in place.

5 min read

Financial Power of Attorney: What It Is and How to Set One Up

A financial power of attorney lets someone manage your money and property if you're incapacitated. Learn what it covers and how to create one.

4 min read

Durable vs. Non-Durable Power of Attorney: Key Differences

Not all powers of attorney are created equal. Learn the critical difference between durable and non-durable POA — and which one you actually need.

5 min read

Naming a Guardian for Minor Children in Your Will

If something happens to you, who will raise your children? Learn how to name a guardian in your will, what to look for, and how to discuss it with your choice.

4 min read

How to Store and Share Your Legal Documents

Your legal documents are only useful if the right people can find them. Learn the best ways to store originals and share access with your executor and family.

4 min read

Notarizing and Witnessing Legal Documents: What's Required

Most estate planning documents require witnesses or notarization — and the rules vary by state. Learn what's required to make your documents legally valid.

5 min read

Free and Low-Cost Legal Resources for Estate Planning

Estate planning doesn't have to be expensive. Discover free and affordable resources for creating wills, advance directives, and powers of attorney.

Guide10 min read

How to Talk to Your Family About End-of-Life Plans: A Complete Guide

The most important part of end-of-life planning isn't the documents — it's the conversations. Learn how to talk to your family about your wishes before it's too late.

5 min read

How to Start the Conversation About End-of-Life Planning

Most people know these conversations are important — but few know how to begin. Here are natural entry points and conversation starters that actually work.

5 min read

How to Talk to Aging Parents About Their Final Wishes

Bringing up end-of-life plans with an aging parent can feel uncomfortable. Here's how to approach the conversation with care — and why it's worth having.

5 min read

How to Hold a Family Meeting About Estate Planning

A structured family meeting can clear up misunderstandings, align expectations, and ensure everyone knows the plan. Here's how to run one effectively.

5 min read

Overcoming Resistance: When Family Won't Talk About End-of-Life

Not everyone is ready to discuss death and inheritance. Learn how to navigate denial, avoidance, and cultural taboos — and gently bring reluctant family members into the conversation.

6 min read

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Special Considerations

Blended families face unique estate planning challenges. Learn how to protect everyone — your current spouse, your children from prior relationships, and your step-children.

5 min read

Preventing and Resolving Family Disagreements Over an Estate

Estate disputes can fracture families. Learn how clear planning, honest communication, and the right legal structures can prevent conflict — and how to resolve it if it arises.

Guide11 min read

Managing Accounts and Subscriptions After Death: A Complete Guide

From bank accounts to streaming services, learn what happens to every type of account after death — and how to organize yours so your family isn't overwhelmed.

5 min read

How to Cancel Subscriptions and Memberships After Death

Streaming services, gym memberships, magazines — subscriptions keep charging after death unless someone cancels them. Here's how to track and stop them.

4 min read

Managing Utility Accounts After a Death

Electricity, gas, water, internet — utility accounts need to be transferred or closed after a death. Learn how executors handle these accounts, and how to prepare yours.

5 min read

What to Do with Credit Card Accounts After Death

Credit card debt doesn't simply disappear after death. Learn how estates handle credit card balances and how executors should notify card issuers.

4 min read

Closing Online Shopping Accounts After Death

Amazon, eBay, Etsy, PayPal — online shopping accounts hold gift cards, credits, and linked payment methods that need to be managed after a death.

4 min read

What Happens to Loyalty Points and Rewards After Death?

Airline miles, hotel points, credit card rewards — accumulated loyalty points can be worth thousands. Learn which programs allow transfer and what steps to take.

5 min read

How to Safely Store Account Credentials for Your Heirs

Storing passwords securely while making them accessible to the right people is a balancing act. Learn the best methods for every situation.

5 min read

Using a Digital Vault to Organize Your Accounts

A digital vault gives your executor one secure place to find everything — account logins, insurance policies, documents, and more. Learn how to set one up.

Guide11 min read

Understanding Probate and Inheritance: A Complete Guide

Probate is the legal process for settling an estate after death. Learn how it works, how long it takes, what it costs, and how to help your heirs avoid it.

6 min read

How Probate Works: A Step-by-Step Overview

Most estates go through probate — but many people don't know what that means. Here's a plain-language walkthrough of every stage of the probate process.

6 min read

Strategies for Avoiding Probate

Probate can be slow, costly, and public. Learn the most effective legal strategies to transfer your assets to heirs without going through the courts.

6 min read

Inheritance and Estate Taxes: What Heirs Need to Know

Taxes can take a bite out of an inheritance. Learn the difference between estate taxes and inheritance taxes, which states impose them, and how to minimize the impact.

5 min read

Receiving an Inheritance: What to Do First

Receiving an inheritance — especially while grieving — can be overwhelming. Here's a step-by-step guide to navigating the process wisely and carefully.

5 min read

Contesting a Will: Grounds, Process, and What to Expect

If you believe a will doesn't reflect a person's true wishes, you may be able to contest it. Learn the legal grounds, the process, and how long it takes.

6 min read

International Assets and Cross-Border Estate Planning

Owning property or assets in multiple countries creates unique estate planning challenges. Learn how different legal systems interact and what you need to address.

The Complete Guide to End-of-Life Planning

What Is End-of-Life Planning and Why Does It Matter?

When Should You Start End-of-Life Planning?

The Ultimate End-of-Life Planning Checklist

How to Talk to Your Doctor About End-of-Life Wishes

Why Young Adults Need End-of-Life Plans Too

End-of-Life Planning for Parents with Minor Children

Planning Ahead After a Terminal Diagnosis

Understanding End-of-Life Care Options: Hospice and Palliative Care

The Complete Guide to Wills and Estate Planning

Types of Wills: Which One Is Right for You?

What to Include in Your Will: A Comprehensive List

When and How to Update Your Will

What Happens If You Die Without a Will (Intestate)?

Trust vs. Will: Which Estate Planning Tool Do You Need?

How to Choose an Executor for Your Estate

Do You Need an Estate Attorney? What to Know

Advance Directives: The Complete Guide to Healthcare Planning

What Is a Living Will and How Do You Create One?

Understanding Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders

Healthcare Proxy: Choosing Your Medical Decision-Maker

What Is a POLST Form? A Guide to Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment

Organ Donation: How to Register and Document Your Wishes

Understanding Life-Sustaining Medical Treatments

Advance Directives and State Laws: What You Need to Know

Planning Your Funeral in Advance: A Complete Guide

Burial vs. Cremation: Weighing the Options

How Much Does a Funeral Cost? Planning Your Budget

Prepaid Funeral Plans: Pros, Cons, and What to Watch Out For

Green Burial Options: Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Funerals

How to Plan a Memorial Service

How to Choose a Funeral Home

What to Include in Your Funeral Instructions

Managing Your Digital Legacy: A Complete Guide

What Happens to Your Social Media Accounts After You Die?

How to Set Up Facebook Memorialization Settings

How to Use Google's Inactive Account Manager

How to Set Up an Apple Legacy Contact

Creating a Digital Assets Inventory

Password Management: Leaving Access for Your Loved Ones

Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan

What to Do with Email Accounts After Death

How to Preserve Your Life Stories and Memories: A Complete Guide

How to Write Your Life Story: A Step-by-Step Guide

Organizing Your Photos and Videos for Future Generations

How to Record an Oral History: Capturing Your Stories on Video

How to Create and Share Your Family Tree

Creating a Time Capsule: What to Include and How to Store It

What Is an Ethical Will? How to Write a Legacy Letter

Leaving Messages and Letters for Your Loved Ones: A Complete Guide

Writing Letters to Your Children for Future Milestones

How to Record Video Messages for Your Loved Ones

Recording Voice Messages: A Personal Way to Stay Connected

Writing a Legacy Love Letter to Your Partner

Leaving Messages and Stories for Your Grandchildren

What to Say in Your Final Messages: Tips and Inspiration

Organizing Your Finances for Your Heirs: A Complete Guide

Beneficiary Designations: Why They Matter and How to Update Them

Life Insurance and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know

Retirement Accounts and Inheritance: IRAs, 401(k)s, and More

Creating a Comprehensive Assets Inventory

Joint Accounts and Transfer-on-Death Designations

Safe Deposit Boxes: What to Store and How to Grant Access

Small Estate Procedures: Simplified Probate for Modest Estates

How to Fund Funeral Costs: Life Insurance, Savings, and Plans

Essential Legal Documents for End-of-Life Planning: A Complete Guide

Financial Power of Attorney: What It Is and How to Set One Up

Durable vs. Non-Durable Power of Attorney: Key Differences

Naming a Guardian for Minor Children in Your Will

How to Store and Share Your Legal Documents

Notarizing and Witnessing Legal Documents: What's Required

Free and Low-Cost Legal Resources for Estate Planning

How to Talk to Your Family About End-of-Life Plans: A Complete Guide

How to Start the Conversation About End-of-Life Planning

How to Talk to Aging Parents About Their Final Wishes

How to Hold a Family Meeting About Estate Planning

Overcoming Resistance: When Family Won't Talk About End-of-Life

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Special Considerations

Preventing and Resolving Family Disagreements Over an Estate