Guides & Resources
Expert articles and state-by-state guides covering probate, estate settlement, finances after death, and the steps most families miss.
Expert Guides
In-depth articles on the most common questions families face after a loss.
How to Settle an Estate Without a Lawyer: Step by Step
Many estates can be settled without hiring an attorney. Here is exactly how to know if yours is one of them, and the complete process if it is.
What to Do Immediately After a Parent Dies With No Will
Losing a parent is devastating. Losing a parent who did not leave a will adds a layer of legal complexity. Here is exactly what to do, starting right now.
Am I Responsible for My Deceased Parent's Debt?
If debt collectors are calling after your parent's death, you need to know your rights. The short answer: in most cases, you are not responsible. Here is the full picture.
Small Estate Affidavit: How to Avoid Probate in Your State
A small estate affidavit is one of the best-kept secrets in estate law. It lets you skip probate entirely — if your estate qualifies. Here is how to find out.
How to Handle Finances After Your Spouse Dies: Complete Checklist
When your spouse dies, your entire financial world shifts overnight. This is the complete checklist — organized by urgency, so you know what to do now versus what can wait.
Executor of Estate Overwhelmed? Here's Where to Start
There are 200+ tasks in a typical estate settlement. You are grieving. You have your own life. Here is how to stop spinning and start making progress.
State-by-State Guides
Probate rules, death certificates, key deadlines, and the steps most families miss — specific to your state.
Alabama
Small estate: $25,000
Alaska
Small estate: $100,000
Arizona
Small estate: $75,000 personal / $100,000 real
Arkansas
Small estate: $100,000
California
Small estate: $184,500
Colorado
Small estate: $80,000
Connecticut
Small estate: $40,000
Delaware
Small estate: $30,000
District of Columbia
Small estate: $40,000
Florida
Small estate: $75,000
Georgia
Small estate: $10,000
Hawaii
Small estate: $100,000
Idaho
Small estate: $100,000
Illinois
Small estate: $100,000
Indiana
Small estate: $50,000
Iowa
Small estate: $100,000
Kansas
Small estate: $40,000
Kentucky
Small estate: $15,000
Louisiana
Small estate: $125,000
Maine
Small estate: $40,000
Maryland
Small estate: $50,000 (small) / $100,000 (modified)
Massachusetts
Small estate: $25,000
Michigan
Small estate: $25,000
Minnesota
Small estate: $75,000
Mississippi
Small estate: $50,000
Missouri
Small estate: $40,000
Montana
Small estate: $50,000
Nebraska
Small estate: $50,000
Nevada
Small estate: $25,000
New Hampshire
Small estate: $10,000
New Jersey
Small estate: $20,000 (no real property)
New Mexico
Small estate: $50,000
New York
Small estate: $50,000
North Carolina
Small estate: $20,000
North Dakota
Small estate: $50,000
Ohio
Small estate: $40,000
Oklahoma
Small estate: $200,000
Oregon
Small estate: $75,000 personal / $200,000 real
Pennsylvania
Small estate: $50,000
Rhode Island
Small estate: $15,000
South Carolina
Small estate: $25,000
South Dakota
Small estate: $50,000
Tennessee
Small estate: $50,000
Texas
Small estate: $75,000
Utah
Small estate: $100,000
Vermont
Small estate: $45,000
Virginia
Small estate: $50,000
Washington
Small estate: $100,000
West Virginia
Small estate: $50,000
Wisconsin
Small estate: $50,000
Wyoming
Small estate: $200,000