Executor & probate
Being named executor means you're the project manager for someone's estate. You don't need to be a lawyer. Start with Executor 101, then use the rest to answer the questions as they come: probate, trusts, timelines, pay, and doing it from another state.
Every guide, in reading order
9 guidesExecutor 101: I Was Named Executor — Now What?
A practical, honest guide for the person who just found out they're in charge of settling a loved one's estate.
Do I Need Probate? A Simple Guide to Know for Sure
Whether probate is required depends on estate size, asset titles, and your state. Here's how to figure out your situation.
Probate Explained: How Long It Takes and What to Expect
A phase-by-phase breakdown of the probate process, from filing to closing, with realistic timelines for each stage.
Will vs. Trust vs. Probate: What's the Difference?
A clear breakdown of wills, trusts, and probate: what each one does, how they differ, and which your family needs.
What Is a Living Trust? (And Do You Really Need One?)
How living trusts work, what they cost, when they make sense, and the one mistake that makes them worthless.
What Happens When There's No Will, Intestate Succession Explained
About 60% of Americans die without a will. Here's how intestate succession works, who inherits, what surprises families, and what to do right now.
The 10% Myth: What Executors Actually Get Paid
No state pays an executor 10% of the estate. How compensation really works, why executors deserve to be paid, and how to handle the money conversation with your family.
Setting Yourself Up for Success as an Executor
Practical tips for new executors: what to expect, how to get organized, communicate with family, and avoid burnout.
Settling an Estate From Another State: The Long-Distance Reality
What must happen in person, what can be done remotely, and how to plan the two or three trips that actually matter.