Estate settlement guides
Plain-language guides to probate, small estate procedures, deadlines, and costs. Written for the person who just became an executor, not for lawyers.
National
Estate Settlement Checklist for Executors (2026)Settling an estate involves many tasks and deadlines. This comprehensive checklist helps you stay organized and avoid missing critical steps.How Long Does Probate Take? Timeline by Type (2026)Probate timelines vary dramatically depending on the state, estate complexity, and type of process. This guide explains what to expect.How Many Death Certificates Do You Need? (2026)One of the first practical questions after a death: "How many certified death certificates should I order?" The answer is often more than you'd guess.How to Notify Banks of a Death: Step-by-Step (2026)Notifying financial institutions after a death is urgent and necessary. Delaying can cause complications. This guide explains how.How to Transfer a Car Title When Someone Dies (2026)Transferring vehicle ownership after death is one of the practical tasks executors face. The process depends on whether the vehicle is probate or non-probate...Probate Court Fees and Costs: What to Budget (2026)Probate costs vary by estate size and state, but typically include court fees, professional services, and administrative expenses.Probate vs Non-Probate Assets: What's the Difference? (2026)One of the most important concepts in estate settlement is the distinction between probate assets and non-probate assets. Understanding this determines wheth...What Assets Avoid Probate? Complete Guide (2026)Many assets pass to beneficiaries without probate court involvement. Knowing which ones can help you understand your estate settlement timeline.What Does an Executor Do First? Immediate Tasks After Death (2026)In the days immediately following a death, the executor (person handling the estate) faces a list of urgent tasks. This guide covers the first steps and thei...What Is an Executor's Legal Responsibility? (2026)An executor has significant legal duties. Understanding them helps you avoid liability and settle the estate properly.
California
California Probate Costs and Attorney Fees: What to Budget (2026)One of the biggest questions executors ask: "How much is this going to cost?" California probate costs break down into several categories: court fees, apprai...California Probate Timeline and Deadlines: What to Expect (2026)California probate is one of the longer processes among U.S. states, typically lasting 6 to 12 months or more. Understanding the timeline and key deadlines h...California Small Estate Affidavit Limit: $239,700 and the 40-Day Rule (2026)If you've just become an executor in California, one of your first questions is likely: "Can we skip probate court?" The answer often comes down to a single...California Small Estate Affidavit Process: Step-by-Step (2026)If your California estate is under $239,700 and contains no real property, you can likely settle it without probate court. This guide explains how the small...Do You Need Probate in California? How to Tell (2026)When someone dies in California, the family's first question is often: "Do we have to go through probate?" The answer depends on what the person owned and ho...How California Probate Works: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)California probate can seem like a maze of court papers, deadlines, and unfamiliar rules. But the basic process is straightforward: you gather assets, notify...
Texas
Do You Need Probate in Texas? What Passes Without Court (2026)When someone dies in Texas, determining whether probate is necessary is the first critical step. Some assets pass directly to beneficiaries without court inv...How Texas Probate Works: Step-by-Step (2026)Texas probate is straightforward: petition the court, get appointed, collect assets, pay debts, distribute to heirs. This guide walks through the process.Texas Probate Costs and Attorney Fees (2026)Texas probate costs vary by estate complexity and size. Here's what to budget.Texas Probate Timeline and Deadlines (2026)Texas probate typically takes 6 to 12 months. Unlike California, Texas has no mandatory waiting period before filing, which can speed things up. This guide e...Texas Small Estate Affidavit Limit: $75,000 and the 30-Day Rule (2026)In Texas, smaller estates have a streamlined path to settlement that bypasses probate court. The key threshold: $75,000.Texas Small Estate Affidavit: Step-by-Step Process (2026)If your Texas estate is under $75,000 and contains no real property, you can settle it without probate court using a small estate affidavit. This guide expla...
Florida
Do You Need Probate in Florida? (2026)Not all assets in a Florida estate need to go through probate. This guide explains which assets require court involvement and which pass directly to benefici...Florida Probate Costs: Summary Administration and Full Probate (2026)Florida's costs vary significantly between summary administration (faster, for small estates) and full probate (for larger estates).Florida Probate Timeline and Deadlines (2026)Florida summary administration is one of the nation's fastest probate processes. With no waiting period and streamlined procedures, most estates close in 2 t...Florida Summary Administration Limit: $150,000 and No Waiting Period (2026)Florida's streamlined probate alternative is called summary administration, and it's one of the fastest in the nation. For estates under $150,000 with no rea...Florida Summary Administration Process: How It Works (2026)Florida's summary administration is designed for smaller estates and is one of the nation's fastest probate processes. Here's how it works.How Florida Probate Works: Summary Administration and Full Probate (2026)Florida offers two probate paths. For smaller estates (under $150,000, no real property), summary administration is streamlined and quick. For larger estates...
New York
Do You Need Probate in New York? (2026)In New York, some assets require probate (court involvement) while others pass directly to beneficiaries. This guide explains which is which.How New York Probate Works: Voluntary Administration (2026)New York's voluntary administration for small estates is streamlined and quick. This guide explains the process.New York Probate Costs: Voluntary Administration and Full Probate (2026)New York probate costs depend on whether you use voluntary administration (small estates) or full probate (larger estates).New York Probate Timeline and Deadlines (2026)New York's voluntary administration is one of the nation's fastest paths for small estates. With no waiting period and streamlined procedures, most cases clo...New York Voluntary Administration Limit: $50,000 (2026)New York's streamlined probate alternative is voluntary administration, available for smaller estates under $50,000 with no real property. With no mandatory...New York Voluntary Administration Process: Step-by-Step (2026)New York's voluntary administration is designed for smaller estates and offers one of the fastest probate processes in the nation.
Illinois
Do You Need Probate in Illinois? (2026)In Illinois, whether probate is necessary depends on what the decedent owned and how they owned it. Some assets require court probate; others pass directly t...How Illinois Probate Works: Small Estate Affidavit (2026)Illinois offers a streamlined small estate affidavit process for qualifying estates under $150,000 with no real property. This guide explains how it works.Illinois Probate Costs: Small Estate Affidavit and Full Probate (2026)Illinois probate costs vary significantly depending on whether your estate qualifies for the streamlined small estate affidavit or requires full probate.Illinois Probate Timeline and Deadlines (2026)Illinois small estate affidavit is one of the nation's fastest probate alternatives. With no waiting period and streamlined procedures, most estates close in...Illinois Small Estate Affidavit Limit: $150,000 and No Waiting Period (2026)Illinois offers one of the most generous small estate thresholds among the nation's states. Estates under $150,000 with no real property can use the small es...Illinois Small Estate Affidavit: Step-by-Step (2026)Illinois's small estate affidavit is simple: prepare a one-page affidavit, get it notarized, and deliver it to the institutions holding assets. No court, no...