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 9 to 18 months (Judicial Council estimate for formal probate) or more....California Small Estate Affidavit Limit: $208,850 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 the gross value of your California estate is $208,850 or less, you may be able to collect the personal property without probate court. This guide explains...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. The basic process is: you gather assets, notify creditors, pay bill...
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 follows these steps: apply to 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 (typical; varies by county). Texas has no mandatory waiting period before filing a probate application. This gui...Texas Small Estate Affidavit Limit: $75,000 and the 30-Day Rule (2026)In Texas, smaller estates without a will can use a streamlined court procedure called a small estate affidavit. The key threshold: $75,000.Texas Small Estate Affidavit: Step-by-Step Process (2026)If someone died in Texas without a will and the non-exempt assets are $75,000 or less, the estate may be able to use a small estate affidavit instead of a fu...
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 has no waiting period and streamlined procedures, and many estates finish in 2 to 4 months (typical; varies by county).Florida Summary Administration Limit: $150,000 and No Waiting Period (2026)Florida's streamlined probate alternative is called summary administration, and it is a shorter court procedure than formal administration. There is no manda...Florida Summary Administration Process: How It Works (2026)Florida's summary administration is designed for smaller estates and has no personal representative, letters or discharge. Here's how it works.How Florida Probate Works: Summary Administration and Full Probate (2026)Florida offers two probate paths. For smaller estates ($150,000 or less after exempt property, or decedents who died more than 2 years ago), summary administ...
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 and Full Probate (2026)New York offers voluntary administration for small estates and a full Surrogate's Court proceeding for larger ones. This guide explains both in general terms...New York Probate Costs: Voluntary Administration and Full Probate (2026)New York probate costs depend on whether you use voluntary administration (small estates) or a full Surrogate's Court proceeding (larger estates).New York Probate Timeline and Deadlines (2026)New York's voluntary administration is a short clerk-based procedure for small estates. With no waiting period, many cases move in a matter of weeks to a few...New York Voluntary Administration Limit: $50,000 (2026)New York's streamlined alternative for smaller estates is voluntary administration (Surrogate's Court Procedure Act Article 13). It is available when the dec...New York Voluntary Administration Process: Step-by-Step (2026)New York's voluntary administration is designed for smaller estates and is a short procedure handled through the Surrogate's Court clerk.
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 personal property when the estate is $150,000 or less (not counting registered vehicles). Th...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)The Illinois small estate affidavit has no waiting period and a streamlined procedure, and many estates finish in a few weeks.Illinois Small Estate Affidavit Limit: $150,000 and No Waiting Period (2026)Illinois estates with personal property of $150,000 or less (not counting registered vehicles) can use the small estate affidavit procedure, with no mandator...Illinois Small Estate Affidavit: Step-by-Step (2026)Illinois's small estate affidavit is a short process: prepare the affidavit, sign it under oath, and deliver it to the institutions holding assets. There is...