Post-death logistics

Handling the utility bills after someone passes away is another task that many families need to take care of, but may not know how best to handle. Here's what to know about notifying utilities companies after death, changing the name on utility bills after a death, and other information on what to d

There are many logistics that loved ones need to follow up on after a death has occurred, a major one being the handling of the deceased's estate and debts. This can get even more complicated if the deceased had no estate or there isn't any great paper trail regarding their finances. How do you know

Raising money for charity is one of the ways many families choose to honor and strengthen their loved one's legacy after they've passed away. While it's a popular way to honor someone's memory, knowing the best way to go about raising money for charity can be confusing -- especially if you've never

Losing a loved one is always difficult; knowing how to honor the legacy of someone who passed away can also bring its own difficulty. Should you volunteer your time? Should you honor them by making a donation to a cause they supported? Should you host annual events in their memory? There’s no one ri

Donating to a charity in memory of someone is a great way of honoring the person who has passed on and an excellent way of recognizing their contributions. The best charities are often those that have a personal connection, so you should try to find something that would be meaningful to the person w

If you are looking to clear out your loved one’s belongings after they’ve passed, then an estate sale is the perfect option. You can quickly take care of all those items that have been sitting around for years and make some serious cash in the process. It might sound like a lot of work, but it reall

If you’ve recently paid for a funeral, you may be wondering whether or not you’re eligible for a funeral expenses tax deduction. While a tax deduction could be helpful (especially given the enormous cost of funerals), it i

Getting a copy of a will after a death is an unfamiliar experience to most people. Families may not be certain if their loved one had a will, relatives aren’t sure if they’ve been named, and many are unaware that the probate process can take years to complete. The good news is, finding a will isn’t

Many families find themselves needing to ship the ashes of their loved ones either domestically or internationally, but it’s not as easy as putting the ashes in a box and sending them on their way. There are necessary rules and regulations to follow in almost all transportation situations, so it’s i

Families who have lost someone overseas or have loved ones who want their ashes spread internationally or domestically often face confusion surrounding international and domestic shipping regulations and rules. If you’re traveling with ashes internationally or are responsible for transporting human

If you’re considering burying an urn, you should make sure that you’re burying the urn deep enough that it’ll remain secure and intact over the foreseeable future. Many cemeteries have their own guidelines when it comes to urn burials, but if you’re burying an urn on your own it’s good to know what

Life insurance policies, alongside other death benefits, can mean a huge relief for many families, especially if they’re burdened with financial responsibilities after someone passes away. While lif

The executor of an estate is the named party in the will that’s responsible for settling the estate of the deceased. If they’re not named in the will, or there is no last will or testament, the court will appoint an executor (also known as an administrator) to fulfill the duties and distribute the a

If you’re starting to think about what should happen to your assets after you pass, that’s a great step to be taking. However, you’re not alone if you’re feeling confused about the options. What’s a will? What’s a trust? Do they accomplish the same thing? If you’re trying to decide whether to create

Death benefits can be a massive help to families who are struggling after losing someone, especially if they were dependent on the deceased. Whether you are a spouse, parent, grandkid, child, or stepchild, you may be eligible for benefits. Some forms of Social Security survivor benefits are paid out