Last Writes: A Blog About Death and Grief

"Last Writes" is Good Grief’s blog dedicated to navigating death, grief, and everything in between — offering candid conversations, practical advice, and reflections to help people face loss with a little more clarity and a little less fear.

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We grieves 3.4m people each year. Let’s talk about it.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

I Just Got Named Executor - Now What?

Someone you love just died. And now you've inherited 570 hours of admin across 12+ institutions that don't talk to each other. Here's what to do first, what can wait, and how to survive it.

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Laura Pérez Cordero Laura Pérez Cordero

How Good Grief Helps Texas Families in the First Month After a Death

When someone dies in Texas, families face an overwhelming wave of financial and administrative tasks, from filing for probate to closing accounts across 12+ institutions. Good Grief walks you through what to do in the critical first 30 days so nothing falls through the cracks.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

AI & Emerging Tech in the Death Space

The digital afterlife industry is valued at $125 billion. Millions of people are talking to AI recreations of the dead. This is happening whether we're ready or not — here's what you need to know.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Best Memorialization & Legacy Keepsake Tools

After the logistics comes the longing. Here are the most beautiful and meaningful ways to honor someone, from turning ashes into diamonds to letting future generations hear their voice.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Best Probate & Legal Navigation Tools

Most people have never heard the word "probate" until they're in the middle of it. Here are the best tools to help executors navigate the legal maze, and know when to call a lawyer.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Best Account & Asset Discovery Tools

The average person has over 100 online accounts. When someone dies, finding them all is a detective mission. Here are the best tools, and which ones you can use right now, before it's too late.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

All Types of Cremation Demystified

Cremation isn’t one-size-fits-all. This guide breaks down the different types of cremation—on-site, off-site, witness cremation, and water cremation—so families understand what their options really mean for cost, timing, and transparency.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Shipping Human Remains

Shipping a body isn’t something families are prepared for—yet it happens more often than you think. This guide breaks down how human remains are transported by plane, the legal requirements, who handles it, and what it actually costs, so you’re not left figuring it out in a moment of grief.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

What We Learned About Flying with Cremated Remains

Traveling with cremated remains can feel overwhelming, especially at the airport. This guide explains TSA rules, approved containers, carry-on tips, and what to expect—so you can focus on honoring your loved one, not navigating confusion.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Did You Know You Could Be Buried at Sea?

Burial at sea isn’t just a myth or a Viking fantasy—it’s a real, legal option in the U.S. This guide explains how sea burials work today, the EPA rules involved, state-by-state challenges, typical costs, and why advance planning is essential.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Estate EIN: Why Every Executor Needs One

When someone dies, their Social Security number is retired—but the estate still needs a tax ID to function. This guide explains what an estate EIN is, when it’s required, how to apply, and how executors should use it during probate.

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