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.

Iceland, Black and white photo of a river flowing through a landscape with grass and rocks, and waterfalls in the distance, with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

The US grieves 2.4m people each year. Let’s talk about it.

Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

All That's Guaranteed: Death and Taxes

Handling taxes after death can feel overwhelming. This guide explains who’s responsible, which forms are required, and how to make sure final returns are filed correctly for a loved one’s estate.

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Carrie Costa Carrie Costa

How Long Does Probate Take?

Probate length depends on the estate, state laws, and whether there’s a valid will. It can wrap up in weeks or drag on for years. Here’s what impacts the timeline, the steps involved, and strategies to make probate faster—or avoid it altogether.

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Carrie Costa Carrie Costa

What Makes a Will Invalid?

A will isn’t valid just because you wrote it down. From missing signatures and wrong witnesses to vague wording and DIY errors, these mistakes can make your will unenforceable. Here are 7 common ways a will can go wrong—and how to avoid them.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Wills vs Revocable “Living” Trusts

Should you choose a will or a revocable trust? This quick guide compares time, cost, flexibility, privacy, and tax benefits to help you understand which option may be the best fit for your needs.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

The Free (or Cheapest) Ways to Get a Legal Will

End-of-life planning shouldn’t cost a fortune. We’ve compiled some of the most affordable ways to create a legal will. If you’ve been putting it off because you think it’s expensive or complicated: writing a will can be quick, affordable, and sometimes even free.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Simple Ways to Avoid Probate

Here are some of the best ways to avoid probate. Try these 4 easy estate planning moves. Learn how POD/TOD accounts, TOD deeds, and living trusts can save your family time and money.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Curious About Death Tourism?

Ever wandered through a cemetery on vacation? You’re not alone. From Paris’ catacombs to mushroom-shaped cremation towers in Thailand, death tourism is on the rise. Whether it’s curiosity, reverence, or just really good architecture, more people are seeking out sites that explore how we remember the dead—and what it says about how we live.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Build Your Estate with 4 Easy To-Do’s

Need to make an estate plan but don’t know where to start? This quick, no-fluff guide walks you through the essential steps to protect your assets, loved ones, and legacy—fast.

We’ve stripped out the legal jargon and removed all the fluff that usually makes estate planning feel like a chore. This guide is as approachable and straightforward as it gets—designed to help you get it done, not get overwhelmed.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

Legacy Planning Week 3: Where Is Everything Important?

Imagine someone has to step in for you tomorrow. Would they know where to start?

This week is about logistics. Think about where your important documents, contacts, and account passwords live. Make them findable (but still secure).

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