Last Writes: A Blog About Death and Grief

Executors often miss valuable tax deductions after death. This checklist explains which expenses are deductible, where to claim them, and how Forms 1040 and 706 differ—so you don’t leave money on...

One of the first and biggest executor duties is asset collection. This step-by-step guide walks through documents, financial accounts, property, taxes, and personal items—so nothing gets missed...

Executor and administrator roles sound similar, but they’re not the same. This guide explains who appoints each role, how probate works with or without a will, and what responsibilities come with...

End Well Conference 2025 wasn’t just a gathering—it was a signal. From medical aid in dying to probate reform, policy is emerging as the next major force reshaping death care, grief support, and...

Digital clutter is the new “stuff.” This guide breaks down how to clean up your email, passwords, subscriptions, and photos using a Swedish Death Cleaning mindset—so your digital life stays...

After someone dies, grief isn’t just emotional—it’s physical. Closets, garages, and storage units overflow with memories and decisions. This guide unpacks the real cost of dealing with “stuff,”...

We spent the weekend at the Future of DeathCare Summit in Chicago—where funeral directors, cemetery operators, and tech innovators gathered to reimagine what deathcare can be. From fragmented...

Dying without a will means your state gets to decide who inherits your stuff — not you. This guide breaks down how intestacy laws work, who inherits first, what property is affected, and why...

Body donation is a powerful way to leave a legacy — advancing science, medicine, and even forensic research. This guide explains the history, donation process, eligibility, costs, and available...

The funeral isn’t the finish line. This practical checklist covers nine post-death admin tasks— from ordering enough death certificates to handling taxes, DMV transfers, insurance, credit bureaus,...

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.

Probate can be confusing, costly, and time-consuming. This FAQ breaks down what probate is, when you need it, how long it takes, and ways to avoid it—so you know what to expect and how to plan ahead.

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...

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...

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.

Learn how often to update your will and why it matters. Discover key life events that should trigger a review—and how to do it right.

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...

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.

Let’s talk about green burial options and learn more about a growing option with the company Earth.