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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The US grieves 2.4m people each year. Let’s talk about it.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dead, Died, Dying: Why I Avoid Using the Phrase “Passed Away”.
“Passed away” may sound gentler, but it can distance us from the reality of death. This piece explores why language matters, how euphemisms shape fear and avoidance, and why saying “died” can be an act of honesty, care, and connection.
Why Estate Planning Matters Even More for LGBTQ+ Families
For LGBTQ+ families, dying without a will can mean the wrong people inherit and the right ones are left out. This guide explains how intestacy laws work, why chosen family isn’t protected, and how estate planning ensures your partner, kids, and community are legally recognized.
Letters Testamentary vs. Death Certificate: What’s the Difference?
Death certificates and letters testamentary serve very different roles after someone dies. This guide explains what each document does, when you need them, and why both are essential for managing an estate during probate.
A Complete Guide to Death Certificates
Death certificates are the key document that unlocks everything after someone dies—from probate and bank accounts to insurance claims and title transfers. This guide explains what they are, how to request certified copies, how many you’ll need, common delays, and how to stay organized.
Executor Tax Checklist: What Expenses Are Deductible After Death
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 the table during probate.
Executor Duties: Asset Collection and Probate
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 during probate.
What is the difference between an Administrator and Executor?
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 managing an estate.
The End Well Conference 2025: Why Death Care's Biggest Gathering Signals a Policy Revolution
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 end-of-life access.
Digital Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Declutter Your Online Life
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 organized and easy for loved ones to manage.
The Hidden Cost of “Stuff” After Someone Dies: Estate Clean-Out, Family Conflict, and What to Do About It.
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,” why families fight over it, and how to plan ahead so your loved ones don’t inherit a mess.
The Future of Deathcare: Key Takeaways from the Chicago Summit 2025
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 digital systems to the growing demand for transparency, the event revealed an industry on the edge of transformation—and why collaboration, education, and trust will define what comes next.
Executor FAQ: Duties, Probate, and What You Need to Know
Being named executor can feel like a big job — and it is. This guide breaks down what executors actually do, how probate works, what expenses they handle, and how to manage the role without getting overwhelmed.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will? State Intestacy Laws Explained
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 making your own plan is the smarter move.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Body Donation
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 programs worldwide so you can make an informed decision.
After The Funeral: 9 Post Death Administration Tasks to Keep in Mind
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, subscriptions, utilities, and mail forwarding.