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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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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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

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.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

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.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

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.

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Carrie Costa Carrie Costa

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.

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Emily Kyle Emily Kyle

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.

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