A few things worth knowing, whenever you're ready for them.

The practical side of loss — deeds, titles, accounts, the house — rarely comes with instructions, and it shouldn't add to what you're already carrying. I put this together so you have somewhere clear to start. Come back to it whenever. Nothing here needs to happen today.

0 of 15 doneYOUR PACE, NOT A DEADLINE

DAYS 1–3 Right Now

Nothing below has to be decided. Just done, when you can.

Order 10–15 certified copies of the death certificate. You'll need one for nearly every account, deed, and title transfer ahead.

Secure the home — change locks if needed, hold the mail, arrange for pets or plants.

Look for a will — check a safe, desk drawers, a safety deposit box, or their attorney's office.

Don't sign anything or make big financial decisions yet. Nothing this week requires it.

DAYS 4–10 This Week

Mostly phone calls. Mostly protective, not final.

Notify the mortgage company and homeowners insurance. This keeps the house's coverage active and protects it from lapsing while things get sorted.

Notify the bank and other account holders. Some accounts freeze automatically; others need this call to stay in good standing.

Find the vehicle title and check for a co-owner or transfer-on-death listing.

Make a simple list of everything with real value — home, vehicles, land, jewelry, heirlooms. No exact values needed yet.

WEEKS 2–4 This Month

This is where an estate is protected — or where it starts slipping into a slower, costlier court process.

Find out if the estate has to go through probate court. This depends on how assets were titled, not just the size of the estate — and it varies by state.

Check how the real estate deed is titled. A Transfer on Death or Lady Bird deed, where available, can let a house pass without probate entirely.

Get a written appraisal for jewelry or heirlooms of real value. It protects everyone if the estate is ever questioned later.

Start one folder — physical or digital — for every deed, title, statement, and appraisal. Almost everyone wishes they'd started this sooner.

WHEN READY No Rush On These

These decisions can wait until you actually feel ready to make them.

Decide what happens to the house — keep it, sell it, or transfer it between heirs.

If probate is required, get guidance early. Early guidance is almost always calmer and less costly than guidance sought under a court deadline.

Talk it through with someone who does this daily — not to be sold anything, just so nothing slips through the cracks.

Quick Reference

By what they left behind

Tap any category for the two or three things that matter most, specific to that asset.

The House / Real Estate

Confirm how the deed is titled — it determines whether probate is required at all
Keep insurance and mortgage payments current, even while things are sorted out
Don't list it for sale until you know who legally has authority to sell

The Vehicle

Check the title for a co-owner or transfer-on-death listing
Keep insurance active even if it isn't being driven
Most states have a simplified transfer process for vehicles — no full probate needed

Jewelry & Family Heirlooms

Photograph and list every piece before anything is moved or divided
Get a written appraisal for anything of real value
Store it somewhere secure — not left inside an empty house

Bank & Financial Accounts

Notify each institution directly — don't wait for them to find out
Ask whether the account has a payable-on-death beneficiary listed
Don't withdraw funds from an account you aren't a legal signer on

You don't have to untangle this alone.

If anything here raises a question — about the house, the deed, whether probate even applies to you — you already know how to reach me. No pressure, and no obligation. This was just worth sending along.

Sincerely, Lennie

Heir & Now — Inherited Property Made Simple