Reference
End-of-life planning glossary: 50 terms every family should know
Plain-English definitions of 50 key end-of-life planning terms — from advance directive and probate to intestate succession and POLST.
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Complete Guide
What happens to your assets when you die? A complete guide by asset type
What happens to your home, retirement accounts, bank accounts, life insurance, and debts when you die depends on how each is titled and whether you have named beneficiaries. This guide covers every major asset type.
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Funeral planning
Cost breakdowns, service types, and how to compare providers without feeling overwhelmed.
Legal & estate
Wills, probate, power of attorney — plain-language guides that don't require a law degree.
Grief & support
Resources for processing loss and helping the people around you do the same.
Finances
What to do with accounts, debts, and assets — a practical walkthrough for executors and families.
Documents
Which records to gather, where to find them, and how to keep them organized.
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Guides written for funeral homes, attorneys, and other professionals working with families in transition.
Getting started
Not sure where to begin? These guides walk you through the first steps of building your plan.
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Guide
Legal & documents
Death certificate in Illinois: copies, costs, and what they're for
How to get a certified death certificate in Illinois: who can request one, county clerk vs. state vital records, typical copy counts, and processing times.
7 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
What is a document vault and why your family needs one
A document vault keeps your will, directives, and account records secure and findable. Learn what belongs in one and how to set it up before your family needs it.
7 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
Georgia end-of-life planning guide: probate, advance directives, and what families need to know
A Georgia-specific guide to probate, will validity, year's support, trusts, advance directives, and power of attorney rules under Georgia law for families.
9 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
Ohio end-of-life planning guide: probate, advance directives, and what families need to know
Ohio guide to probate, wills, trusts, and advance directives: the county Probate Court, will requirements, power of attorney, and Ohio's two-document system.
10 min read
Article
Platform comparisons
Passings vs Trustworthy: How Passings Compares for End-of-Life Planning
Comparing Passings and Trustworthy for end-of-life planning? See how they differ on document storage, estate planning depth, provider access, and pricing.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
Payable-on-death accounts: the easiest way to pass assets
A payable-on-death (POD) designation lets a bank account or CD pass directly to your beneficiary, skipping probate entirely and overriding what your will says.
7 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
Pennsylvania end-of-life planning guide: probate, advance directives, and what families need to know
A Pennsylvania guide to probate, wills, trusts, and advance directives, covering the Register of Wills, Orphans' Court, and the Health Care Decisions Act.
9 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
Transfer-on-death deed: how to pass real estate without probate
A transfer-on-death deed lets you name a beneficiary for real estate that transfers automatically at death, bypassing probate. Here's how it works, and its limits.
7 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
Independent living vs. assisted living vs. memory care: understanding your options
A clear guide to the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and CCRCs — what each provides, who it's for, and how to know when it's time for each level of care.
10 min read
Checklist
Checklists
What to do when someone dies in Chicago: immediate steps and Cook County process
A Chicago checklist for what to do when someone dies: when the Cook County Medical Examiner is involved, how to order certificates, and where to file probate.
8 min read
Checklist
Checklists
What to do when someone dies in Illinois: the first 14 days
An Illinois-specific checklist for the first 14 days after a death: county clerk death certificates, notifying Social Security, and the small estate affidavit.
8 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Buddhist funeral planning: customs, traditions, and what to expect
A guide to planning a Buddhist funeral: the emphasis on a peaceful death, chanting and merit-making, the role of monks, cremation, and the 49-day observance — with notes on how customs differ across Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan, Zen, and Pure Land traditions.
9 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Eastern Orthodox funeral planning: rites, traditions, and what to expect
A guide to planning an Eastern Orthodox funeral: the Trisagion and vigil, the funeral service, the open casket, the prohibition on cremation, the memorial services, and the 40-day mourning period — with notes on Greek, Russian, and other traditions.
9 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Hindu funeral planning: rites, cremation, and what to expect
A guide to planning a Hindu funeral: the antyesti last rites, the role of the chief mourner, the prompt cremation, the immersion of ashes, and the shraddha mourning period — with notes on how customs vary by region and community.
9 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Islamic funeral planning: Muslim burial rites and what to expect
A guide to planning a Muslim funeral: the timeline, ghusl (washing), kafan (shrouding), Salat al-Janazah (the funeral prayer), burial facing the Qibla, the rules on cremation and embalming, and the mourning period — with notes on how customs vary.
9 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Jewish funeral planning: customs, timeline, and what to expect
A guide to planning a Jewish funeral: the timeline, tahara and the chevra kadisha, the kosher casket, the graveside service, k'riah, and the mourning periods of shiva, shloshim, and the first year — plus how customs differ across movements.
9 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Latter-day Saint (LDS) funeral planning: services and what to expect
A guide to planning a Latter-day Saint funeral: the role of the bishop and ward, the funeral service in the meetinghouse, temple burial clothing, the dedication of the grave, and how the Relief Society supports the family.
8 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Protestant funeral planning: services, traditions, and what to expect
A guide to planning a Protestant funeral: the visitation, the funeral service, scripture and hymns, the eulogy, the committal, and how customs differ across Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and non-denominational churches.
9 min read
Article
Grief & loss
Bereavement coordinator: what they do and how to work with one
A bereavement coordinator is part of every hospice team, but most families don't know what they do or how to use them. This guide explains their role, when to reach out, and what they can help with.
7 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
End-of-life documents every hospice family needs
When a family member enters hospice, certain documents become immediately important -- and others need to be created quickly if they don't exist. This guide covers which ones matter and what to do if you don't have them.
8 min read
Article
Grief & loss
What hospice families wish they'd known: planning while caregiving
Families who have been through hospice share the same handful of things they wish they had known earlier. This guide collects those lessons -- on asking for help, on using the hospice team fully, and on the planning that is easier to do before the death than after.
8 min read
Article
Grief & loss
How to be a caregiver without losing yourself
Caregiver burnout during a parent's terminal illness or hospice is common and serious. This guide explains the signs, what actually helps, and where to find support before you hit a wall.
8 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
How to prepare when a parent enters hospice care: a practical family guide
When a parent enters hospice, the first 72 hours involve decisions most families have never faced. This guide covers what to expect, who shows up, what paperwork is needed, and how to divide responsibilities.
9 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
How to talk to a dying parent about their wishes: a gentle guide
Starting a conversation with a dying parent about their final wishes is one of the hardest things a family faces. This guide covers how to open the conversation, what to ask, and how to make sure what you hear gets documented.
8 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
Planning during hospice: a family guide
Hospice is both a care period and a planning window. This guide covers the practical and legal tasks families can complete during hospice to reduce the weight that falls on everyone after the death.
9 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
What to do in the last weeks of life: a family guide
The last weeks of life bring physical changes, practical decisions, and emotional weight most families have never navigated. This guide explains what to expect and what to do, in the order things typically happen.
10 min read
Article
Grief & loss
What to expect during hospice care (and what to prepare)
What does hospice actually look like, day to day? This guide answers the questions families most often ask: who shows up, how often, what the medical goals are, and what family members need to do.
9 min read
Article
Grief & loss
When to call hospice: five signs it's time
Most families call hospice later than they should. These five signs indicate it may be time to have the conversation with a doctor -- and what to expect when you do.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
Advance directive template: how to document your end-of-life wishes
An advance directive documents your medical wishes so doctors and family know what you want if you can't speak for yourself. This guide walks you through exactly what to include — and where to get or create your state's form.
8 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
Anticipatory grief: grieving someone who is still alive
Anticipatory grief is the mourning that happens before a loss -- when someone you love has a terminal diagnosis or is in serious decline. It's real grief, and it's more common than most people realize.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
Beneficiary designations: why they override your will and how to get them right
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank accounts pass directly to the person named — bypassing your will entirely. Getting them wrong is one of the most common and expensive estate planning mistakes.
8 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
California end-of-life planning guide: probate, advance directives, and what families need to know
California-specific guide covering POLST, the California Advance Health Care Directive, probate thresholds, and what makes a will valid — including California's unique holographic will recognition.
9 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
Complicated grief: when grief doesn't ease over time
Most people gradually adapt after a major loss. Complicated grief -- now recognized in the DSM-5 as Prolonged Grief Disorder -- is different. Here's what it is, who's at risk, and how it's treated.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What happens if you die without a will? Intestate succession explained
If you die without a will, your state's intestacy laws decide who gets everything — and the result often surprises families. Unmarried partners, stepchildren, and close friends receive nothing by default under most state laws.
8 min read
About
Pre-planning
How Passings creates and reviews its end-of-life planning content
Passings publishes guides on funeral planning, estate law, grief, and advance care. This page explains how we research, write, and review our content — and how we approach accuracy on sensitive legal and medical topics.
4 min read
Reference
Pre-planning
End-of-life planning glossary: 50 terms every family should know
Plain-English definitions of 50 key end-of-life planning terms — from advance directive and probate to intestate succession and POLST.
10 min read
Checklist
Pre-planning
End-of-life planning checklist 2026: everything to do before you need to
A complete end-of-life planning checklist covering every document, decision, and conversation — organized by priority so you can start with the most important items and build from there.
9 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
End-of-life planning: where to start and what to do
End-of-life planning means making your wishes clear and getting key documents in place before they're urgently needed. This guide covers every area — legal documents, finances, funeral wishes, and what to leave behind for the people you care about.
10 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
Executor responsibilities: what you're agreeing to when you say yes
Being named an executor is an honor — and a real job. This guide covers every executor responsibility, the timeline to expect, and what happens when things get complicated.
8 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
Florida end-of-life planning guide: probate, advance directives, and what families need to know
Florida-specific guide covering the Florida Probate Code, homestead rules, advance directive requirements, and why revocable trusts are so common in Florida.
9 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
How long does grief last? What the research actually says
Grief has no fixed timeline. Research shows most people adapt within 1-2 years after a major loss, but the grief doesn't disappear -- it changes. Here's what the evidence says about grief's duration and what shapes it.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
How long does probate take? A state-by-state guide
Probate typically takes 6–18 months for a straightforward estate. Complex estates with disputes, creditor claims, or real estate in multiple states can take 2–3 years. Here's what drives the timeline — and a state-by-state breakdown.
9 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
How to plan a funeral: a step-by-step guide
Step-by-step guide to planning a funeral — from the first 24 hours to the day of the service — including what to decide, what it costs, and how to coordinate with a funeral home.
8 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
How to support someone who is grieving: a practical guide
Supporting a grieving person isn't about finding the right words -- it's about showing up consistently. This guide covers what actually helps, what to avoid, and how to keep supporting someone weeks and months after the loss.
7 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
How to write a eulogy: a guide for people who aren't writers
A eulogy doesn't need to be perfect — it needs to be true. This guide walks you through writing one from scratch: what to include, how long it should be, how to find the right stories, and how to get through it on the day.
8 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
How to write a will: a plain-English guide for every adult
Writing a will doesn't require a lawyer in most states. This guide explains what a valid will must include, how to write one yourself, when to hire an attorney, and how to make sure it holds up.
9 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
Illinois end-of-life planning guide: probate, advance directives, and what families need to know
Illinois-specific guide to wills, probate, advance directives, and power of attorney — including which court handles probate, what makes a will valid in Illinois, and the state's Healthcare Surrogate Act.
9 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
New York end-of-life planning guide: probate, advance directives, and what families need to know
New York-specific guide covering New York's Surrogate's Court, the MOLST form, Health Care Proxy, and the state's estate tax cliff — one of the most important planning factors for New Yorkers.
9 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
Palliative care vs. hospice: what's the difference?
The key difference between palliative care and hospice — who qualifies, what's provided, how they're paid for, and when each is appropriate.
8 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
Pet loss grief: why it's real and how to get through it
Grief over a pet's death is genuine and can be as intense as grief over a human loss. Here's why the pain is real, why it's often dismissed, and how to navigate it.
6 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What happens to Social Security when someone dies?
Social Security payments stop at death — any payment received for the month of death must be returned. But survivors may be entitled to a one-time $255 death benefit and ongoing monthly survivor benefits.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
Special needs trust: how to protect a disabled beneficiary's inheritance
A special needs trust (SNT) lets you leave money to a person with disabilities without disqualifying them from Medicaid or SSI. Without one, an inheritance over $2,000 can eliminate their government benefits entirely.
8 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
Texas end-of-life planning guide: probate, advance directives, and what families need to know
Texas-specific guide covering the Texas Advance Directive Act, Directive to Physicians, Medical Power of Attorney, and Texas's streamlined Muniment of Title probate process.
9 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What happens to a 401(k) when someone dies?
A 401(k) passes to the named beneficiary — not through the will. This guide explains how inherited 401(k)s work, what spouses vs. non-spouses can do, and the 10-year rule for inherited accounts.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What happens to your assets when you die? A complete guide by asset type
What happens to your home, retirement accounts, bank accounts, life insurance, and debts when you die depends on how each is titled and whether you have named beneficiaries. This guide covers every major asset type.
12 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What happens to credit cards when someone dies?
When someone dies, their individual credit card debt becomes a claim against the estate — not against surviving family members. Joint account holders are an exception. Here's what executors and families need to know.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What happens to a house when the owner dies?
What happens to a house after someone dies depends entirely on how it was owned — jointly, solely, or through a trust. This guide covers every scenario and what heirs need to do.
8 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What happens to a mortgage when the homeowner dies?
A mortgage doesn't disappear when someone dies — payments must continue. This guide explains who is responsible, what lenders require, and the options for surviving family members.
7 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
What is a celebration of life? How it differs from a funeral — and how to plan one
A celebration of life is a memorial gathering focused on honoring who someone was rather than mourning their death. It can happen days, weeks, or months after death — wherever and however the family chooses.
8 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
What is a death doula? How end-of-life doulas support families
A death doula (also called an end-of-life doula or death midwife) provides non-medical support to dying people and their families — helping with emotional preparation, legacy projects, and the practical realities of dying at home.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What is a DNR order? What patients and families need to know
A DNR (Do-Not-Resuscitate) order instructs medical staff not to perform CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing. It's a medical order signed by a physician — not a general end-of-life directive.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What is a POLST form? Who needs one and how to get it
A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a medical order for people who are seriously ill or elderly. Unlike an advance directive — which documents your wishes — a POLST translates those wishes into immediate medical orders that travel with you.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What is a revocable living trust — and do you need one?
A revocable living trust holds your assets during your lifetime and distributes them to beneficiaries after you die — without going through probate. You can change or revoke it at any time, which is what makes it 'revocable.'
8 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Aquamation (water cremation): what it is, what it costs, and how to arrange it
Aquamation — also called water cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, or flameless cremation — dissolves the body using water and an alkaline solution instead of flame. It's more eco-friendly than fire cremation and is now available in over 20 states.
7 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
What is hospice care? A plain-English guide for families
A plain-English explanation of hospice care — eligibility, what's included, how it's paid for, and how to decide if it's right for your loved one.
8 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
What to say to someone who lost a loved one: honest guidance for every situation
The right words after a loss are simpler than most people think. This guide covers what to say — and what not to say — in person, in a card, by text, and at a funeral.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
Will vs. trust: which one do you actually need?
A will and a trust both distribute your assets after death, but they work very differently. A will goes through probate; a trust doesn't. For most people, the right answer is both — but understanding the difference helps you decide where to focus.
8 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
What to look for in a grave care and maintenance provider
How to find the best grave care and maintenance provider — what services to expect, questions to ask, how to vet quality, and what photo documentation and ongoing care plans should look like.
4 min read
Planning Guide
Provider guides
Types of grave markers and headstones: a complete guide
A complete guide to every type of grave marker and headstone — materials, styles, what cemeteries allow, and what to verify before you purchase.
6 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Catholic funeral planning: the Rite of Christian Burial explained
A guide to planning a Catholic funeral: the three Rites (Vigil, Funeral Mass, Committal), what the Church requires, cremation rules, music and readings, working with a parish, and a planning checklist.
9 min read
Checklist
Funeral planning
Cremation planning checklist: steps, decisions, and what to prepare
A step-by-step cremation planning checklist: authorization requirements, decisions you need to make, how to choose a provider, what to expect during the process, and all options for the ashes.
7 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Funeral etiquette guide: what to wear, say, and do at a service
A practical guide to funeral etiquette: what to wear, what to say to the family, how to behave at different types of services, whether to bring flowers or food, and how to support people who are grieving.
7 min read
Template
Funeral planning
Funeral planning worksheet: a printable template for families
A printable funeral planning worksheet covering every decision families need to make — from service type and burial preferences to obituary details, readings, music, and key contacts.
6 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Funeral planning timeline: day 1, week 1, and month 1 after a death
A day-by-day and week-by-week funeral planning timeline — what needs to happen immediately after a death, what can wait until week one, and what the first month of estate administration looks like.
8 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Green burial guide: natural burial options, costs, and how to arrange one
A practical guide to green and natural burial: what it is, how it differs from conventional burial, what natural burial costs, how to find a certified cemetery, and what families need to know to arrange one.
8 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
Understanding aquamation: what families should know
How to find the best aquamation provider — what to look for when choosing alkaline hydrolysis, questions to ask about the process, urn sizing, and how to pick a licensed water cremation service.
4 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
What to know about body transportation services
How to find the best body transportation service — what to look for when choosing a provider, how to pick a licensed remains transport company for interstate or international situations, and what to expect.
4 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
What to look for when buying a casket or urn
How to buy the best casket or urn — what to look for when choosing a local retailer, how to pick the right casket or urn, your FTC Funeral Rule rights, and what to watch for when making arrangements.
4 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
Buying a casket or urn online: your rights and options
How to buy the best casket online — what to look for when choosing an online retailer, how to pick the right urn or casket, your legal rights, and how to coordinate delivery with a funeral home.
4 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
What to look for when choosing a cemetery
How to find the best cemetery for your family — what to look for when choosing a burial ground, how to pick the right plot, questions to ask about pricing and rules, and what to watch for.
4 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
What to look for when choosing a cremation provider
How to find the best cremation provider — what to look for when choosing a cremation service, questions to ask about identification and pricing, and your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule.
4 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
What to look for when choosing a funeral home
How to find the best funeral home for your family — what to look for when choosing, key questions to ask, red flags to avoid, and how to use your FTC Funeral Rule rights to make a confident decision.
4 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
What to look for when choosing a green burial provider
How to find the best green burial provider — what to look for when choosing a natural burial cemetery, how to pick a GBC-certified site, and questions to ask about conservation and land protection.
4 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
Buying a headstone online: what to know
How to buy the best headstone online — what to look for when choosing an online monument retailer, how to pick the best grave marker, cemetery approval requirements, shipping, and proof review.
4 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
What to look for when choosing a monument company
How to find the best monument company — what to look for when choosing a headstone or grave marker, how to pick the best monument, questions to ask about materials and installation, and what to watch for.
4 min read
Provider Guide
Provider guides
Understanding human composting: what families should know
How to find the best human composting provider — what to look for when choosing natural organic reduction, which states allow it, how to pick a licensed NOR service, and what the process involves.
4 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
Advance directive vs. living will: what's the difference?
Understand the difference between an advance directive and a living will — what each covers, how they work together, and what to include to make your wishes clear.
6 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
How to cancel subscriptions after someone dies
Learn how to cancel subscriptions after a death — what accounts to look for, what documents you'll need, and how to stop recurring charges before they accumulate.
5 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
How to close a bank account after someone dies
Learn how to close a bank account after a death — what documents banks require, how joint accounts differ, and how to handle automatic payments and direct deposits.
6 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Average cost of a funeral in the US: what to expect
Understand the average cost of a funeral in the United States — what drives prices, burial vs. cremation costs, and how to make informed decisions about funeral expenses.
7 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
How many death certificates do you need? A practical guide
Most families need 8–12 certified death certificate copies — more than they expect. This guide covers how many to order, where to get them, and what each institution requires.
6 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
What happens to digital accounts when you die
Learn what happens to digital accounts and assets after death — email, social media, crypto, and how to prepare now so your family isn't left locked out.
7 min read
Checklist
Pre-planning
Important end-of-life documents checklist
A comprehensive end-of-life documents checklist — legal, financial, medical, and personal records to gather and organize before they're urgently needed.
7 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
End-of-life planning guide: what to do and where to start
A clear end-of-life planning guide covering medical wishes, legal documents, financial preparation, and the conversations that help your family when it matters most.
8 min read
Checklist
Pre-planning
Estate planning checklist: what to prepare and when
A comprehensive estate planning checklist covering wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, power of attorney, and documents to gather before you need them.
7 min read
Checklist
Funeral planning
Funeral planning checklist: decisions, steps, and timing
A practical funeral planning checklist covering immediate decisions, choosing a funeral home, burial vs. cremation, service planning, and what to expect at each step.
7 min read
Guide
Grief & loss
Grief support resources after a loss: where to find help
Find grief support resources after a loss — including counseling, support groups, online communities, and what to expect as you navigate bereavement.
6 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
How to write an obituary: a step-by-step guide
Learn how to write an obituary that honors a life well — what to include, how to structure it, and how to navigate word counts, tone, and publication logistics.
6 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What happens to medical debt when someone dies?
Learn what happens to medical debt after a death — who is responsible, how the estate handles it, when family members may owe, and how to negotiate or dispute bills.
6 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
How to plan a memorial service: a practical guide
Learn how to plan a memorial service — from choosing a venue and format to personalizing the program, logistics, and what to expect on the day itself.
7 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
How to notify an employer of an employee's death
Learn how to notify an employer of an employee's death — who to contact, what information to provide, and what benefits and final pay the family may be owed.
5 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
How to notify Social Security of a death
Learn how to notify Social Security of a death, stop benefit payments, and find out what survivor benefits may be available to a spouse or dependents.
5 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
Power of attorney for end of life: what it means and why it matters
Understand power of attorney for end-of-life planning — the types, when each applies, how to set one up, and why choosing the right agent matters deeply.
6 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
How probate works: a step-by-step guide for executors and families
A complete walkthrough of the probate process — from filing the will with the court to distributing assets, how long each stage takes, which assets are exempt, and what executors need to do at each step.
7 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Veteran burial benefits and assistance: a complete guide
Understand veteran burial benefits — who qualifies for burial in a national cemetery, burial allowances, military funeral honors, and how to apply for VA benefits.
7 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
How to Pre-Plan a Funeral: A Step-by-Step Guide for Every Family
Pre-planning a funeral is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family. This step-by-step guide walks you through every decision — from burial vs cremation to choosing a funeral home and recording your wishes.
11 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
What Is an Advance Directive? A Plain-English Guide for Families
An advance directive tells doctors and your family what medical care you want if you can no longer speak for yourself. This guide explains what it includes, how to write one, and why it matters even if you're young and healthy.
10 min read
Article
Platform comparisons
Best Lantern Alternative in 2026: What to Use Now That Lantern Has Shut Down
Lantern, the popular end-of-life planning platform, was shut down in 2024 after being acquired by Wellthy. Here are the best alternatives for former Lantern users, and what each one offers.
9 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
The FTC Funeral Rule: your rights and how to use them to control costs
The FTC Funeral Rule gives every American legal rights over funeral pricing. Learn what funeral homes must disclose, what you can refuse, and how to use these rights to avoid overpaying.
7 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
How to lower funeral costs: 9 strategies that actually work
Funerals in the US cost $8,300 to $15,000+. AARP research identifies specific, practical strategies families use to reduce those costs without sacrificing a meaningful farewell.
8 min read
Article
Platform comparisons
Passings vs Cake: How Passings Compares to What Cake Offered
Cake was a popular end-of-life planning platform before it shut down in 2025. See how Passings compares to Cake's original features and what's available now.
8 min read
Article
Platform comparisons
Passings vs Empathy: How Two End-of-Life Platforms Compare in 2026
Passings and Empathy both help families navigate end-of-life planning, but they work very differently. Compare features, access, pricing, and who each platform serves best.
9 min read
Article
Platform comparisons
Passings vs Everplans: Which End-of-Life Planning Platform Is Right for You?
A detailed comparison of Passings and Everplans across features, pricing, security, and ease of use. See which end-of-life planning platform offers more for families in 2026.
8 min read
Article
Platform comparisons
Passings vs GoodTrust: Comparing End-of-Life and Digital Legacy Platforms
Passings and GoodTrust take different approaches to end-of-life planning. Compare features, pricing, security, and digital legacy tools to decide which platform fits your needs.
8 min read
Article
Platform comparisons
Passings vs Lantern: How Passings Compares to What Lantern Offered
Lantern was a popular end-of-life planning platform before it was acquired and shut down. See how Passings compares to Lantern's original features and what's available now.
7 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Funeral cost statistics 2025: what Americans actually pay for burial and cremation
NFDA data shows the median funeral costs $8,300 for burial and $6,280 for cremation — but regional variation, add-ons, and hidden fees mean what families actually pay varies significantly. Here's the full data breakdown.
7 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
What to do when someone dies: the first 48 hours
When someone dies, the immediate steps are: contact a doctor or hospice nurse to certify the death, notify close family, and call a funeral home within 24 hours. You do not need to have everything figured out first. This guide walks through each decision in the order it matters — calmly and without overwhelm.
8 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
How to write an advance directive: a plain-English guide
An advance directive is a legal document recording your healthcare wishes so doctors and family know what to do if you cannot speak for yourself. This guide explains all four types — living will, healthcare proxy, DNR, and POLST — and shows exactly how to complete each one without a lawyer.
11 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
How to choose a funeral home: 10 questions to ask
Choosing a funeral home is one of the first decisions families face. The right questions to ask are: What is included in the basic service fee? Do you have a written price list? These determine whether you're receiving fair value and the right level of care.
6 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
How to get a death certificate after a death: a step-by-step family guide
A death certificate is an official document that legally records a person's death. You will need 8 to 12 certified copies for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and property transfers. This explains exactly how to obtain them and how many to order.
5 min read
Checklist
Checklists
Immediate needs checklist: the first 72 hours
A printable, step-by-step checklist of every task that needs to happen in the first three days — with clear guidance on what can safely wait.
3 min read
Article
Grief & loss
Understanding the stages of grief — and why they're not linear
Expert guidance on what grief actually feels like, how it changes over time, and when it may be time to seek additional professional support.
9 min read
Guide
Funeral planning
Cremation vs burial: costs, considerations, and how to decide
A balanced comparison of cremation and burial covering average costs, environmental impact, religious considerations, and how to honor individual wishes.
7 min read
Guide
Pre-planning
Why pre-planning your funeral is one of the kindest things you can do
Pre-planning eliminates guesswork for your family during an already difficult time. This guide explains what to decide, how to record it, and how to share it safely.
6 min read
Guide
Legal & documents
Do you have to go through probate? How to know if you can avoid it
Not every estate has to go through probate. Whether you need it depends on how assets are held. This guide explains when probate is required, when it can be avoided, and what to do in each case.
8 min read
Article
Grief & loss
How to talk to children about death: an age-by-age guide
Advice from grief specialists on explaining death to children at different ages — with sample language, what to avoid, and how to support them over time.
10 min read
About these guides
Guides for families navigating difficult moments.
Passings Editorial — for informational purposes only
These articles are written for general informational purposes and do not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or licensed professional.
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