How to close email accounts after someone dies
Email is the master key to other accounts. Learn how to close an email account after a death, what Google, Microsoft, and Apple require, and why it comes last.
7 min readAll resources
Pillar guide · 14 articles
After a loss
The first steps, in the days right after a death.
What to do when someone dies in Chicago: the Cook County process
A Chicago-specific walkthrough: when the Cook County Medical Examiner takes the case, how to order certificates from the county clerk, and where probate is filed in Cook County.
8 min readWhat 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 readFuneral 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 readAfter a death: what happens on day 1, week 1, and month 1
A timeline of what actually has to happen after a death, in order: the first 24 hours, arrangements in days 2 to 7, and the estate and financial work that begins in weeks 2 to 4.
8 min readHow 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 readHow 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 readHow 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 readHow 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 readWhat 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 readVeteran survivor benefits: what a spouse gets
When a veteran dies, disability compensation stops — it does not transfer to the spouse. But a surviving spouse may qualify for DIC, Survivors Pension, health care, and education benefits. Here is what each one requires.
9 min readHow 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 readWhat 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 readImmediate 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