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 readAll resources
Pillar guide · 30 articles
Estate & paperwork
Wills, trusts, probate, and the paperwork that follows.
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 readTransfer-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 readAdvance 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 readBeneficiary 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 readWhat 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 readExecutor 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 readHow 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 readHow 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 readWhat 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 readSpecial 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 readWhat 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 readWhat 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 readWhat 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 readWhat 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 readWhat 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 readWhat 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 readWhat 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 readWhat 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 readWill 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 readAdvance 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 readHow 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 readHow 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 readWhat 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 readHow 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 readPower 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 readHow 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 readWhat 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 readHow 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 readDo 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