Estate planning &
settlement resources

After a loss, even the smallest items can feel overwhelming. At Elayne, we guide families through these moments with compassion, and respect for the deeper meaning behind each step.

Learn how to write a heartfelt obituary for your mother with examples, templates, and tips to honor her life and legacy with love and clarity.

Learn how to write a heartfelt obituary for your dad. Step-by-step guidance, examples, and tips to honor his life with love and clarity.

Explore inspirational quotes for grief that offer comfort and connection, paired with genuinely helpful words to support healing, reflection, and hope after loss.

Find comfort through a guided meditation for grief and healing after loss, designed to ease sorrow, nurture acceptance, and create space for peace in your heart.

Discover self-reflection journal prompts for grief and acceptance that gently guide you through healing, offering comfort, clarity, and space to process emotions after loss.

Understand how to get a pronouncement of death in hospitals, hospice, or at home, and why it’s a crucial first step after a loved one passes.

Elayne was born from personal loss and a broken system. We’re reimagining estate planning with clarity, compassion, and innovation—helping families feel guided, supported, and understood every step of the way

Learn what to do when someone dies at home—who to call, what steps to take next, and how to handle both expected and unexpected deaths with care.

Learn how to write a heartfelt eulogy for your dad with simple steps, personal stories, and tips to honor his life and legacy.

Learn how to become executor of estate after death, including court appointment, legal documents, and key responsibilities. Understand the process and what to consider before accepting the role.

If you’re the "Responsible One" in your family, the weight of estate planning and settlement can be overwhelming. Elayne helps lighten the load with secure organization, guided steps, and compassionate support.

Settling an estate after death involves probate, paying debts, and distributing assets. This step-by-step guide explains the process, executor duties, and ways to make it smoother.

Closing an estate usually takes 6–18 months. Learn about steps executors must complete, common delays like taxes or disputes, and how beneficiaries can manage expectations.

Wondering when beneficiaries get paid after death? Executors must first settle debts, taxes, and court requirements. Learn the steps, timelines, and common delays in estate payouts.

Do will executors get paid? In most cases, yes. Learn how executor fees work, common payment methods, tax rules, and what state laws say about fair compensation.

A will does not override beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, or POD/TOD assets. Learn why beneficiaries take precedence and how to keep your estate plan aligned.

Wondering who reads a will after death? There’s usually no dramatic group reading—executors file it with probate court, notify beneficiaries, and share copies through legal channels.

Learn how to use a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois to avoid probate for estates under $100,000. Discover eligibility, requirements, and step-by-step filing guidance.

My mom just died, what now? This step-by-step guide helps adult children navigate grief and urgent tasks after a mother’s passing, from funeral planning to settling her estate.

My dad just died, what now? This compassionate guide helps adult children with grieving, funeral planning, securing property, and settling the estate.

Funerals are usually held 3–7 days after death, but timing depends on cultural, legal, and family needs. Learn how traditions, embalming, cremation, and logistics shape when a funeral takes place.

At Elayne, two of our design principles are efficiency and empathy. Our platform simplifies estate tasks while always prioritizing clarity, trust, and compassion.

Medicare does not cover funeral costs, and Medicaid offers only limited state-based assistance. Learn about burial funds, prepaid plans, and insurance options to ease expenses.