Last Writes: A Blog About Death and Grief

When someone dies in Texas, families face an overwhelming wave of financial and administrative tasks, from filing for probate to closing accounts across 20+ institutions. Good Grief walks you...

When someone dies, their identity becomes a target. Scammers mine obituaries, open credit cards, and file tax returns in the deceased's name. Here's what to lock down — and when.

The digital afterlife industry is valued at $125 billion. Millions of people are talking to AI recreations of the dead. This is happening whether we're ready or not — here's what you need to know.

Everyone talks about the funeral. Nobody talks about the locksmith, the notary, or what to do with three cats and a parrot. Here's the unsexy survival guide for the hardest month of your life.

The average American home has over 300,000 items. When someone passes, every single one needs a decision. Here's how to break the cleanout into stages so it doesn't break you.

Most people have never heard the word "probate" until they're in the middle of it. Here are the best tools to help executors navigate the legal maze, and know when to call a lawyer.

The average person has over 100 online accounts. When someone dies, finding them all is a detective mission. Here are the best tools, and which ones you can use right now, before it's too late.

Not all end-of-life planning tools are built for the same person. We break down the best options — from free to $499 — so you can pick the right one for where you are right now.

The first month after a death in Texas is confusing and overwhelming. This guide walks you through what actually matters in the first 30 days—so you can avoid costly mistakes and buy time.

Cremation isn’t one-size-fits-all. This guide breaks down the different types of cremation—on-site, off-site, witness cremation, and water cremation—so families understand what their options...

Shipping a body isn’t something families are prepared for—yet it happens more often than you think. This guide breaks down how human remains are transported by plane, the legal requirements, who...

Traveling with cremated remains can feel overwhelming, especially at the airport. This guide explains TSA rules, approved containers, carry-on tips, and what to expect—so you can focus on honoring...

Burial at sea isn’t just a myth or a Viking fantasy—it’s a real, legal option in the U.S. This guide explains how sea burials work today, the EPA rules involved, state-by-state challenges, typical...

When someone dies, their Social Security number is retired—but the estate still needs a tax ID to function. This guide explains what an estate EIN is, when it’s required, how to apply, and how...

“Passed away” may sound gentler, but it can distance us from the reality of death. This piece explores why language matters, how euphemisms shape fear and avoidance, and why saying “died” can be...

For LGBTQ+ families, dying without a will can mean the wrong people inherit and the right ones are left out. This guide explains how intestacy laws work, why chosen family isn’t protected, and how...

Death certificates and letters testamentary serve very different roles after someone dies. This guide explains what each document does, when you need them, and why both are essential for managing...

Death certificates are the key document that unlocks everything after someone dies—from probate and bank accounts to insurance claims and title transfers. This guide explains what they are, how to...

Executors often miss valuable tax deductions after death. This checklist explains which expenses are deductible, where to claim them, and how Forms 1040 and 706 differ—so you don’t leave money on...