The HeirPortal Blog

Guides and insights for estate executors and families navigating the probate process.

Showing 9 of 43 articles

Financial & Tax

How to File a Life Insurance Claim After Death: Complete Guide

Step-by-step guide to filing life insurance claims after a loved one dies. What you need, common delays, and how to handle multiple policies.

March 23, 2026

13 min read

Read

Financial & Tax

Social Security After Death: Survivor Benefits Explained

What happens to Social Security when someone dies? Learn about survivor benefits, the lump-sum death payment, and what executors and families need to do.

March 23, 2026

12 min read

Read

Financial & Tax

Veterans Benefits After Death: What Families Need to Know

When a veteran dies, their family may qualify for burial benefits, survivor pensions, and more. Here's what's available and how to apply.

March 23, 2026

13 min read

Read

Financial & Tax

When Beneficiary Designations Contradict the Will

Beneficiary designations on 401ks, life insurance, and bank accounts trump the will. Learn what executors can do when these designations conflict.

March 22, 2026

13 min read

Read

Financial & Tax

How to Deal With Banks After a Loved One Dies

A practical guide for executors navigating banks after a death — what documents you need, how the process works, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

March 22, 2026

15 min read

Read

Financial & Tax

Inherited Property: Taxes, Costs, and Pitfalls

Learn the tax implications of inherited property, hidden costs of keeping it, commingling risks, and how to decide whether to sell or hold.

March 22, 2026

15 min read

Read

Financial & Tax

What Happens to Debt When Someone Dies?

Are you personally responsible for a deceased person's debts? Learn what the estate owes, the creditor payment order, and how to avoid liability.

February 28, 2026

12 min read

Read

Financial & Tax

Can an Executor Get Paid? What You Need to Know

Yes, executors can get paid. Learn how executor compensation works, what your state allows, tax implications, and how to claim your fee.

February 28, 2026

11 min read

Read

Financial & Tax

Selling Your Parent's Home After Death: An Executor's Guide

A practical guide for executors selling a parent's home through probate, from court authorization to closing day and managing family emotions.

February 28, 2026

12 min read

Read

Get executor tips in your inbox

Weekly guidance for navigating the probate process. Unsubscribe anytime.

Ready to simplify estate communication?

Keep your family informed throughout probate — without the endless phone calls. Start your free 14-day trial today.

Start Free Trial