EstateHome › Handle an estate after a death: a state-by-state path
Handle an estate after a death
How this worksPick the state where the person lived. Then follow the steps in order: death certificates, the will, whether probate is needed, the right county court, creditors, and closing the estate. Each step links to the official statute or court page.
Choose the state where the person lived
The steps
- Order certified death certificates.
- Find the original will and check the state’s filing deadline.
- Decide whether probate is needed or a small-estate shortcut applies.
- Find the probate court for the county where the person lived.
- Get appointed, then handle creditors, the inventory and taxes.
- Distribute and close the estate.
Printable lists: New Hampshire executor checklist · California executor checklist · Texas executor checklist · Florida executor checklist · Ohio executor checklist. Planning ahead instead? Plan an estate.
When to get professional help
This site gives general legal information, not legal advice. Consider talking to a licensed attorney in the state if:
- someone may contest the will, or family members disagree;
- the estate owns a business, out-of-state real estate, or may owe estate tax;
- debts may be larger than the assets;
- you are unsure whether a deadline applies to you, or one may already have passed.
Many state and local bar associations run lawyer referral services; your probate court’s self-help page may list them.