Post Disclaimer: This blog reflects the author's personal experience with end-of-life matters and is provided in good faith for informational purposes only. While we aim to provide clear guidance on hard-to-find topics, this content is not legal advice and your use is at your own risk. Estate planning and end-of-life laws vary by location, so please consult your state's laws and seek guidance from a licensed attorney for your specific situation. We make no warranty about the accuracy or completeness of this information, which does not replace professional legal counsel. For more information, please see our full disclaimer.

A quote from Longfellow's poem, A Psalm of Life, has always resonated with me: "Up and doing."

These simple words capture the essence of what we must do when faced with one of life's most challenging moments – the loss of a parent and the daunting task of managing their affairs.

When my mother passed away, I found myself overwhelmed not just by grief but by the seemingly endless list of responsibilities that came with being an executor and personal representative.

Despite having some experience from helping manage my father's affairs earlier, I still felt lost about where to begin.

The questions seemed endless, and finding clear, practical answers proved surprisingly tricky.

That's why I created this blog.

This space isn't about legal advice or financial expertise – I'm neither an attorney nor a financial advisor.

Instead, it's about sharing real, first-hand experience as someone who has walked this path.

Every post here comes from my journey as a sole heir managing my parents' estates, combined with the research I had to do to figure things out.

My goal is simple: to provide you with a starting point, a compass when you might feel lost in unfamiliar territory.

While everyone's situation is unique, having some essential guideposts can make a difference, especially in those first few overwhelming days and weeks.

Think of this blog as a friend who's been there before – offering practical insights, sharing lessons learned, and hopefully making your journey less daunting.

While the content here focuses primarily on U.S. processes and procedures, the core experience of handling a loved one's affairs is universal.

Remember, you're not alone in this process.

Sometimes, knowing where to start can provide the comfort and certainty needed to take that first step forward – to be "up and doing."

Welcome to our community.

I hope you find the guidance you're looking for here.