Guides & Resources

Practical, compassionate guides for families navigating estate planning, loss, and everything in between.

When Someone Dies

Step-by-step guides for families — what to do first, estate settlement, probate, and executor duties.

Browse 10 guides →

Planning Ahead

Checklists, document storage, choosing an executor, wills vs trusts, and more.

Browse 10 guides →

Legacy & Family

Obituaries, eulogies, legacy messages, ethical wills, and family conversations.

Browse 7 guides →

Life Stages

Estate planning for new parents, your 40s-60s, aging parents, divorce, and blended families.

Browse 8 guides →

Documents & Veterans

DD-214 guides, living trusts, digital assets, crypto, document storage, and veteran-specific resources.

Browse 10 guides →

When Someone Has Passed

What to Do When Someone Dies: Step-by-Step

A 5-phase checklist from the first 24 hours through closing the estate.

Read guide →

How to Write an Obituary

A compassionate guide with templates and an AI writing assistant.

Read guide →

Planning Ahead

Estate Planning in Your 50s

The complete checklist — documents, finances, family conversations, and tax planning.

Read guide →

How to Plan Your Estate

A comprehensive overview of estate planning fundamentals.

Read guide →

State-Specific Resources

Executor Checklist for California

California-specific probate guide with timelines and requirements.

Read guide →

Probate Guide by State

State-by-state probate requirements, timelines, and costs.

Read guide →

Veterans

What Is a DD-214 — And Why Your Family Needs to Know Where It Is

The DD-214 is required for veteran burial benefits, military honors, and VA survivor benefits. A complete guide with a replacement request tool.

Read guide →

Specialized Topics

Medical Aid in Dying

Understanding end-of-life options and legal frameworks.

Read guide →

Transporting a Loved One Across State Lines

Practical guide to interstate transportation requirements.

Read guide →

Get new guides delivered to your inbox

We publish new guides on estate planning, executor responsibilities, and family preparedness. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

The Estate Reality Series

Three honest guides about what actually happens when someone dies, what families get wrong, and what you can do today.

Read the blog →

Ready to organize your estate?

EmberKeep helps families prepare a secure vault of accounts, documents, and wishes — so the people you love have what they need, when they need it.

Start your plan today