HelpPlanIt

Estate Planning & Settlement Guides

Practical, plain-language guides written for families who are dealing with a loss or planning ahead. No legal jargon, no upselling — just the information you need at each step.

After a loss

What to Do When a Parent Dies: A Step-by-Step Checklist

The first days after losing a parent bring immediate decisions — some that need to happen within hours. This guide covers the first 24 hours, the first week, the first month, and what to expect in the year that follows.

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Estate administration

How to Settle an Estate: A Complete Guide

What an estate is, how probate works, what an executor actually does, common mistakes families make, and how long the process takes. Includes New Mexico-specific information on informal probate and the simplified affidavit procedure.

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Inherited property

How to Sell an Inherited House: What You Need to Know

Selling a home that came through an estate involves probate, title issues, and tax considerations that a standard home sale does not. This guide covers each step — from getting clear title to closing — and how to decide between selling as-is or making repairs.

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