Free probate guidance for families who shouldn't have to navigate this alone.
Choose the situation closest to yours, or start with the basics below.
Someone Passed Away
Not sure which fits? Start with the welcome video.
Welcome. We’ll take this one step at a time.
This short video introduces the site: what you’ll find here, how the lessons work, and how to choose the starting point that fits your situation.
Welcome: Start Here
What you’ll find here
- 1Short, plain-language videos → A few minutes each, watched at your own pace.
- 2Printables to keep close by → Checklists, trackers, and letters for each stage.
- 3Help in your state → Links to courts, the state bar, legal aid, and a directory of licensed lawyers.
When you’re ready, choose the situation closest to yours above, or browse the full course →
First Steps After Someone Passed Away
Someone you love died recently. Here's what needs to happen now, what can wait a few days, and how to protect the household while you get your footing.
Executor Duties
You've been named executor — in a will, or by the court. Here's the role, in order, so you can act with confidence and avoid personal liability.
Beneficiary Rights
You're waiting to receive an inheritance. Here's what you're owed, realistic timelines, and how to ask questions without creating conflict.
Planning Ahead
You want to spare your family this process. Here's how to put the right documents and conversations in place now.
Probate in eight steps
- 1Someone passes away
- 2Locate the will
- 3File with the probate court
- 4Court appoints an executor
- 5Gather assets and identify debts
- 6Pay debts
- 7Distribute what remains
- 8Close the estate
Tap a step to open the module that covers it.
Keep these close by
- 501(c)(3)Nonprofit, not a law firm
- Multilingual, growingEnglish available now — Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi & Malayalam coming soon
- Built with careBy a team that believes no family should do this alone
- Free to useNo account, no cost
Welcome: Start Here
Lost someone and not sure what happens next? You’re in the right place.
The Family Legacy Empowerment Project offers free, plain-language education about probate, the court process for settling a loved one’s estate. This short welcome video explains what the course covers and how to find the path that fits your situation:
- First Steps After Someone Passed Away
- Executor Duties
- Beneficiary Rights
- Planning Ahead
Lessons will be available in Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Malayalam.
The materials presented here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult an attorney.
Family Legacy Empowerment Project is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit.