The family guide to everything that happens when someone dies
Scripts, scenarios, checklists, and real talk — for anyone navigating the most stressful thing families do together. No lawyer required.
Find your situation →Everything Nolo won't tell you
The mechanics of estates are the easy part. This site covers what nobody talks about: family dynamics, hard conversations, and how to get through this without losing people you love.
Word-for-word scripts for every hard conversation — from 'we need to talk about your will' to 'I think we need a mediator.'
Probate laws, homestead exemptions, intestate succession — plain language for all 50 states. No law degree needed.
Practice difficult conversations before you have them — executor vs. beneficiary, sibling vs. sibling, all angles.
What happens to the house? From a licensed realtor who has seen every scenario play out.
When you do need a lawyer, we help you find a vetted estate attorney — and walk you in prepared.
Agendas, ground rules, and facilitation guides for the family meeting you have been dreading.
This looks different depending on where you're standing
Rich or poor. Expected or sudden. Cooperative or combative. Resources for every angle and every walk of life.
The whole system, every format
Hundreds of free guides, scripts, state pages, checklists, and scenario walkthroughs. Start here.
24 chapters from “The conversation you have been avoiding” to “You made it.” PDF + Amazon.
8-module course + private community. Monthly calls, ask-anything access, families who get it.
Roger Daniel Grubb
I have been in the room when families fall apart over real estate. I have watched siblings stop speaking over a kitchen table. I have seen spouses blindsided by a will they never read. After 15 years as a licensed realtor and real estate investor, I wrote the guide I wish every one of those families had.
“I am not a lawyer, and that is exactly the point. Lawyers tell you what is legal. I am going to tell you what actually works.”
Start with the checklist
Download the free Family Estate Readiness Checklist — 47 things to do, say, find, and decide. Works whether you're planning ahead or starting too late.
No spam. One email with the checklist, then occasional updates.