About Good Grief
What is Good Grief?
Good Grief is a platform that helps people handle the practical side of death: paperwork, phone calls, accounts, legal steps, checklists, documents, and services.
Who is Good Grief for?
Good Grief is for family members, partners, executors, and friends dealing with logistics after someone dies. It also helps people plan ahead.
Can I use Good Grief to plan ahead for myself?
Yes. You can organize documents, wishes, contacts, digital access, and instructions so loved ones have less to figure out later.
Is my information secure?
Sensitive information is treated carefully, encrypted where appropriate, and never sold to third parties.
Do you offer therapy or counseling?
No. Good Grief focuses on the practical and logistical side of loss. For emotional support, contact a healthcare provider, community organization, or grief counselor.
I am a vendor. How can I partner with Good Grief?
Compassionate service providers can apply through the partner page to join the vetted Good Grief network.
Death & estate settlement
What is the first thing to do when someone dies?
Get a legal pronouncement of death. If it happened in a hospital or hospice, staff handle this. If it happened at home, call 911. Then contact a funeral home and locate the will or estate documents.
Read Estate Settlement ChecklistHow many death certificates do I need?
Most people need 5 to 10 certified copies. Banks, insurers, courts, and government offices often need originals and usually do not return them.
Read death certificate guideHow do I notify Social Security of a death?
Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office. Many funeral homes report the death automatically, so confirm before calling.
Read Social Security guideWhat accounts need to be closed after someone dies?
Individual bank accounts, credit cards, loans, subscriptions, and services usually need attention. Joint accounts and beneficiary assets may transfer instead of closing.
Read accounts guideWhat is probate?
Probate is the legal process where a court oversees debts, property, and asset distribution after someone dies. Not every estate needs probate.
Explore probate supportHow long does it take to settle an estate?
Most estates take 6 to 18 months. Simple estates may move faster; complex estates with real estate, businesses, taxes, or disputes can take longer.
Read probate timelineWhat happens if someone dies without a will?
State intestacy law decides who inherits. A court may appoint an administrator to handle the estate.
Read no-will guideHow much does it cost to settle an estate?
Costs can include court fees, attorney fees, death certificates, appraisals, tax preparation, property costs, and professional services. Many expenses are reimbursed from estate funds.