Proby — The Probate Happens™ Resource Assistant

I can help you find Probate Happens resources, browse fixed educational answers, and get information about products, purchases, downloads and website use. I do not analyze an individual estate.

Yes. Open any resource category below. You do not need to describe an estate, complete an interview or generate a summary.

There is no charge or paid unlock for using this resource assistant. Products have their own listed prices and availability.

There is no ordinary visitor question quota. You can ask another question or browse the fixed answers as often as you need.

No. It displays a fixed response from its current approved educational, resource and support collection, offers possible question matches, or explains that it has no match.

Your wording did not match one fixed answer closely enough. Choose the question that fits, try a shorter general question, or browse the categories.

Yes. The question library below is grouped by subject. Open a question to read its response without typing anything.

No. Proby does not collect estate facts or create a personalized estate plan, starting plan or summary. You can browse educational resources directly.

Proby has no document-upload or interpretation service. Please do not paste legal documents or sensitive estate information into the question box.

Yes, if you turn on “Remember my resource questions on this device.” Proby then keeps standard resource questions and links you open in this browser for 90 days. Your original typed words and estate details are not saved. Return using the same browser to see Your saved resources. You can remove items or delete everything and turn remembering off. This does not work across devices or restore the earlier Family conversations.

Open the Books page to compare titles and the formats shown for each title. A listed format is not a guarantee that checkout or delivery is enabled.

Open Quick Answers to browse the topic collection. Choose a topic by what you want to read about; Proby does not determine which product an estate needs.

Open Action Guides to browse guide topics and listed editions. Check the individual description for the contents and availability.

The Companion Field Guide has its own product page. Use that page to read about the workbook and its listed formats.

The current Companion Workbook digital edition is a printable PDF. Do not assume that it has interactive form fields. Check the edition description before choosing it.

Open the Attorney-Ready product page for the package description and included formats. The pack is an organizational resource; it does not provide an attorney or establish a professional relationship.

The Learning Academy page lists the learning offerings. Check each offering for its current access conditions; a listing is not proof that a paid course is ready.

Open the resource library to explore the existing listings. You can browse without completing a Proby interview.

These are separately labeled Action Guide editions. Compare the contents, description and price shown for the particular guide; do not assume every edition contains the same material.

Yes. Browse the product pages for descriptions, listed formats and any available preview. Not every product has the same preview or purchase availability.

Browse Quick Answers for introductory topics, or explore the books for longer reading. These links provide educational resources; Proby is not assessing an estate.

Browse Action Guide titles for executor and personal-representative topics. Selecting a topic does not establish anyone’s authority or duties in a particular estate.

Browse Quick Answers for will-related topics. Proby cannot interpret a will, decide whether it is valid or determine who receives property.

Browse Quick Answers for trust-related topics. Proby cannot interpret a trust or determine what a trustee must do in a particular case.

Browse Action Guides for property-related topics. Proby cannot determine ownership or whether a particular property can be sold or transferred.

Browse the books and their descriptions for family communication and the human side of probate. Choose by the subject you want to read about.

The Companion Field Guide page describes the printable workbook. Review its contents to decide whether its format fits your organizational needs.

The Attorney-Ready Starter Pack page describes a resource for organizing information and questions. It does not select an attorney or provide legal advice.

Browse Action Guides for hearing-related topics. Proby cannot decide what to file, what to say in court or whether a deadline applies to your case.

Browse Quick Answers for expense-related topics. Proby cannot decide who owes a bill, which funds may be used or how estate money must be distributed.

Open Orders & Downloads. Use the recovery options available for your order. Proby cannot look up, authenticate or confirm a purchase for you.

Start with Orders & Downloads. If you cannot regain access, use the website’s purchase-help contact option with the product name and order reference if available. Do not post your private download link here.

Proby cannot renew or bypass a protected link. Use Orders & Downloads or the purchase-help contact option to seek access assistance.

Note the filename, format, device and error message. Use the purchase-help contact option. Do not include payment-card information or estate documents.

Compare the order information with the filename and edition received. Contact purchase help with the product name, order reference and a brief description of the mismatch. Proby cannot replace a file itself.

No. Proby does not send files or email messages. Use the existing order-access route or open your email application to request purchase help.

A PDF needs a compatible PDF viewer. Readability and printing depend on your device and software. Product previews can help you assess the layout; Proby cannot verify your device.

An EPUB needs a compatible ebook-reading application or device. Check both the product’s available format and your reader’s supported formats before choosing an edition.

A ZIP is a package containing files. Use your device’s extract or unzip function, then open the included files in compatible applications. If extraction fails, contact purchase help with the error message.

No. Order access and protected-download controls remain in place. Use the authorized recovery route; Proby cannot remove access checks or create a public copy.

No. Proby helps you find product pages and purchase-help information. It does not take payments or place orders. The existing checkout controls determine whether a purchase is available.

A product page or cart can exist while checkout is restricted. Proby cannot enable sales or bypass a checkout hold. Do not treat a catalog listing as confirmation that a purchase can be completed.

Check the product’s current page and the checkout details, if checkout is available. Proby does not quote a guaranteed price or change a product’s price.

No. Check the individual edition’s current access and purchase information. A catalog can list formats that are still being prepared or held from sale.

Read the exact bundle description and included editions. A bundle uses its listed components; it does not automatically include every format or future edition.

Proby cannot change, cancel or refund orders. Use purchase help with the order reference and the change you are requesting.

Open the Digital Refund Policy for the published terms and request process. Proby cannot decide refund eligibility or promise a refund.

Check the order and payment records available to you, then contact purchase help with the order references and a short description. Do not send full card details. Proby cannot inspect charges or confirm a duplicate.

No. Proby cannot inspect your payment or order. Use the existing confirmation and order-access pages, or contact purchase help if the status is unclear.

Proby cannot access another retailer’s order or download system. Use that retailer’s purchase-help process. The website’s digital refund policy describes its own scope.

Use the support form below for website, purchase and download questions. Its status reports whether the email service accepted the request, not staff receipt. You can also open your email application to write to support@probate-happens.com.

Typing a question in Proby does not send a support request. If you used the separate support form, read its status: email-service acceptance does not confirm inbox delivery or staff receipt. If you used the email link, you must send the email yourself.

No response time is promised. Email-service acceptance of a support form does not confirm staff receipt. Do not wait for ordinary customer support about a possible legal deadline or urgent estate matter.

Include the product name, order reference if available, and a brief description of the website or download problem. Add device and error details when relevant. Share only information needed for that support issue.

Do not enter estate documents, passwords, full payment-card or account numbers, identity documents or other sensitive personal details. Proby only needs a general resource or website question.

Remembering is optional and off by default. When enabled, Proby stores only standard resource-question references and resource links in this browser for 90 days. It does not save your original typed words or upload them. Saved answers use current reviewed wording; withdrawn or expired answers disappear. Anyone using this browser can view saved items. Use Your saved resources to remove items or turn remembering off and delete them.

This page does not reopen earlier Family conversations. The removal control below deletes the two older Family conversation entries stored by this site in this browser. Other browsers and other site data are separate.

No. Proby does not add a marketing signup or treat a question as marketing consent. Other website forms have their own stated purposes.

Use the Privacy Policy for the website’s published data practices and the Terms of Use link below for its published terms. Proby does not determine legal rights under those policies.

Customer service is for website and purchase assistance. It is not legal representation. An attorney licensed in the relevant state can help with estate-specific legal questions.

A decedent is the person who has died.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

The New York court guide uses estate for a deceased person’s property. This definition does not identify which assets belong in a particular probate case.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

Testate describes dying with a will.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

Intestate describes dying without a will.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

Surrogate’s Court handles estate proceedings. Its judge is called the Surrogate.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

The New York guide lists cash, bank accounts, vehicles and artwork as personal property; houses and land are real property.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

Probate is the court process of establishing that a will is legally valid.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

Yes. The New York guide describes the court appointing an executor after accepting the will. Proby cannot confirm anyone’s appointment or authority.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

A citation is an official notice that an executor is asking the New York court for authority to manage an estate. Proby cannot interpret a particular citation.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

The court guide says the filing fee depends on estate value.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

A will records a person’s wishes for their property after death.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

Yes. A New York will can name an executor. Naming someone is separate from the court appointing that person.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov) · Source 2 (www.nycourts.gov)

No. A will becomes public when admitted to probate or a small-estate proceeding.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

In a secure, accessible place; the preparing lawyer can discuss storage, and some courts offer safekeeping.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

A court-appointed person with a legal duty to serve the estate faithfully.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

In New York, an executor is named in a will and serves in probate; an administrator serves in administration. Both require court appointment.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

The fiduciary must act for the estate rather than put personal interests ahead of that duty.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

The New York guide describes collecting, inventorying and valuing assets; handling debts, taxes and expenses; and transferring property under the will or law.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

A New York court may require a surety bond to protect the estate against a fiduciary’s failure to care for it. The surety may seek repayment from the fiduciary.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

No. State intestacy law determines inheritance; family relationships matter. Proby cannot determine anyone’s share.

New York only — New York only. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.nycourts.gov)

No. Shared obligations and state-law exceptions matter; responsibility requires individual review.

US; state-law exceptions apply — US; state-law exceptions apply. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.consumerfinance.gov)

Yes. A surviving co-signer may still be responsible for the obligation. Proby cannot determine liability under a particular agreement.

US; state-law exceptions apply — US; state-law exceptions apply. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.consumerfinance.gov)

No. An authorized user and a joint account holder are different roles. The label alone does not resolve every question of personal liability.

US; state-law exceptions apply — US; state-law exceptions apply. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.consumerfinance.gov)

Yes. Community-property and certain necessary-expense laws can affect responsibility.

US; state-law exceptions apply — US; state-law exceptions apply. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.consumerfinance.gov)

No. Permitted contact and personal responsibility are different questions.

US; state-law exceptions apply — US; state-law exceptions apply. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.consumerfinance.gov)

No. Debts generally remain claims against the estate, subject to applicable rules and exceptions.

US federal consumer information; state law also applies — US federal consumer information; state law also applies. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (consumer.ftc.gov)

Usually not. Exceptions can involve co-signing, spousal obligations under state law, or mishandling an estate. A lawyer can assess personal responsibility.

US federal consumer information; state law also applies — US federal consumer information; state law also applies. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (consumer.ftc.gov)

No. Unpaid debts may remain when assets are insufficient; this does not decide anyone’s personal liability.

US federal consumer information; state law also applies — US federal consumer information; state law also applies. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (consumer.ftc.gov)

It identifies the collector, creditor, amount claimed, and dispute and collection rights. It does not itself establish that the recipient owes the debt.

US federal consumer information; state law also applies — US federal consumer information; state law also applies. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (consumer.ftc.gov)

No. Restrictions on communication do not erase the debt or prevent every collection action.

US federal consumer information; state law also applies — US federal consumer information; state law also applies. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (consumer.ftc.gov)

Yes. Death does not itself eliminate applicable income-tax filing requirements.

US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review — US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.irs.gov)

The IRS generally describes reporting income through the date of death, with eligible deductions and credits. Proby cannot determine how a particular payment should be reported.

US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review — US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.irs.gov)

Yes. Returns from earlier years may still need to be filed.

US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review — US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.irs.gov)

IRS Publication 559 addresses federal tax matters for survivors, executors and administrators.

US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review — US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.irs.gov)

No. The deceased person’s final individual return and the estate’s income-tax return are separate. Whether either is required depends on the applicable filing rules.

US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review — US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.irs.gov)

It is the federal income-tax return for estates and trusts.

US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review — US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.irs.gov)

An employer identification number is the estate’s tax identification number for its federal income-tax return.

US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review — US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.irs.gov)

Yes. For example, estate investments or rental property may generate income.

US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review — US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.irs.gov)

Schedule K-1 (Form 1041) reports a beneficiary’s share of estate or trust income, deductions, credits and other tax items.

US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review — US federal tax only; year-specific rules require review. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.irs.gov) · Source 2 (www.irs.gov)

No. Estate tax concerns transfers at death; estate income tax concerns income. Applicable filing requirements differ.

US federal tax overview, not state probate procedure — US federal tax overview, not state probate procedure. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.irs.gov)

The vital records office in the state where the death occurred explains ordering and eligibility.

US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary — US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

Fees depend on the issuing office. Its official instructions give the current cost of certified copies.

US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary — US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

No. Requirements differ; the organization handling the account can explain whether certification is necessary.

US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary — US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

The date and place of death; the issuing office may request additional identifying or eligibility information.

US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary — US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

Access can be restricted. The issuing state determines eligibility and when records become public.

US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary — US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

Available ordering methods depend on the issuing state’s vital records office.

US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary — US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

The issuing state’s vital records office explains expedited options, if available.

US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary — US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

Organizations may require certified evidence of death to process claims.

US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary — US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

A Consular Report of Death Abroad, also called a CRODA, is a State Department record of a US citizen’s death abroad. Issuance generally requires local evidence of death.

US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary — US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov) · Source 2 (travel.state.gov)

The State Department provides copies of records filed in 1975 or later for eligible requesters. Its guidance directs requests for earlier reports to the National Archives.

US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary — US records and US citizen deaths abroad; issuing-office rules vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov) · Source 2 (travel.state.gov)

Funeral homes generally report deaths to Social Security.

US Social Security; eligibility requires agency determination — US Social Security; eligibility requires agency determination. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.ssa.gov)

SSA directs people to contact it if a funeral home does not report the death. Use SSA’s official contact information; do not enter identifying documents or Social Security numbers into Proby.

US Social Security; eligibility requires agency determination — US Social Security; eligibility requires agency determination. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.ssa.gov)

Certain family members may qualify for survivor benefits; SSA determines eligibility.

US Social Security; eligibility requires agency determination — US Social Security; eligibility requires agency determination. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.ssa.gov)

Yes. SSA describes separate monthly survivor benefits and a possible one-time payment.

US Social Security; eligibility requires agency determination — US Social Security; eligibility requires agency determination. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.ssa.gov)

SSA directs people abroad to a Federal Benefits Unit or its international contact service.

US Social Security; eligibility requires agency determination — US Social Security; eligibility requires agency determination. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.ssa.gov)

USAGov lists legal-aid organizations and directories. Each service has its own eligibility and availability.

US directories; availability, eligibility and case acceptance vary — US directories; availability, eligibility and case acceptance vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

No. Available services depend on location, eligibility and the type of legal issue.

US directories; availability, eligibility and case acceptance vary — US directories; availability, eligibility and case acceptance vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

Local legal-aid organizations serving people with low incomes.

US directories; availability, eligibility and case acceptance vary — US directories; availability, eligibility and case acceptance vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

USAGov points to the Eldercare Locator for local aging services and legal-help resources.

US directories; availability, eligibility and case acceptance vary — US directories; availability, eligibility and case acceptance vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)

Yes. USAGov links to law-school pro bono programs. Each program determines the help it offers and whether it can accept a particular matter.

US directories; availability, eligibility and case acceptance vary — US directories; availability, eligibility and case acceptance vary. Educational information only; not an answer for an individual estate.

Official sources: Source 1 (www.usa.gov)