The executor's guide: settling a loved one's estate or trust

Part I: Getting ready. The executor's legal companion ; Overview ; If you're asked to be an executor or trustee

Part II: First steps. The first week ; The first month ; Claiming life insurance, Social Security, and other benefits

Part III: Taking care of the estate. Making sense of the will ; When there's no will ; Taking inventory ; Managing assets and paying bills ; Caring for children and their property ; Taxes

Part IV: Transferring property. Property that doesn't go through probate ; Transferring joint tenancy and other survivorship property ; Transferring community property ; Claiming money in retirement plans ; Claiming payable-on-death assets ; Special procedures for small estates ; The regular probate process

Part V: Getting more help. Finding more information ; Lawyers and other experts.