A Step-by-Step Guide to Settling a Loved One's Estate
The Estate Asset Recovery Handbook
By a retired CPA auditor
Financial Defense Publishing
PDF download · 72 pages · Letter size, printable
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For families settling a loved one’s estate
The Estate Asset Recovery Handbook
When someone dies, the one person who knew where everything was is gone. This handbook shows you how to find every account, policy, and property, lock down the estate before anyone can drain it, get the legal authority you need, and settle the taxes, step by step. Written by a retired CPA auditor.
8
key steps, in order
2026
state-by-state tax table
Step by step
checklists and worksheets
What’s inside
The first 72 hours
Securing the home, mail, accounts, and identity.
Getting legal authority
Wills, trusts, probate, and the estate bank account.
Following the money
Tax returns, bank statements, retirement plans, life insurance, and unclaimed property.
Property and digital assets
Real estate, businesses, digital accounts, and cryptocurrency.
Protecting the estate
From fraud, scams, and family conflict.
When there is no will
Who inherits, who is in charge, and small estate shortcuts.
Inheritance and estate taxes
With a 2026 state-by-state table.
Closing the estate
Plus a master checklist, glossary, and sample will.
Suspect a spouse is hiding money instead? See The Innocent Spouse Handbook.