Our Mission
When someone passes away, the last thing a grieving family needs is to struggle through confusing legal processes. Yet that is exactly what happens. Probate courts use unfamiliar terminology. State statutes are written for lawyers. County websites often lack basic information. And most online resources are thinly veiled advertisements for legal services.
Settled exists to change that. We provide free, straightforward information about probate, state by state. Our goal is simple: help families understand what probate involves, what it costs, and how to navigate it with confidence.
We do not sell legal services. We do not charge for our guides. We simply believe that accurate information should be accessible to everyone, especially during one of life's most difficult transitions.
What We Provide
County Guides
Detailed probate information for 1788 counties across 22 states, including clerk contact details, filing fees, and local procedures.
Cost Calculators
Estimate your probate costs including filing fees, publication costs, and attorney fees based on your state's fee schedules.
Process Guides
Step-by-step explanations of probate procedures, timelines, and requirements written in plain English for each state.
Legal References
Every claim backed by official state statutes, probate rules, or official county sources so you can verify information yourself.
Why We Built Settled
The idea for Settled came from personal experience. When a family member passed away, we faced the probate system with no preparation. The court clerk was helpful but overwhelmed. The attorney spoke in statutes. Online searches returned pages of ads. Finding basic answers to simple questions took far longer than it should have.
We realized that thousands of families go through this same experience every month. Many leave behind assets that require probate, small-estate filings, or source research before a family can transfer property. Their families deserve better resources than what existed.
So we built Settled. We researched county probate source pages and state probate procedures across every state we cover. We read the statutes and translated them into plain language. We created tools to help families estimate costs and understand their options. And we made it all free because we believe access to information should not depend on ability to pay.
Who We Are
Settled Estate is an independent educational resource created by a small team passionate about making legal information accessible. We are not a law firm, and we do not provide legal advice.
Our team includes researchers who specialize in estate law, technical writers who translate legal concepts into plain language, and developers who build tools to help families understand their options. We continuously update our content as laws change and fees are updated.
Settled Estate is an independent resource, not a law firm. Our probate guides and county resources are free to read. That work is funded by our optional paid products, which are clearly labeled before checkout, and by affiliate partnerships that we disclose where they appear. Partners never influence the legal facts we publish.
Evan Reid, Founder
Settled Estate was founded by Evan Reid, who started the project after navigating the probate system firsthand. Evan leads the research and the tools behind the site, including its 50-state probate cost study. He is not an attorney, and Settled Estate is not a law firm.
Contact Us
Have questions, feedback, or found information that needs updating? We want to hear from you.
Email: support@settledestate.com
Our Approach to Information
We take accuracy seriously. Every piece of information on Settled comes from verified sources:
- State Statutes - Official laws governing probate in each state we cover
- Probate Rules - Court procedures established by state supreme courts
- County Clerk Websites - Local filing requirements, fees, and procedures
- State Bar Resources - Consumer pamphlets and professional guidance from state bar associations
- Official Court Forms - Direct links to state-approved probate forms
We cite our sources throughout our content. If you find information that appears outdated or incorrect, please let us know. Laws change, fees update, and we want to keep our resources current.
Read more about how we create and verify content in our editorial process, and how we review and fix reported issues in our corrections and updates policy.
What Settled Is Not
We want to be clear about what Settled does not provide:
- We are not a law firm. Settled Estate provides educational information, not legal advice. We cannot tell you what to do in your specific situation.
- We are not attorneys. For legal advice about your estate, consult a licensed probate attorney in your state.
- We do not file documents. We explain the process and point you to official forms, but we cannot file on your behalf.
- We do not guarantee outcomes. Every estate is different, and our general information may not apply to your situation.
For a complete understanding of these limitations, read our legal disclaimer.
When You Should Consult an Attorney
While Settled Estate helps you understand probate, many situations require professional legal help:
- Estates requiring formal administration (many states require an attorney)
- Contested wills or disputes among beneficiaries
- Complex assets like business interests or out-of-state property
- Estates with significant debts or creditor claims
- Situations involving minor beneficiaries
- Any case where you feel uncertain about the process
We created guides to help you decide: Do I Need a Probate Attorney?
How to Use Settled
Whether you are just learning about probate or actively managing an estate, here is how to make the most of our resources:
1. Start with the Basics
New to probate? Learn how probate works and which might apply to your situation. Our probate overview comparison is a good starting point.
2. Understand the Costs
Use our fee calculator to estimate what probate will cost. Learn about probate costs including filing fees, publication costs, and attorney fees.
3. Find Your County
Probate is filed in the county where the deceased lived. Find your county's specific information including clerk contacts, filing fees, and court procedures in our county directory.
4. Know the Timeline
Understand what to expect with our probate timeline guide. Learn about mandatory waiting periods and what can cause delays.
5. Explore Your Options
Learn about ways to avoid probate for future planning, or understand small estate options if the estate qualifies.
Probate by the Numbers
Understanding the scale of probate helps put your situation in context:
The states we cover handle a high volume of probate cases. The good news: they offer simplified options for smaller estates, and their county courts have experience handling these cases.