Losing someone leaves behind a long and complicated to-do list. For most it's uncharted territory.

Alix is the trusted partner for estate settlement, and all the other details a life leaves behind.

Contact an expert

Alix is a service that helps families after loss, taking care of estate settlement and the many responsibilities that come with it.

We support estates and trusts of all types and sizes, regardless of whether there's a will in place or a lawyer involved. Our Settlement Specialists handle the legal, financial, and personal details with clarity and care.

How we help

We do all the things a lawyer, CPA, and assistant do - probate, taxes, organizing belongings - plus the dozens of other tasks no one tells you about.

How Alix Works

01

Book your call

Fill out a short questionnaire about your loved one's estate and we'll match you with an expert that can answer your questions.

02

Meet with an expert

On this call, we’ll walk through your questions together, explain what the process may look like, and give you clear next steps on how to move forward.

03

Get additional resources

After our call, we'll send you an estate settlement guide to help you get started, as well as any additional resources that may be helpful.

04

Full service support

If you decide you’d like more help, Alix also offers an end-to-end estate settlement option that can be discussed on your call.

FAQs about Estate Settlement

"Will the estate need to go through probate?"

Whether probate is required depends on the estate’s size, how assets are titled, and your state’s rules. A few common situations:

Smaller estates with limited assets
If the estate is below your state’s threshold (often $25,000-$150,000), you may be able to use a simplified process called a Small Estate Affidavit. Assets held in a trust, or accounts already in your name, also usually avoid probate.

Larger estates or estates with real property
If your loved one owned a home, land, or significant assets in their name alone, probate is usually required. The court will oversee the process of transferring those assets.

Jointly owned or beneficiary-designated assets
Joint bank accounts, retirement accounts, or life insurance with a named beneficiary typically transfer outside of probate.

Trusts
If your loved one created a trust, assets titled in the trust may not need to go through probate at all.

Every county has its own rules and thresholds, so it’s always a good idea to confirm what applies in your area.

If you think your estate may need to go through the probate process,
Schedule a call with an Alix specialist.

"I lost my spouse. What should I know?"

When a spouse passes away, some assets transfer automatically while others require paperwork or court involvement. A few common scenarios:

Jointly held property (like a family home or shared bank account) usually transfers directly to the surviving spouse, though you may still need to update titles, deeds, or account records.

Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, or pensions typically go to the named beneficiary on file. If you’re listed, you can usually claim these directly with the institution.

Individually owned assets (things only in your spouse’s name, like a car or separate bank account) may need to go through probate before they can be transferred.

Household bills and debts in your spouse’s name might still need to be closed, negotiated, or transferred, depending on state law.

Community property states (like California or Texas) have specific rules that may affect how assets are divided, even between spouses.

In many cases, transfers are straightforward, but it’s always important to check your state’s requirements and review account or policy paperwork. Starting with a clear list of assets and how they’re titled will help you understand what needs attention.

"Do I need to start settling the estate right away?"

Yes, it’s best not to wait. Beginning early helps prevent identity theft or fraud, ensures bills are paid on time, and reduces the chance of family conflict. Even if you only take the first few steps, like securing property and gathering documents, it will help keep the estate on track.

Why Families Trust Alix

Settling a family member's estate is a final act of love. Executors also have a fiduciary duty to settle correctly. At Alix, we bring care and rigor to respect your loved one's wishes. Whether you have a will or not, or the estate is worth $20k, $100k, or $20 million, our experts ensure nothing gets missed.

What our families say about Alix

“I cannot express the amount of hope I felt after our phone consultation, and the relief after our Zoom call.”

— Carl, settling his wife’s estate

“To be quite honest, it made it a lot easier, a lot less emotional. I did come across things I had missed when my father first passed, a couple of bills and stuff.”

— Jennifer, settling her father's estate

Schedule a complimentary consultation now

Speak with an expert