Our editorial process.

Every guide, checklist, and state page on this site begins with primary-source research. We consult official government sources first — state vital records offices, probate court websites, the Social Security Administration (SSA.gov), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS.gov), and state attorney general offices.

We supplement official sources with data from established industry organizations including the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), and the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule documentation.

Our editorial team writes in plain language — no legal jargon, no industry buzzwords. If a topic is complex, we explain it step by step. If a law varies by state, we say so clearly and link to the relevant state page.

All content covering legal topics is reviewed by a licensed attorney with expertise in estate planning and probate law. Financial content is reviewed by a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Emotional support and grief resources are reviewed by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Each guide page displays the reviewer's name, credentials, and the date of last review. We believe you have the right to know who verified the information you're reading.

State laws, government agency processes, and costs change. We review every content page on a rolling six-month cycle. State-specific legal pages are prioritized for review whenever we become aware of legislative changes.

Cost data — including cremation costs, burial costs, and death certificate fees — is reviewed annually against published surveys and state fee schedules. Every page shows its "Last updated" date so you can assess timeliness.

New articles covering emerging topics (digital estate planning, cryptocurrency after death, etc.) are published on the 1st and 15th of each month, each reviewed before publication.

We make every effort to ensure accuracy, but laws change and mistakes can happen. If you find information on this site that appears outdated or incorrect, please email us at corrections@aftersomeonedies.com.

Include the page URL and a description of the issue. We will investigate within 48 hours and update or correct the content if warranted. Corrections are noted on the page with an updated review date.

We cite primary sources wherever possible. Our preferred source hierarchy:

1. Official government websites (.gov) — SSA, IRS, state courts, vital records offices
2. Federal regulatory sources — FTC Funeral Rule, Medicare.gov, VA.gov
3. Professional associations — American Bar Association, NFDA, CFP Board
4. Peer-reviewed research and published surveys with named methodologies

We do not cite anonymous blog posts, forums, or unverified claims as factual sources. Every factual claim about state law, government process, or cost includes a citation to the original source with an "accessed on" date.