A template per kind of estate work
Build your estate administration, probate and property lists once, then start each family's request from the one that fits.
Create a templateUse case
Estate papers, gathered gently in one place.
The death certificate, the will, account statements, and property and debt papers. Send the executor one private link, and let the family upload a few documents at a time.
Last updated
How it works
One estate, four quiet steps.
The same way of working for administering an estate, applying for probate or gathering property and account records.
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1
Start from your template
One list for each kind of estate work.
Start the request from your estate template, then remove what doesn't apply to this family and add what does.
Create a template -
2
Send one private link
To the executor, by email.
Set a due date that gives the family time and send. The executor uploads from a phone or computer, with no account, a few documents at a time.
Create a request -
3
Let reminders do the asking
Only for what's still to come.
By default, reminders go out 3 and 7 days after you send the request and 3 days before the due date. Skip one, or turn them off for this family.
Send a reminder now or skip one -
4
Review each document
Approve it, or ask for a clearer copy.
Approve each document, or ask for a replacement with a short note shown next to it. Approving the last document completes the request.
Ask a client for a replacement file
Start the request from your estate template, then remove what doesn't apply to this family and add what does.
for Ellery family · Due 4 Dec
Private upload link · what Ellery family seesNo account needed
A
Alder & Finch
Documents requested for
Due 4 Dec
Upload a few, leave some missing, then see what the reminders do.
Default schedule
Features
What makes it easier on the family.
One link, no account
The executor opens it on any phone or computer. Anyone they pass it to can upload too, so it's for family they trust.
Copy or share the client linkNotes from the family
The executor can tell you where something is, or that it hasn't arrived yet, in a note from the upload page.
Read and reply to client notesReminders you can quieten
Reminders list only what's still to come and stop once it's in. Skip one, or turn them off for a request.
Send a reminder now or skip oneReplacements with a kind note
A cut-off page or a blurred photo: ask for another copy with a short note shown next to that document.
Ask a client for a replacement fileOne ZIP for your file
Download a request's documents as one ZIP and add them to your file. GarnerDocs deletes them after the retention period you choose.
Download all files as a ZIPAn estate, start to finish
Before you meet a family, build a template for each kind of estate work you do. Each request gets its own copy to tailor.
After your first meeting, add the executor as the client and start their request from the template that fits. Remove what doesn't apply, add a plain line under a document where it helps ("A scan or photo is fine"), and set a due date that gives the family time. The executor gets one private link by email and can upload a few documents at a time, with no account. Their progress is saved.
While papers are found, reminders list only what's still to come, and stop once it's all in. If the family needs a pause, skip a reminder or turn reminders off for that request.
When it's all in, approving the last document completes the request. Download the files as a ZIP and add them to your file. Files are deleted after the retention period you choose.
When relatives hold some of the papers
A request has one private link, sent to one email address: your client's. For an estate, make the executor the client. When a brother has the house papers, there are two ways for him to help.
The executor shares the same link. Anyone with the link can upload to that request. They see the whole checklist and the names of files already sent, and uploads aren't marked with who sent them, so ask relatives to leave a note. Reminders still go only to the executor.
You send the relative their own request. Add them as a client with their own email address and ask for just the documents they hold, in a request titled after the estate, such as "Ellery estate: house papers". They get their own link and reminders, and see nothing of the executor's request.
If a link reaches someone it shouldn't, generate a new one. The old link stops working straight away for everyone who had it, and you can email the new one to the executor.
Example estate checklist
The person and their wishes
- Death certificate, a certified copy
- The will and any codicils
What they owned
- Bank and brokerage statements
- Retirement account and life insurance statements
- Property deeds and vehicle titles
What they owed
- Mortgage and loan statements
- Credit card statements and final bills
- Recent tax returns
This isn't a list of what any probate court requires, and it isn't complete for any estate. This page isn't legal advice.
What GarnerDocs doesn't do
GarnerDocs gets an estate's documents from the family to you, complete and reviewed. It isn't case management software, and it doesn't connect to Clio, MyCase or any other system. It doesn't file with a probate court, prepare inventories, value assets, or check that a death certificate or an ID is genuine. It collects scans and photos, so originals such as the signed will still reach you the way they do today. Read how files and links are protected on the Security page.
Questions
Can other relatives upload documents?
Yes. Anyone with the link can upload to that request, so the executor can pass it to a relative who holds some of the papers. A relative who should see only their own documents gets a request of their own, with their own email address.
What if the link goes further than intended?
Generate a new link for the request. The old one stops working straight away, and files already uploaded stay where they are.
Can I hold reminders back for a family?
Yes. Skip a single reminder, or turn off Automatic reminders for that request in Edit details. When the family is ready, send one yourself from the request page.
What if a document can't be found?
The executor can say so in a note from their upload page. You can then remove the document from the checklist while the request is open.
Related
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For law firms
New matters, estates, disputes: send your client one checklist for the matter through a private link, and let reminders chase whatever is still missing.
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Requests
Copy or share the client link
Copy your client's private link to all their requests and send it any way you like.
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Requests
Reset a client link
Generate a new link when the old one went to the wrong place. The old link stops working at once.
Spend less time chasing. More time doing the work that matters.
Make document collection the easiest part of working with your clients.
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