There’s no single right answer, but there is a smart order of operations. Here’s the sequence that tends to make the most sense for most families:

• Don’t rush to clean anything out. Before you donate, toss, or sell a single item, make sure you understand what the estate owns and whether there are legal requirements around how it’s handled.

• Secure the property. Change the locks, make sure it’s insured, and take photos of the interior and exterior. This protects both you and the estate.

• Locate the key documents. Look for a will, trust documents, deed to the property, financial account statements, and any outstanding bills or mortgages.

• Find out how title is held. This is one of the most important steps — it determines whether you need to go through probate court or whether the property can transfer more simply through a trust or other mechanism. (More on that below.)

• Consult an estate attorney early. Even if you think the process is simple, a 30-minute consultation can save you months of delay and thousands of dollars in mistakes.

• Then call me. Once you have a general sense of where things stand legally, I can help you understand the property’s condition, market value, and your options — without any pressure.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out. In fact, most of my clients call me before they have answers. That’s exactly what I’m here for.