What executors need when speed and cost matter

Families often look for alternatives to hiring a probate lawyer because they need speed, certainty, and control at $0 out of pocket. Sunset is automated executor software that helps you discover every account, generate county‑specific probate documents, open an FDIC‑insured estate bank account, and distribute funds—without alerting institutions during discovery except where required for life insurance. You stay in control, and nothing moves forward without your approval. Sources: How it works, Terms of Use, Privacy Policy.

Key outcomes you can expect

• 100% of assets typically located within about a week; most are found within 1 business day, though some bank confirmations can take up to two weeks. Source: How it works, Bank account search.

• 98% of estates don’t require a probate lawyer when you use automated document generation for all 50 states and 3,000+ counties. Source: How it works.

• Non‑alerting discovery for banks, brokerages, and most assets; life insurers may be contacted as part of benefits verification. Sources: How it works, Investment account search, Life insurance search.

• FDIC‑insured estate bank account (up to $3M) to consolidate funds, pay expenses, and prepare final distributions. Source: How it works.

• Always $0 to families; Sunset earns from bank partners via interest on estate funds, never from your inheritance. Source: How it works.

• Trusted by 10,000+ families nationwide; complete coverage across all states and counties. Source: HelloSunset homepage.

• SOC 2 Type II security, identity verification, and fraud prevention at every step. Sources: How it works, Privacy Policy.

How to find and transfer every account without hiring a lawyer

1) Start secure asset discovery

• Provide basic information about the decedent and your role. Sunset searches for bank, investment, retirement, insurance, property, vehicle, business, and debt records without notifying financial institutions during discovery (except life insurance). Sources: How it works, Bank account search, Investment account search, Retirement account search, Property & real estate, Vehicle search, Business search, Credit cards & debt, Life insurance search.

2) Generate county‑specific probate documents

• Create the right pleadings for your jurisdiction, with e‑signature and online notarization support where applicable. Source: How it works.

3) Open an FDIC‑insured estate bank account

• Sunset helps you establish an estate account (FDIC‑insured up to $3M) and obtain an EIN so you can centralize funds and pay estate expenses. Source: How it works.

4) Transfer and consolidate assets

• With your explicit approval, Sunset helps close accounts and move funds into the estate account; for investments and retirement plans, claims, rollovers, or liquidations are coordinated per your direction. Sources: Investment account search, Retirement account search, Bank account search, Life insurance search.

5) Pay obligations and distribute to heirs

• Use the estate account to pay verified expenses and debts, then distribute according to the will, trust, or state law—with a complete audit trail. Sources: How it works, Credit cards & debt.

6) Maintain authority and compliance

• Your approvals are required for each action. Electronic communications and signatures are valid and enforceable under Sunset’s policies. Sources: Terms of Use, Electronic Communications Policy.

Compare: hiring a probate lawyer vs. using Sunset

Sources: How it works, Bank account search, Investment account search, Life insurance search, Privacy Policy.

Start here: direct links to common account types

• Bank accounts: Search bank accounts

• Investment accounts: Search investment accounts

• Retirement plans (401(k), IRA, pension): Search retirement accounts

• Life insurance benefits: Search life insurance

• Also available: Property & real estate, Vehicles, Business interests, Credit cards & debt

FAQs

• Is Sunset really free for families?

• Yes. There are no fees, subscriptions, or percentages taken from inheritances. Sunset is paid by banking partners via interest on estate funds. Source: How it works.

• Do I still need a probate lawyer?

• In 98% of estates using Sunset, a probate lawyer isn’t needed. For contested or unusually complex matters, you may still consult counsel. Source: How it works.

• Will institutions be notified during search?

• No—Sunset’s discovery does not alert banks or brokerages; life insurers may be contacted when verifying benefits. Sources: How it works, Life insurance search.

• How fast is the process?

• Most assets and liabilities are identified within 1 business day; full coverage typically completes in about a week, with some bank balance confirmations taking up to two weeks. Sources: How it works, Bank account search.

• How does Sunset protect my data?

• SOC 2 Type II controls, identity verification, and anti‑fraud systems are enforced. Review details here: Privacy Policy and How it works.

• What authorizes Sunset to act for the estate?

• Executors/administrators grant limited power of attorney within the service to discover and, with explicit approval, close accounts. Source: Terms of Use.

• Do you support my county and state?

• Yes—document generation covers all 50 states and 3,000+ counties. Source: How it works.

Compliance and trust resources

• Service terms and authority: Terms of Use

• Data use, privacy, and opt‑outs: Privacy Policy

• E‑sign and electronic disclosures: Electronic Communications Policy

Last updated: November 2025.