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Estate Closure

The closure process tracks the steps needed to fully settle an estate. The API provides a structured workflow with ordered steps, sub-tasks, and dependency tracking.

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Closure Status

Get the overall closure status and all steps: 
curl "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/closure"```

Response includes:
```json
{
  "data": {
    "overall_status": "in_progress",
    "completion_percentage": 45,
    "steps": [
      {
        "id": "...",
        "step_type": "notify_institutions",
        "title": "Notify Financial Institutions",
        "status": "completed",
        "order": 1
      },
      {
        "id": "...",
        "step_type": "close_accounts",
        "title": "Close Accounts",
        "status": "in_progress",
        "order": 2
      }
    ]
  }
}

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Closure Steps

Steps are processed in order. Each step can depend on previous steps being completed.
StepDescription
notify_institutionsContact all banks and financial institutions to notify them of the death
close_accountsClose or retitle deceased accounts
cancel_recurring_paymentsCancel autopay, subscriptions, and recurring debits
pay_debtsSettle outstanding creditor claims and debts
file_final_taxesFile final income tax return and estate tax return if applicable
obtain_tax_clearanceObtain tax clearance letter from the IRS and/or state
file_final_accountingFile final accounting with the probate court
distribute_assetsDistribute remaining assets to beneficiaries
close_estate_accountsClose the estate bank account
file_closing_documentsFile closing documents with the court
discharge_executorObtain formal discharge of the executor

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Step Statuses

StatusMeaning
not_startedStep hasn’t begun
in_progressActively being worked on
blockedCannot proceed (see blocked_reason)
waitingWaiting on a third party (institution, court, etc.)
completedStep is done
skippedNot applicable to this estate

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Sub-Tasks

Each closure step can have sub-tasks for granular tracking: 
# Add a sub-task
curl -X POST ".../closure/steps/{step_id}/sub-tasks" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "title": "Contact Chase Bank - Estate Services",
    "institution_contact_id": "01K8IC04DJ3T10HRYE78AN7DDD"
  }'

# Mark a sub-task complete
curl -X PATCH ".../closure/steps/{step_id}/sub-tasks/{sub_task_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"completed": true}'

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Institution Contacts

Manage contact information for every financial institution involved in the estate. Contacts can be routed by account type and department.

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Adding a Contact Department

curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/institution-contacts" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "institution_name": "Chase Bank",
    "department_name": "Estate Services Department",
    "is_default_contact": false,
    "account_types": ["bank"],
    "contact_methods": {
      "phone": "+11112223333",
      "phone_hours": "Mon-Fri 8am-6pm EST",
      "fax": "+11112223333",
      "email": "estates@chase.com",
      "mailing_address": {
        "address1": "123 Main Street",
        "city": "Salt Lake City",
        "state": "UT",
        "zip": "84101"
      },
      "website": "https://www.chase.com/personal/estates"
    },
    "reference_number": "EST-2025-00456",
    "notes": "Ask for estate services team, reference case number."
  }'

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Account Type Routing

Contacts can be configured to handle specific account types:
Account TypeDescription
bankBank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
debtAll debt types (see subtypes below)
investmentInvestment and brokerage accounts
retirement401(k), IRA, pension accounts
insuranceLife insurance and annuities

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Default Contact

Set is_default_contact: true to make a contact the fallback when no specific department matches the account type.

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All Account Types

Leave the account_types array empty to make a contact apply to ALL account types.

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Debt Subtypes

When debt is in the account_types array, you can optionally narrow the contact to specific debt types using debt_subtypes:
Debt SubtypeDescription
credit_cardCredit card accounts
mortgage_and_real_estateMortgage and real estate loans
auto_loans_and_leasesAuto loans and vehicle leases
personal_loanPersonal and signature loans
educationStudent loans
business_creditBusiness credit lines and loans
collectionsAccounts in collections
medicalMedical debt
secured_loanOther secured loans
Leave debt_subtypes empty to apply to all debt types.

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Example: Debt-Specific Contact

curl -X POST ".../institution-contacts" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "institution_name": "Capital One",
    "department_name": "Deceased Account Services - Credit Cards",
    "account_types": ["debt"],
    "debt_subtypes": ["credit_card"],
    "contact_methods": {
      "phone": "+11112223333",
      "phone_hours": "Mon-Sat 8am-8pm EST",
      "fax": "+11112223333",
      "mailing_address": {
        "address1": "123 Main Street",
        "city": "Salt Lake City",
        "state": "UT",
        "zip": "84101"
      }
    }
  }'

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Contact Methods

Each contact supports multiple communication methods:
MethodDescription
phonePhone number (E.164 format)
phone_hoursBusiness hours for phone
phone_extensionExtension number if needed
faxFax number
emailEmail address
mailing_addressFull mailing address
websiteURL for online portal or forms