Most people don’t think about what happens after someone passes away until they’re in the middle of it — surrounded by unanswered questions, unfamiliar legal terms, and decisions that can’t wait. For families in that position, having someone who can help answer questions and offer support can change everything.

That’s exactly what Dalena Phan does. As an EstateCo Heir Advocate, Dalena guides families through one of the toughest chapters of their lives. She helps them understand what needs to happen, what their options are, and that they don’t have to figure any of it out alone. Here’s what she had to say about her work.

How long have you been with EstateCo?

Approximately 3 months.

In your own words, what do you do at EstateCo — and where does your role begin and end in a client’s journey?

At EstateCo, my role as an heir advocate is to guide families through the estate process and take the burden off their shoulders. I help families navigate everything that comes after a loss, from paperwork and probate to property issues and next steps, while keeping them informed and supported along the way.

What part of your work matters most to you — the thing you wish every heir understood?

What matters most to me is helping heirs feel less overwhelmed. A lot of people think they have to figure everything out on their own, but they don’t. If there’s one thing I wish every heir understood, it’s that having the right support can make a difficult process feel much more manageable.

Describe a specific moment, a call, a conversation, a reaction from a client, that has stayed with you.

One moment that has really stayed with me was a call with an heir who had been carrying the stress of an unfinished estate for a long time and had no idea what steps to take next. They were overwhelmed and felt like they had been handling everything alone. By the end of the conversation, there was a real sense of relief just knowing they finally had guidance and someone helping them through the process. Those are the moments that remind me why this work matters.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about your work?

Something people are usually surprised to learn is just how common unfinished estates are in Florida. There are tens of thousands of estates every year where someone passes away with no will, no plan, or no clear next steps, leaving families trying to figure it out during an already hard time. In many cases, heirs don’t even realize what needs to happen or where to start. That’s where having guidance can make all the difference.

Which of our core company values resonates most with you?

Pursue results with integrity and passion.

If someone books a virtual appointment with you, what can they expect from that conversation?

If someone books a virtual appointment with me, they can expect a straightforward, no-pressure conversation. We’ll talk through their situation, where things stand with the estate, any property or probate issues, and what options may be available. Most importantly, my goal is to give clarity, answer questions, and help them understand next steps so they don’t feel like they’re navigating it alone.

What do you love doing when you’re not working?

When I’m not working, I love being outdoors and staying active. You’ll usually find me at the beach, out on the lake, or doing something outside that gets me moving. Being near the water is definitely my favorite way to recharge.

Contact EstateCo Today for More Information

If you’ve recently received a letter, packet, or phone call from EstateCo, reaching out is the simplest next step you can take. A virtual appointment with one of our Heir Advocates is a no-pressure conversation. No commitments, no confusing legal jargon, just honest answers about what we found and what your options are. Whatever your situation looks like, we’re here to help you understand it. Contact us today.