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Home >> Estate Planning Articles >> Include Personal Property When Creating Your Estate Plan

Include Personal Property When Creating Your Estate Plan

June 20, 2014 by Robert Kulas.

What Does it Mean to Leave a Legacy?
Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

Every individual needs to create an effective estate plan describing their wishes as to the disposition of assets, care of minor children, and burial arrangements. However, even people who meticulously prepare their estate plans often overlook their personal property. When you create a Will or Trust, you can make specific provisions for distribution of items of personal property among your heirs.

Lack of a Plan Can Lead to Problems Among Heirs
Failure to outline who should receive your family heirlooms and other emotionally valuable personal property can lead to problems and family feuds. A widower, Dan, thought he planned out every detail of what would happen after he was gone, including family discussions about how his major assets were to be divided. However, Dan never considered his personal property in his estate plan, which tore his family apart at his death.

After Dan passed away, there was disagreement among family members over the tangible personal property he had owned. His daughters thought they would each receive their mother’s favorite jewelry. Friends and relatives demanded his prized gun collection that they claimed the widower had promised them. However, verbal promises cannot be used in estate distribution and probate of a Will. Dan’s family and the executor faced problems that could have been avoided had he included his personal property along with his financial assets in his estate plan.

Using a Tangible Personal Property Listing and Inventory
Other problems can also arise from ignoring tangible personal property in preparing and maintaining your estate plan. It is quite common to have family or friends take personal items before the estate is settled. This can significantly delay assessing the estate’s value, especially if items of substantial value are taken before a proper inventory is conducted. By having a detailed list of tangible personal property items and intended recipients you will avoid this problem for your heirs and executor.

With some effort on your part, you can minimize the complications that could arise after you’re gone. To accomplish this, you can create and sign a formal distribution plan as part of your Will or Trust, assigning items of importance to heirs by name. You can also direct how non-specified property should be distributed. For example, you can direct that all of your clothing be given to the Salvation Army, or furniture to a local church thrift shop.

As with every aspect of your estate plan, you should seek the assistance of a qualified estate planning attorney to make sure your plan is legally valid in your state and meets your intentions. It is better to choose the specifics of how your personal property will be distributed now and prevent any potential conflicts in the future.

Kulas & Crawford

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Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

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"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

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Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

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Krissy L.
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I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

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Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

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Mildred W.
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I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

default image
Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

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