Typical state law requires that a comprehensive inventory of Estate's value be submitted for official review by Probate Court before debts can be paid and remaining Assets distributed.

To prepare for this process, as well as better organize the future payments and Asset distribution, catalog all debts and Assets belonging to the deceased; next to each, write a detailed description.

Types of Assets include, but are not limited to:

• Real estate -- include all properties and addresses, including any which is owned out of state


• Personal property -- add items of higher value (vehicles, jewelry, art, entertainment equipment, etc)


• Collectibles -- older items of collective value (stamps, coins, music, etc)


• Household items -- create categories for each to more easily organize (kitchen items, appliances, tools, etc)


• Financial accounts -- list all bank accounts and include bank name, all account owner names, account numbers, and cash value


• Financial portfolios -- identify any and all investments and their cash value (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, brokerage accounts, savings bonds, etc)


• Insurance policies -- include company name, policy number, type of coverage, and named Beneficiaries (life, social security, VA benefits, health savings account, etc)


• Retirement accounts -- include name of Beneficiaries and cash value (401k, IRAs, pensions plans, etc)


• Employee income -- add any accrued wages, unpaid vacation and sick pay owed


• Safe deposit box -- document anything of value


• Cash -- document total amount of cash, if available

Types of Debt include, but are not limited to:

• Utility bills (gas, electric, water, cell phone, internet, cable, etc)


• Mortgages


• Medical bills


• Loans (student, auto, title, etc)


• Credit card


• Child support


• Alimony

Note: not all states require Funeral or Memorial Service expenses to be included within this Inventory, so review local Probate forms, processes and procedures for more information.

However, the Estate will reimburse anyone who paid for these Funeral products and services once Probate is complete, regardless if they are included as part of Inventory.

If Assets are difficult to find , it may help to look for clues in the following places:

• Mail and email


• File cabinets


• Checkbook


• Safe deposit box


• Professional advisors (financial planners, accountant, doctors, lawyers, business partners, etc)