When Two Heirs want the same Heirloom

Solving a family dilemma

Solutions to Dividing a Loved One's Estate

Dealing with family tensions and finding equitable answers are the key

It is a difficult and trying experience when children and other heirs have to divide the personal belongings of their parents. Sometimes the resulting disagreements can last a lifetime. That is why I wrote my new book, How to Divide Your Family’s Estate and Heirlooms Peacefully & Sensibly.

What Should I Keep When Cleaning Out Dad’s House?

Don’t take things just to take them

Don’t sell, give away, or donate anything until a professional has examined it. So many boomers throw away or give away personal possessions worth a fortune, simply because they don’t know the values. Tell everyone no until the appraiser has reviewed everything. The cost to pay a personal property appraiser is nothing compared to what you could find, not to mention the peace of mind it will give you!

The Executor’s Role in an Estate

There is no substitute for good records and good communication!

You’ve been chosen as the executor for your parents’ estate, or you’ve selected the executor for your estate. What does the executor do?

How to Find the Best Executor for Your Estate

Don’t worry about hurting feelings when you make your choice

Can an Executor Change the Locks?

Protecting assets

I am the executor for my mother, who just passed away. She is our last parent to die, and now her house and garage are unprotected. She had some caregivers toward the end of her life, so I don’t know who has keys to her house. Is it okay for me to change the locks?

Places to Find Hidden Treasure

Use your detective skills

Many older people have a long-term distrust of banks and often hide their valuables in the strangest places. If your parents are European immigrants, they have an even greater tendency to do this, and if either parent has dementia or Alzheimer’s, they likely have hidden things and forgotten about them.

6 Practical Ways to Help Your Parents This Fall

Always approach them with love

You can’t take it with you! If they are able, suggest to your parents that they write a master list of who should get what and give the document to the executor. Or they can ask each child what he or she would like to have, and put that on a “wish list.” A document cuts down on the “he-said-she-said” that often occurs when settling an estate.

Three More Important Tips for Personal Property

Understand the distinction between monetary value and sentimental value

We’re continuing our discussion of important tips for dealing with personal property in an estate. Here are the final three tips: Just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s valuable. This is my personal mantra. Each day, I must face clients and report the truth based on facts. Depression glass may have been the rage 12 years ago, but today the market is pretty flat, much like the beloved Hummel figurines of mother’s day. . . .

Important Tips When Dealing with Personal Property from an Estate

Don’t do ANYTHING until you know what it is and what it’s worth

When a loved one becomes infirm or passes away, the handling of the estate and contents lands on the lap of the heir(s). If the heir is prepared, it will go much easier than if he or she operates in a crisis mode. All too often, I see children who don’t know anything about the estate and contents. It’s like they are literally walking into a dark house and starting from scratch with no guidance.