Protect the objects, and the family story, before anything moves.
Jewelry, collections, heirlooms, artwork, photographs, documents, firearms, and deeply personal objects need a decision process before cleanout, estate sale, moving, or sale begins. Speed is useful only after the family has protected what cannot be replaced.
PAUSE AND PROTECT
• Create a secure hold area, space or home for valuables, documents, contested items, and anything awaiting review. Anything important needs to be documented and separated.
• Photograph and inventory items in place before removal, and record agreement and who has custody after they move.
• Separate financial or legal importance from resale value and sentimental meaning. What your loved one thought an heirloom was worth it often incorrect. Competent valuations and estimates (not insurance estimates) are vital and time consuming.
• Give family members one documented review and decision process rather than parallel claims and one offs. If you are not empowered to sort options, gain that empowerment or remove yourself from the process. You can’t be point without being point.
BRING IN SPECIALISTS DELIBERATELY
Collections, regulated items, fragile objects, fine art, jewelry, and property needed for tax or insurance purposes may require qualified appraisal, conservation, storage, shipping, or legal guidance. Define the purpose before selecting the specialist.
HOW WE HELP
We establish the hold and review process, coordinate inventories and specialist access, maintain the custody and decision logs, compare and manage storage and shipping logistics, and sequence approved disposition. Even with small estates the decisions can mount. One pice of art, a random sculpture, a couple of significant historical items, and there can be turmoil. Aggressive documentation is the only solution. It’s not your fault something is contested. All you can do is thoroughly document it.
We do not appraise property, determine ownership, resolve disputes, or provide legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice, but we can help you mitigate some general pitfalls that occur in these situations.
