topic | first days after death

Step 3: locate and secure valuables

Now that the property is secure, locate all valuables for safekeeping. Many people will be coming and going. Now is the time to take precautions to prevent damage, theft, or loss.

Activity 1
Take Inventory

Walk through the residence with another family member or heir. Take note of items that have monetary or sentimental value. Use Personal Items to record this information.

  • Do not give any items away, even as a keepsake, until proper procedures have been followed or the court approves.
  • Notify relatives and heirs that valuables will be secured.
  • Do not remove anything from the estate until you have itemized and logged the valuables.
  • Use of a video recorder may be helpful.

Activity 2
Secure all Valuable Items

  • Store televisions, stereos, works of art, or antique furniture in a storage facility.
  • Collect those items that can be broken, such as a glass vase, china, or crystal.
  • Gather valuable jewelry or collections, silver and gold, and place in a safe or storage facility.
  • Place furs and leather in proper storage.

Activity 3
Find Valuable Documents

As you sort through valuables, important papers may be discovered. Set them aside in a secure place. It may be difficult to know which papers are important, so it is best to save everything, and sort later. The following forms may contain information useful for locating important documents. If not, use them to record information as documents are located. Important Documents can be printed to track documents as they are located.

  • Employment Records, Safe Deposit Box, Liquid Assets, Accounts
    • pension or employment records or stubs
    • safe deposit box
    • certificate of deposits and treasury bills
    • savings bonds
    • bonds (certificates and name of broker)
    • check books
  • Deposits Deductions, Dues Subscriptions, Other Payments
    • Homeowners’ Association bills
    • gas/propane, electric, water bills
    • trash, pest control bills
    • heating / air conditioning bills
    • pool / spa, lawn / garden, snow removal
    • phone, cable television, Internet, computer subscriptions
    • auto, home, and health insurance
    • taxes
  • Insurance Policies, Life Insurance
    • home insurance
    • automobile insurance
    • life insurance
    • health insurance
    • vision and dental insurance
    • mortgage insurance
  • Personal Information, Legal Documents, Loans
    • birth certificate of the deceased and any minor children or dependents
    • Will
    • Trust
    • Social Security card and numbers of dependents
    • military discharge papers
    • citizenship papers
    • marriage license
    • income tax returns (past two years)
    • other taxes (such as property taxes)
    • business legal forms (articles of incorporation, partnerships, etc.)
    • divorce papers
    • loan or mortgage papers
  • Real Estate Records, Vehicles, Personal Property
    • real estate titles and appraisals (residence, vacation home, rental property, etc.)
    • vehicle titles (automobiles, motorcycles, boats, tractors, etc.)
    • household warranties(furniture, televisions, computers, etc.)
    • appraisals (jewelry, coins, artwork, guns, etc.)

If unsure where important documents are stored, check the likely places first including safe deposit boxes, home safes, desk drawers and filing cabinets. Also check:

  • stationary drawer in the kitchen or buffet cupboard
  • RV or other vehicles
  • basket on the counter that holds unpaid bills
  • glove compartment of the car
  • wallets and purses
  • workshop
  • den
  • briefcase
  • home office
  • gym (or other external) locker
  • desk at a business office
  • coat and jacket pockets

You may be surprised by the unlikely places you locate important papers. Don't underestimate the possibilities!
(if this Step is complete) 		Continue
to Step 4

Return to Step 2

n/a

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Registered representatives and investment advisor representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered.

The information in this site does not constitute legal or tax advice. It is provided solely for general informational purposes and may not be applicable to specific fact patterns. You should consult with an experienced legal or tax professional licensed in your state before acting on any of the information described on this site.

To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS under Circular 230, we inform you that any U.S. Federal tax advice contained in this site was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any matters addressed herein.

Providers listed on this site that have not been specifically identified as having passed the 15-point background check are provided for your information only. The PROvision Network does not endorse, nor accept any responsibility for the quality of their services. The PROvision Network does not independently verify their information, nor do we guarantee its accuracy.

No fees have been paid to The PROvision Network for inclusion in our general provider listings. These listings are provided for your convenience. Other than specifically stated, The PROvision Network may receive paid compensation for paid adverting from companies listed on this site.

The accuracy of information put into the EstateDigitalLockbox isn't guaranteed by The PROvision Network. It's only as accurate as your input.

We strive to keep information up-to-date, but The PROvision Network doesn't purport this site to have up-to-the minute accuracy at all times.

Links on this site are provided for your information only. Since they are provided by third parties, The PROvision Network does not endorse, nor accept any responsibility for the content or damage or loss resulting from your use of these sites. The PROvision Network does not independently verify this information, nor do we guarantee its accuracy or completeness.