
Inventory
and Asset Management
Once you have legal authority, your next responsibility is identifying and safeguarding assets.
Locate and Inventory All Assets – This includes:
Bank accounts
Safe deposit boxes
Real estate holdings
Stocks, bonds, and other investments
Personal belongings, such as vehicles, jewelry, and collectibles
Life insurance policies and retirement accounts
Get Professional Appraisals for Valuable Assets – If the estate includes valuable property like real estate or art, obtain professional appraisals to determine fair market value.
Collect Outstanding Debts – If anyone owes money to the deceased, it’s your job to collect those funds on behalf of the estate.
Protect Estate Assets – Keep insurance policies current, maintain real estate properties, and make sure assets don’t lose value while probate is ongoing.