Inventory Probate

Before distributing assets to beneficiaries, the executor must pay valid debts and expenses, subject to any exclusions provided under state probate laws.The executor must maintain receipts and related documents and provide a detailed accounting to estate beneficiaries.

When assets are being valued for probate, the valuation should be as at the date of death. For property, this will be what the market value at that time is; for personal possessions, it will be what they will fetch on the open market at the date of your death, and so on.

An inventory and appraisal is a required filing in California probate. The inventory and appraisal is a single document that (1) inventories the property in the decedent's estate and (2) contains an appraisal of the property in the inventory. California Probate Code § 8800(a).

All taxes and liabilities paid from the estate, including medical expenses, attorney fees, burial or cremation expenses, estate sale costs, appraisal expenses, and more. The executor should keep all receipts for any services or transactions needed to liquidate the assets of the deceased.

Q: How Long Does an Executor Have to Distribute Assets From a Will? A: Dear Waiting: In most states, a will must be executed within three years of a person's death.

Determine Your State's Laws Regarding Inventory Forms. Review the Instructions Provided. Identify Real Property. Identify Personal Property. Identify Bank Accounts. Identify Retirement Accounts. Identify Non-Probate Assets. File the Form With the Court.

Real Estate, Bank Accounts, and Vehicles. Stocks and Bonds. Life Insurance and Retirement Plans. Wages and Business Interests. Intellectual Property. Debts and Judgments.

Beneficiaries often must sign off on the inheritance they receive to acknowledge receipt of the distribution. For example, if you inherit a portion of real estate from the decedent, you must sign a deed accepting that real estate.