What a mess!

Yesterday I mentioned estate planning and that you need a list of your belongings because wills usually don't cover the distribution of personal items. An recent article in the Wall Street Journal, written by Suzanne Barlyn, really brings the point home.

She offers this insight:

A tangible personal-property memorandum -- an addendum to the will that designates who receives certain personal items -- can prevent family disputes. But many people never draft the document. And that often makes disposing of possessions time-consuming and emotional. Mundane objects, such as a dilapidated recliner, can evoke memories -- and provoke fights.

Executors call us to compile this information, and often we see families being torn apart because more than one person wanted a specific item. We can provide a home inventory for you now, which will help you recover financially if you have to file an insurance claim. Plus, it will serve as the addendum Ms. Barlyn mentioned. Wouldn't it be best to have the inventory now, rather than hope the family will 'play nice' later?