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Estate name
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Date the estate was created (date of probate)
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Office address
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Decedent’s name and social security number
Responsible party ( the PA, not the individual deputy) name and EIN Purchasing insurance for real property of the estate is a must. Insurance coverage protects the PA from liability if theft or damage occurs during the course of administration. The methods taken to secure the residence may vary from estate to estate. Methods to consider are: installing alarms, changing locks, boarding up windows/doors, routine property checks, chaining/locking gates, etc. Safeguarding personal property during the course of administration may include: • Transporting property to PA warehouse •
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Transporting property to PA vault or safe
Securing property in residence All valuables, which may be easily liquidated, should be removed from the residence as soon as possible. These valuables include, but are not limited to: cash, jewelry, guns, expensive/new electronics, and coin collections. These items are best secured in a PA warehouse, vault or safe. As a matter of fiduciary responsibility and for county liability concerns it is never appropriate for county employees, at any level, to store property in their own homes, garages ect. Seek your county’s assistance in locating an appropriate secure storage option for decedent estate property. •
8.5.3 Inventory of All Real and Personal Property At the start of estate administration an inventory including photographs and an itemized list should be completed by a minimum of two employees, or one employee and an independent witness depending on your County policy. Depending on field circumstances or your county policies, inventories may be completed while the property is being marshaled, or after all personal property is marshaled and photographed in the field. A complete inventory list will prevent estate property being misidentified while in the PA warehouse, vault or safe. An inventory list will also assist in the Inventory and Appraisal process. The inventory list should include: • Estate name •
Date completed
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Name of employees present
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Complete description of items
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Individual line/description for valuables or unique items
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Grouping of like items
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A corresponding picture for each inventory item Page | 23