Assets Guide
This guide summarizes how to create, value, and document assets for estate & trust administration.
Asset Creation — Overview
- Identity: name, category/type, custodian, account/policy #, location.
- Ownership: titling (Sole/JTWROS/TIC/POD/TOD), % interest, beneficiary.
- Valuation: DOD value + method; current value + date; notes.
- Docs: statements, deeds/titles, appraisals; verification status.
Real Estate
- Fields: address, parcel/APN, legal description, % interest.
- Valuation: appraisal/CMA; DOD & current values; encumbrances (mortgage/lien).
- Docs: deed, appraisal/CMA, mortgage statements, tax bill, insurance.
Vehicles
- Fields: year/make/model/VIN, title state, mileage, condition.
- Valuation: guide (KBB/NADA) + screenshots; DOD value.
- Docs: title, guide evidence, service/repair docs.
Financial Accounts
- Fields: institution, account # (mask), type (bank/brokerage/retirement), titling/beneficiary.
- Valuation: statements spanning DOD; note market moves.
- Docs: statements, beneficiary statements, plan docs.
Insurance/Annuities
- Fields: carrier, policy #, owner vs insured, beneficiary %.
- Valuation: face value; cash value (if applicable); claim status.
- Docs: policy dec page, beneficiary docs, claim correspondence.
Business Interests
- Fields: entity, interest %, agreements, registered agent.
- Valuation: appraisal/valuation report; books/K-1; DOD value.
- Docs: cap table, agreements, financials.
Digital & Crypto
- Fields: exchange/wallet, holdings, access/custody.
- Valuation: DOD spot price & source; conversion to estate currency.
- Docs: DOD screenshots, ledger extracts, custody notes.
Valuation Methods
- Statements spanning DOD; appraisals (real estate, vehicles, collectibles).
- Guide values with screenshots; document date/source/method.
Finding Hidden/Unlisted Assets
- Mail forwarding, tax returns, credit reports, safe deposit box.
- Employer benefits, unclaimed property, local bank relationships.
Debts & Creditor Claims
- Fields: creditor, account #, claimed amount, status (pending/verified/denied), priority.
- Docs: statements, demands, proofs of claim; ledger entries for payments.
Before Distributions
- Confirm net estate; settle taxes/claims; set reserves.
- Verify beneficiaries/shares; prepare schedule/receipts; post to ledger.
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