Articles on Personal Property

When you need to file an insurance claim for damaged, stolen, or lost property, your insurer will ask for a detailed list of what you lost and proof of its value. For most people, this is an impossible task. Without a pre-existing record, you are forced to rely on memory alone, which is often incomplete, especially after a stressful event.An incomplete claim means you may not receive the full compensation you are entitled to under your policy. A comprehensive home inventory is the single best tool to protect your financial interests and ensure a smooth claims process. This guide will walk you through how to properly document your possessions, determine their value, and create the evidence you need to substantiate your claim.

If you’re wondering whether your jewelry, art, or antiques need fresh appraisals, you’re asking the right question. Outdated valuations can leave you underinsured by thousands of dollars or paying premiums on inflated values. The good news? You can protect yourself with a strategic reappraisal schedule that matches your specific valuables and current market conditions.Whether you’re managing a valuable jewelry collection, fine art portfolio, or family heirlooms, understanding when to update your appraisals ensures you’re properly protected and making informed financial decisions.

When organizing a donation to charity, choosing the right nonprofit can be time-consuming, especially for large or complex donations! If you’re putting together a donation in New York City, here are some of the best places to donate. As always, document everything and be prepared to arrange pickup or drop-off well in advance.

When life changes, either through divorce, inheritance, or business restructuring, dividing your assets can be one of the most sensitive and complex challenges you’ll face. You absolutely want to ensure that every step is both fair and legally defensible. That’s when understanding how to create a fair and equitable property division list becomes essential. Whether you’re managing asset division during separation, working through equitable distribution, or handling property among heirs, clarity and documentation are your greatest safeguards against future disputes.

When a person passes away, their executor is tasked with managing the estate—a responsibility that often involves a home, artwork, jewelry, and other assets accumulated over a lifetime. This raises two critical questions. What is everything worth? And why does that value matter? The answer lies in a date of death appraisal. Whether you are settling an estate for the first time or are a professional handling these matters, understanding this valuation is key to avoiding tax penalties, family disputes, and costly errors.

Dividing inherited personal property is one of the most common sources of conflict for grieving families. Unlike cash or stocks, personal belongings have both sentimental and monetary value, making a simple, equal split nearly impossible. Without a structured approach, disputes over who gets what can damage family relationships.This guide provides practical methods and clear steps to ensure the division process is fair, transparent, and preserves family harmony.