Estate Planning

Failure to prepare for the distribution of personal property collections can complicate an otherwise orderly distribution of estates. We assist clients in the estate planning process to make informed decisions about the disposition of their collection.  For many clients, the first step is to have an up-to-date inventory of the objects in the collection.  The inventory assists in dispositive plans to ensure that heirs receive the items they were bequeathed and that specific objects are given to the correct recipients.  A Fair Market Value appraisal of the collection will help guide decisions regarding potential future estate tax liability, lifetime gifting, museum donations after death, and equitable distribution of assets.  An appraisal for estate planning also reduces the risk of a naïve heir selling objects of great worth at a deep discount or giving away valuable items.