Beginning the Estate Process

Beginning the Estate Process

PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE SEVERAL TYPES OF ESTATES AND YOU MAY BE ASKED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION THAT IS NOT LISTED ON THIS FORM

DOCUMENTATION NEEDED TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF
SETTING UP AN ESTATE INCLUDES:

• Original Last Will and Testament - if applicable
  
• Copy of Death Certificate
  
• Copy of Funeral Bill
  
• Name, age, and mailing addresses of heir(s) - spouse, living AND deceased children. If child(ren) is/are deceased, need same information on spouse and children of decedent.
  Title(s) and/or registration card(s) to vehicle(s) and mileage.

YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DECEDENT'S
REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AND THE VALUES:

• Bank Account Information
  
• Account numbers, balance in accounts, copy of signature cards
  
• Stocks and bonds owned by decedent - values at time of death
  
• Cash and/or uncashed checks on hand. - What is the value?
  
• Value of household furnishings?
  
• Value of farm products, livestock, equipment or tools?
  
• Title(s) to any vehicles/mobile homes or utility trailers - make, model, mileage and VIN# of each. What is the value?
  
• Interest in a partnership or sole proprietor business? What is the value?
  
• Value of insurance policies, retirement plans, IRA payable to the estate?
  
• Value of notes, judgments, and debts owed decedent?
  
• Value of miscellaneous personal property (ie: gun collections, jewelry, doll collections, etc)?
  
• Value of real estate willed to the estate?
  
• Estimated annual income of estate?
  
• Did decedent own real property in his/her name ONLY? If so, what is the fair market value?
  
• Did decedent own real property with spouse? If so, what is ½ of the fair market value?
  
• Did decedent own real property with someone other than the spouse? What is the value?
  
• Had the decedent ever inherited any real property?