[Miss Marple]

You have reminded me that my husband doen't really have a clue about my accounting system for my very small antique business. I am going to write out an explanation so that he doesn't have to mess with it if something should happen.

There should be a list (not included in the will, but binding to all through family agreement) of which heirlooms go to which heirs. In my state, if said heirlooms wind up in the estate you have to buy them at auction. This happened with my grandfather's things, and I am taking steps to make sure it doesn't happen to my things.

[JD86]

Thanks, Miss Marple. My post has two intentions. To get Freepers to think about the issue for themselves as you are doing...and for suggestions for me. Lots of great ideas so far.

[VA Advogado]

You have reminded me that my husband doen't really have a clue about my accounting system for my very small antique business. I am going to write out an explanation so that he doesn't have to mess with it if something should happen.

You make a great point about antiques. My friend's dad was a collector and literally had a million dollar estate. To most people, the stuff just looked like old things scattered throughout the house. It took my friend 2 years to inventory and photograph everything that was in the house. The biggest problem he said was he didn't know whether that wooden dish was dimestore junk or a $500 collectors item, so he had to catalog EVERYTHING.

[Amelia]

My parents asked each of us children to make a list of what "things" we'd most like to inherit, so that they could make sure to leave each of us at least something we really wanted, and prevent fights between us after they are gone.

I think they were a little surprised at what had sentimental value for each of us.

[falfa]

Many a family feud has begun after such "agreements" were disputed after death. Highly suggest giving those items to those you love while you are still living if at all possible.