How To Locate A Loved One’s Property After They Pass Away

There are many challenges that arise after losing someone you love. During this emotionally difficult time, there are also practical matters to tend to, including locating your loved one’s property. Identifying and locating your loved one’s assets is important so the estate can be handled in a timely manner and distributed quickly.

Although locating your loved one’s assets may seem like a fairly easy task, this is not always the case. Below, our St. Petersburg probate administration attorney explains in greater detail.

Review Estate Planning Documents 

If your loved one created an estate plan, these documents can provide a great deal of insight to the assets they owned. Review any will they left behind to determine if there is mention of real estate, bank accounts, or collections, or other valuable items. If your loved one established a trust, it may hold property and outline how it is to be managed. If you are having trouble locating these documents, ask your loved one’s attorney or financial advisor.

Financial Records 

Locating the property of your loved one will require more than just a review of their legal documents. Their financial records can also help shine a light on property. For example, your loved one’s checkbooks, bank statements, and online banking accounts may reveal accounts you were not aware of. Your loved one’s mail, email, and digital storage can also review certain assets, and their previous tax returns may show investments and other income sources you did not know existed.

Real Estate and Personal Property 

Locating real estate and valuable personal property can become complex, particularly if you are not aware of your loved one’s holdings or you do not have direct access to certain records. Your local county records can reveal property deeds for real estate owned by your loved one. You may also have to search for boat registrations, car titles, and other valuable property that may have been overlooked. If your loved one had a safety deposit box, you should speak to the financial institution about accessing it. People often leave their most valuable possessions in these boxes.

Digital Assets 

Today, not all property is physical and people often have many digital assets, as well. Your loved one’s email may provide clues about online portfolios or digital investments. Locating a digital wallet for cryptocurrency can also become complicated. You may need to look for digital keys, paper wallets, and other documentation. Sometimes, social media accounts can offer important information, such as the purchase of investments or the sale of property.

Our Probate Administration Attorney in St. Petersburg Can Help 

It can seem daunting to try and locate assets after losing a loved one but the above steps can ensure they are properly located and handled. If you need help with the probate process or need assistance with locating assets, our St. Petersburg probate administration attorney can help. At Legacy Protection Lawyers, LLP, our seasoned attorney can provide the legal help you need and can provide the guidance you need every step of the way. Call us today at 727-471-5868 or contact us online to request a consultation.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0733/0733ContentsIndex.html