July 6, 2023
Written by guest author; Shaheer Hashmi

Understanding Personal Property

Many people primarily focus on real estate and financial assets when making their estate plans. However, paying attention to the significance of personal property in your estate planning is essential. Personal property holds both sentimental and monetary value, and proper consideration and planning can ensure that your cherished possessions are passed down to your loved ones according to your wishes. In this article, we will explore the concept of personal property’s importance in estate planning, how to include it in your plan, and what qualifies as personal property under Washington State law.

What is Personal Property?

Personal property refers to movable assets that are not classified as real estate. It encompasses a wide range of items, including but not limited to:

1. Tangible Assets: This category includes physical items such as furniture, jewelry, artwork, antiques, collectibles, vehicles, household appliances, electronics, and clothing.
2. Financial Assets: Personal property can also encompass financial assets, such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies.
3. Intellectual Property: Intellectual property rights, such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, and royalties, are considered personal property as well.

Why is Personal Property Important in Estate Planning?

Personal property holds financial and sentimental value, making it an integral part of estate planning. Consider the following reasons why you should give personal property careful consideration in your estate plan:

1. Preserving Sentimental Value: Personal property often carries emotional significance and sentimental attachments. By specifically designating who will receive these items, you can ensure they are passed on to individuals who will cherish and appreciate them.
2. Avoiding Family Disputes: Clearly stating your intentions regarding the distribution of personal property can help minimize conflicts and potential disputes among family members, ensuring a smoother probate process.
3. Asset Protection: Personal property may hold significant monetary value. Including it in your estate plan protects these assets from unnecessary taxes, creditors, and other potential risks.

How do you Include Personal Property in Your Estate Plan?

Incorporating personal property into your estate plan requires thoughtful consideration and proper documentation. Follow these steps to include personal property in your estate plan effectively:

1. Take Inventory: Create a detailed inventory of your personal property, including descriptions, estimated values, and any sentimental attachments. Categorize items based on their significance and the intended recipients.
2. Designate Beneficiaries: Identify the individuals or organizations you wish to inherit specific personal property items. Consider the preferences and interests of your loved ones when making these decisions.
3. Include Specific Bequests: In your will or trust, you can include specific bequests and instructions outlining the distribution of particular personal property items to designated beneficiaries. Be as straightforward as possible to avoid confusion or potential disputes.
4. Consider Memorandums or Letters: In addition to your will or trust, you can create a separate memorandum or letter of instruction to provide more detailed guidance on the distribution of personal property. Although these documents are not legally binding in Washington State, they can serve as helpful references for your executor and beneficiaries.
5. Communicate Your Intentions: It is vital to communicate your intentions regarding the distribution of personal property to your loved ones. This can help minimize misunderstandings and ensure your wishes are known and respected.

What Counts as Personal Property in Washington State?

In Washington State, personal property encompasses a broad range of assets. Some common examples of personal property include:

1. Furniture and Household Items: This category includes sofas, tables, chairs, beds, appliances, kitchenware, and other belongings found within the home.
2. Jewelry and Personal Accessories: Personal property includes items such as watches, necklaces, rings, bracelets, handbags, and accessories of personal adornment.
3. Artwork and Collectibles: Paintings, sculptures, photographs, stamps, coins, sports memorabilia, and other valuable collectibles fall under personal property.
4. Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, and other motorized vehicles are considered personal property.
5. Electronics and Appliances: Televisions, computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, sound systems, and other electronic devices are categorized as personal property.
6. Financial Assets: Bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial instruments fall within the scope of personal property.
7. Personal Documents and Intellectual Property: Personal property can include documents like passports, birth certificates, wills, and other legal documents. Intellectual property rights, such as copyrights, patents, and trademarks, are also considered personal property.

Including personal property in your estate planning is crucial to ensure that your cherished possessions are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones receive the items that hold sentimental or financial value. You can protect your personal property and avoid potential disputes by taking inventory, designating beneficiaries, and clearly outlining your intentions in your estate planning documents. Consult an experienced trust and estates attorney in Washington State to guide you through the process and ensure that your estate plan reflects your desire to distribute personal property.