(406) 586-8565 | blf@bryanlawpc.com
11 East Main St., Suites B & D, Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 586-8565
blf@bryanlawpc.com

11 East Main St., Suites B & D,
Bozeman, MT 59715

Due to a high demand for our estate planning services, please note that new clients may experience delayed bookings. We appreciate your understanding.

When most people think of estate planning, they think of assets that include money, real estate, and personal property. But, included in someone’s estate could be invaluable personal property, such as family heirlooms or keepsakes. This type of property should not be overlooked in your estate plan just because it may not have a high dollar value because it still has sentimental value that cannot be quantified. Part of a thorough estate plan is determining how you want these priceless family heirlooms and keepsakes distributed once you are gone.

Issues You May Face

An “heirloom” is a particular piece of personal property passed down from one generation to the next, and will continue to be passed down for generations to come. Be sure to talk about the family heirlooms and keepsakes with your family so that feelings and expectations regarding these items are out in the open.

How to Distribute

The personal property memorandum allows you to express your wishes and avoid the hard feelings that could come about by leaving all of the personal property equally to your children. This document is a written statement regarding specific property; the document is then referenced in your last will and testament or living trust and identifies who should inherit what property. This document also has the added benefit of being able to be modified or revised without the need to execute a new will or amend your trust. However, please remember, items listed in a personal property memo must be personal property – not real estate, cash or any account held by a financial instituion.

Gifting During Life

Because of the sentimental nature of family heirlooms, you may want to consider gifting these items during your lifetime instead of waiting until your death. That being said, be careful of gift tax issues that may be incurred depending on the value of the item.  Another concern that you may want to address, depending upon the value of the family heirloom, is whether or not this lifetime gift should be considered part of the recipient’s share of your eventual estate.

Estate Planning Advice

A comprehensive estate plan that considers all assets – including family heirlooms and keepsakes – is key to making sure your wishes are followed once you are gone.

Skip to content