Inventory of Estate Assets Template
Personal representatives face strict deadlines to file complete asset inventories with probate courts. This attorney-drafted template walks you through every asset category courts require, provides valuation guidance for different property types, and includes the certification language judges expect to see.
Last Updated: Jan. 29, 2026
What Is the Inventory of Estate Assets?
The Inventory of Estate Assets is a comprehensive sworn document that lists every asset the deceased owned as of death, with fair market valuations. Courts require this inventory to establish the estate's value, protect beneficiaries from misappropriation, and ensure proper distribution of property.
Filing an incomplete or inaccurate inventory can delay probate for months, expose you to beneficiary lawsuits, or result in your removal as personal representative. This template ensures you capture every asset category and document valuations that will withstand court scrutiny.
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Is This Inventory of Estate Assets Right for You?
You need this inventory if you're:
- Serving as personal representative of an estate
- Required to file an asset inventory with probate court
- Documenting real property, financial accounts, and personal property
- Establishing estate valuation for distribution purposes
- Managing an estate with diverse asset types
- Meeting court deadlines for inventory submission
You definitely need this inventory if:
- You're missing court deadlines without a complete asset list
- Beneficiaries are questioning whether you've found all assets
- The judge rejected your inventory for missing information
- You need documentation showing proper asset valuation
- The estate includes complex assets like businesses or intellectual property
Still unsure?
If your probate court requires a sworn inventory within 60-90 days of appointment, you need this template.
Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates
Save Money
Attorneys charge $800-$1,500 to prepare estate inventories. Get the same court-ready format for $35.
Save Time
Organized by asset category with valuation guidance. Complete your inventory in hours, not weeks.
Look Professional
Meets court filing requirements with proper certification language and exhibit organization.
Keeps You Out of Court
The Title Held As provisions in Article I prevent distributing jointly-owned property incorrectly. The Valuation Method documentation in every asset section protects you from beneficiary challenges to your valuations. The Personal Representative's Certification in Article XIV provides the sworn statement courts require to accept your inventory.
What's Inside This Template?
Article I: Real Property
Documents every parcel with legal descriptions, title status, outstanding liens, and valuation methods. Distinguishes probate property from joint tenancy and life estates that pass outside probate to prevent distribution errors.
Article IV: Retirement Accounts
Captures IRA, 401(k), pension, and annuity balances with beneficiary designations clearly noted. Separates probate assets from beneficiary-designated accounts that bypass probate administration.
Article VIII: Business Interests
Values sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLC interests, and corporate stock with appropriate valuation methods. Identifies buy-sell agreements that control transfer pricing and outstanding business debts allocated to the decedent.
Article XI: Estate Assets Summary
Provides total gross estate value, secured liabilities, and net estate calculation for distribution planning. Courts use this summary to verify proper accounting and calculate personal representative fees.
Article XII: Assets Passing Outside Probate
Lists joint tenancy property, POD accounts, beneficiary-designated retirement accounts, and life insurance for transparency and estate tax purposes. Prevents beneficiary disputes about missing assets.
Article XIV: Personal Representative's Certification
Contains the sworn statement courts require confirming diligent asset search, accurate valuations, and commitment to file supplemental inventories if additional assets surface.
| Premium Template Single-use Template |
Legal GPS Pro Unlimited Access, Best Value |
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$35
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$39/ month
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Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Secure Checkout
Purchase and download your template immediately. No subscription required.
Step 2: Instant Download
Open the template in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. All formatting is ready to use.
Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields
Document each asset with values and supporting documentation. Sign the certification and file with the probate court before your deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this template multiple times?
Yes. Use this template for every estate you administer as personal representative. The comprehensive format works for estates of all sizes.
Is this inventory legally binding?
Yes. When completed and filed with the court, this sworn inventory becomes an official court record documenting estate assets and establishing your accountability for proper distribution.
Do I need professional appraisals for everything?
No. You need professional appraisals for real property over $100,000, business interests, valuable collectibles, and significant jewelry. For financial accounts, use statements. For vehicles, use Kelley Blue Book. For household contents, use aggregate garage-sale values.
What happens if I miss assets in my initial inventory?
File a supplemental inventory within 30 days of discovering additional assets. Courts expect this and it's a normal part of probate administration.
How do I value property held jointly with others?
Joint tenancy property with right of survivorship passes outside probate to the surviving owner. List it in Article XII for informational purposes but don't include it in your probate estate total. Tenancy in common property goes through probate for the decedent's percentage share only.
When is this inventory due to the court?
Most states require filing within 60-90 days of your appointment as personal representative. Check your probate court's local rules for the specific deadline in your jurisdiction.
| Premium Template Single-use Template |
Legal GPS Pro Unlimited Access, Best Value |
|
|
|
$35
|
$39/ month
|
| Buy Template | Explore Legal GPS Pro |
| Trusted by 1000+ businesses | |