Cash, Jewelry, and Valuables

Find and Safeguard High-Value Estate Assets

In the intricate world of probate, few tasks are as delicate, or as critical, as identifying and securing high-value assets like cash, jewelry, and other valuables. For Estate Attorneys, these items often represent a significant portion of an estate’s worth, but they can also represent significant risks.

Hidden cash can be overlooked, jewelry can be misplaced or appropriated by one of the heirs, and valuables like rare coins or heirlooms can become the focal point of heated disputes amongst heirs. At DBD Estate Services, we understand the administrative responsibilities that Lawyers and the Fiduciary Agents and the potential liabilities that arise when assets not properly unaccounted for.

Our Cash, Jewelry, and Valuables Search Service is designed to mitigate these risks, ensuring that every valuable asset is identified, secured, and properly documented for estate administration.

The stakes in probate are high. A single, overlooked piece of jewelry, can lead to accusations of mismanagement, might result in an incomplete estate inventory, thus jeopardizing the entire settlement process. We’ve seen cases where valuable jewelry was just tucked in a dresser drawer, or a wad of cash was hidden in the pocket of a coat in a closet, going unnoticed until our team conducted a thorough search of the property. 

These scenarios underscore the importance of a thorough, systematic search—something DBD Estate Services excels at delivering. Our service is tailored to the unique needs of probate attorneys, focusing on transparency, accountability, and the protection of your client’s estate.

Our process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the decedent’s property (properties). We work closely with the attorney  to understand the estate’s scope, including any known valuables mentioned in the will, trust, or family discussions. Armed with this information, our team conducts a meticulous search of the property, leaving no area unexplored.

It is important to note that all DBD team members wear body cams from the time we arrive and enter the property, until the time we exit and lock-up the property.  The video of each property visit is available to all attorneys involved in the project.

DBD personnel check obvious places like jewelry boxes and safes, but we also look in less conventional hiding spots—under mattresses, inside coat pockets, behind wall art, or in one memorable case; we found the Decedents Will in a plastic grocery bag tucked on a laundry room shelf. People often hide valuables in unexpected places, especially if they lived through times of financial uncertainty or had concerns about theft. Our experience allows us to think like they did, ensuring we uncover even the most well-concealed items.

Depending on your preferences and the estate’s needs, once valuables are located, our priority shifts to security and documentation. We immediately secure the items from the estate in a safe location, a locked safe, or a secure storage facility. We then create a detailed inventory, cataloging each item with photographs, descriptions, and estimated values. This documentation is crucial for probate proceedings, providing a clear record that supports all  fiduciary duties and protects against claims of mismanagement. We also coordinate with professional appraisers to determine the fair market value of jewelry and other valuables, ensuring accurate reporting for estate tax purposes and equitable distribution among heirs.

Our service goes beyond mere recovery — the DBD professionals focus on supporting the legal and emotional complexities of the project.

For attorneys, the discovery of high-value assets can complicate estate administration, especially if the will is ambiguous or heirs disagree on distribution. We provide you with the tools to navigate these challenges, offering detailed reports that can be presented in court or to the beneficiaries.

We also understand the emotional weight of handling a decedent’s valuables. Jewelry often carries sentimental value, representing milestones like weddings, anniversaries, or inheritances. Our team approaches every search with sensitivity, ensuring that we honor the decedent’s legacy while meeting the legal needs of the estate. We work discreetly, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to all court orders and privacy regulations.

At DBD Estate Services, we’re committed to being your trusted partner in probate property management. Our cash, jewelry, and valuables search service is designed to alleviate the burden of asset recovery, giving you peace of mind that every high-value item is accounted for and secured. We take pride in our thoroughness, our attention to detail, and our understanding of the probate process. Whether you’re dealing with a small estate or a complex one with significant assets, we’re here to help you fulfill your fiduciary duties with confidence.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your next probate case with our expert, asset search services.