Content Evaluation and Disposition

Sort and Manage Estate Contents with Expertise

When an estate enters probate, one of the most daunting challenges for attorneys and heirs is the sheer volume of “stuff” left behind. Garages packed with old tools, attics stuffed with forgotten boxes, basements overflowing with furniture, and main living spaces cluttered with decades of belongings — it’s a scenario that can overwhelm even the most organized executor.

The questions loom large: 

• What do the heirs want?
• What’s valuable?
• What should be donated?
• What’s simply trash?

For probate attorneys, managing this process is critical to fulfilling their fiduciary duties yet, it’s a task that requires time, specific expertise, and sensitivity.

At DBD Estate Services, our Content Evaluation and Disposition Service is designed to take this burden off your shoulders, by sorting through every item with care to ensure the estate’s assets are managed efficiently and transparently.

The process of evaluating and disposing of estate contents is fraught with challenges, both practical and emotional. From a legal perspective, estate attorneys must ensure that all assets are accounted for in the estate inventory, even items that appear to have little value. A box of old records might contain a rare vinyl worth thousands, or a pile of costume jewelry might include a hidden gem. Failing to identify these assets can lead to an incomplete inventory, potentially exposing the fiduciary to liability or disputes among heirs. At the same time, the emotional stakes are high. Heirs often have strong attachments to certain items—a childhood toy, a piece of furniture from the family home, or even a collection of knickknacks that remind them of the decedent.

Mishandling these belongings, such as discarding something an heir wanted to keep, can lead to conflict and emotional distress, complicating the probate process.

At DBD Estate Services, we approach content evaluation and disposition with a systematic, multi-step process that balances legal precision with emotional sensitivity. Our work begins with a comprehensive assessment of the property, working closely with estate attorneys to understand the project’s scope and any specific concerns, such as items mentioned in the will or particular concerns of the heirs. We then conduct a room-by-room evaluation, sorting through every space — garages, attics, basements, and main living areas to categorize each item. Our team is trained to recognize value where others might not, identifying items that could be sold, donated, or preserved for sentimental reasons. We’ve uncovered treasures in the most unlikely places, such as a first-edition book hidden among a stack of paperbacks, or a vintage typewriter in a garage that fetched a surprising price at auction.

Once the contents are sorted, we move to the disposition phase, working with the estate’s attorney to determine the best course of action for each category. For items with resale value, DBD can coordinate with professional appraisers to assess their worth and arrange for sales through estate sales, auctions, or specialty dealers. In one case, we identified a collection of mid-century furniture, which an estate sale professional sold for $10,000, significantly increasing the estate’s value. For items suitable for donation, we partner with local charities, ensuring that they’re distributed responsibly and providing receipts for tax purposes. Unusable items are disposed of in accordance with local regulations, whether through recycling, donation, or waste management services. Throughout the process, we keep the estate representative informed with detailed reports, documenting what was found, its value, and noting its final disposition.

Our services are designed to address the unique needs of probate attorneys, focusing on transparency and accountability. We understand the legal implications of mismanaging estate contents — an overlooked asset can lead to an incomplete inventory, while improper disposition can spark disputes among heirs. Our detailed documentation provides a clear record for probate proceedings, demonstrating due diligence and protecting against claims of fiduciary negligence. In one memorable case, we sorted through an estate that included a garage full of seemingly worthless items, only to discover a box of vintage tools valued at $8,000. This discovery not only added to the estate’s assets but also prevented a potential conflict, as the heirs had differing opinions on the garage’s contents.

We also recognize the emotional weight of this process. For heirs, sorting through a loved one’s belongings can be a painful reminder of their loss, and the decision to part with certain items can be difficult. Our team approaches every project with empathy, ensuring that we honor the decedent’s legacy while meeting the legal needs of the estate. Based on the Attorney’s preference’s, DBD can work directly with heirs to identify items they wish to keep, setting them aside, while managing the final disposition of the rest of the contents. In cases where heirs are unable to participate — due to distance, emotional strain, or time constraints,  DBD can act as their proxy, making content management decisions with their best interests in mind.

At DBD Estate Services, we’re more than just a property management service — we’re your partner in navigating the complexities of probate. Our Content Evaluation and Disposition Service ensures that every item is accounted for, valued, and managed appropriately, giving you the confidence to settle the estate without fear of negative Judicial oversight. We take pride in our thoroughness, our sensitivity, and our commitment — whether you’re dealing with a small apartment or a multi-residence estate, we have the expertise to handle the contents and the reporting requirements with care and precision.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your next probate case with our expert Content Evaluation and Disposition Services.