Secure Storage Solutions

Protect Assets with Secure Storage During Probate

The probate process can stretch on for months, sometimes years, leaving valuable and sentimental items vulnerable to loss, theft, or damage. Jewelry, artwork, family heirlooms, and even important documents need a safe haven during this time, ensuring they’re preserved for distribution, sale, or long-term storage. For estate attorneys, the responsibility of safeguarding these assets is a critical part of fulfilling fiduciary duties, yet coordinating secure storage can be a logistical challenge amidst the legal complexities of probate. At DBD Estate Services, our Secure Storage Solutions service is designed to address this need, providing probate attorneys with a reliable, professional solution for protecting estate assets. We arrange climate-controlled storage, inventory and pack items with care, and provide detailed reports, ensuring that every asset is safeguarded until the estate is settled.

The importance of secure storage in probate cannot be overstated. Valuable items like jewelry or collectibles are at risk of theft if left in a vacant property, while delicate items like artwork or photographs can be damaged by environmental factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, or pests. Important documents, such as wills or deeds, need to be protected from loss or deterioration, as their absence can derail the entire probate process. We’ve seen cases where a incorrectly-stored collection of rare books was damaged by excessive heat, or where a collection of valuable jewelry was stolen from an unsecured property, leading to a costly dispute amongst the heirs. These scenarios highlight the need for a proactive approach to storage, one that DBD Estate Services is uniquely equipped to provide.

Our process begins with a consultation to understand the estate’s needs, working closely with estate attorneys to identify items that require secure storage. These might include high-value assets like jewelry, art, or collectibles; sentimental items like family photo albums or heirlooms; or critical documents like legal or financial records. We then conduct a thorough inventory, documenting each item with photographs, descriptions, and notes on its condition. For example, a painting might be cataloged with details on its artist, dimensions, and any visible wear, while a box of documents might include notes on the types of records and their importance to the estate. This inventory serves as a critical record for probate proceedings, demonstrating due diligence and protecting against claims of mismanagement.

With the inventory complete, we move to the packing and storage phase, ensuring that each item is photographed  and packed in numbered boxes. Delicate items like artwork or photographs are packed using archival-quality materials, such as acid-free boxes and padded wraps, to prevent damage. Valuables like jewelry are placed in secure containers, often with individual compartments to avoid scratching or tangling. We then arrange for secured storage in a climate-controlled facility, where temperature and humidity are carefully regulated to protect against deterioration. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security features, including 24/7 surveillance, alarm systems, and restricted access, ensuring that the items are safe from theft or unauthorized access.

Throughout the storage period, we keep our clients  informed with regular updates, providing access to the inventory and facilitating retrieval if needed — whether for appraisal, distribution, or sale. We also provide guidance on insurance options, ensuring that the items are covered against unforeseen events like fire or natural disasters. When the probate process is complete, we coordinate the return of the items to the heirs or their designated recipients, ensuring a smooth transition. In cases where items are to be sold, we can arrange for their transport to an auction house or estate sale, ensuring a seamless sale process that is carefully documented. Our detailed reports document every step, from the initial packing to the final retrieval, giving you a clear record for probate proceedings.

Our service is designed to address the unique needs of probate attorneys, focusing on minimizing liability and maximizing protection. We understand the legal implications of mismanaging estate assets—a lost or damaged item can lead to allegations of fiduciary negligence, especially if it holds significant monetary or sentimental value. Our secure storage solutions mitigate these risks by providing a safe, controlled environment for the assets, backed by transparent documentation. We also recognize the emotional weight of this process for heirs. Items like a family heirloom or a child’s artwork can be a source of comfort during grief, and their loss can deepen the family’s pain. We handle every item with empathy, ensuring that the decedent’s legacy is preserved throughout the probate process.

At DBD Estate Services, we’re committed to helping estate attorneys navigate the complexities of probate with ease. Our Secure Storage Solutions Service ensures that every asset is protected, giving you the confidence to manage the estate without fear of loss or damage. We take pride in our professionalism, our attention to detail, and our commitment to supporting the probate process. Whether you’re dealing with a small collection of valuables or a large estate with extensive assets, we have the expertise to provide secure storage with care and precision.

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