No, this usually is not necessary.  However if you have specific items of property that are unusually expensive, such as jewelry, art or antiques, you should bring this to the attention of the attorney.  What is "expensive" in this case varies with the size of your estate.  In general, if you could sell the item for $5,000 or more, then you probably should mention it.  You may have paid more than $5,000 for many items in your home, but if you try to sell them, they may be worth much less.  This is different from the value used to insure the items.  Usually you insure an item for its replacement value, not for the value at which it could be sold by you.  Whenever there is a question, mention it to your attorney who can then advise you.

Last updated on January 6, 2011 by Glenn Karisch