When most people think about Estate Planning, they imagine wills, trusts, and endless legal jargon. But Washington has a little-known tool that makes passing on your favorite things (jewelry, antiques, photo albums) way simpler: the tangible personal property list.
Here’s the magic: this list lets you name exactly who gets what, and even designate an alternate recipient if your first choice cannot receive it. Best part? It does not have to live inside your will or trust, which helps it avoid some of the usual legal formalities. That said, it is wise to keep the list with your other Estate Planning documents. When you create your Estate Plan with ELG, you will receive a notebook that keeps your documents organized in one place, including a section for your Personal Property List. That makes it easy for your personal representative or trustee to locate, and simple for you to update as your wishes evolve.
Why It Works
- Update Anytime: Change your mind about Grandma’s vintage vase? No problem. No lawyer required (though we love hearing from you).
- Privacy Protected: Unlike a will, this list never becomes a public record. Your treasured photos, jewelry, and heirlooms remain just for your eyes and your loved ones’.
- Always Current: Make a new list, and it automatically takes precedence. No need to revoke old versions.
At ELG, we think of this as Estate Planning for real life: flexible, private, and low stress.
What Goes On the List
Think furniture, jewelry, antiques, photo albums, and military medals. Leave the cash, stocks, and intangible stuff for your will or trust. Vehicles? While technically allowed, they are best handled via title. Pets? Give them the care they deserve with a pet trust, which ensures both their well-being and that funds are available for their needs.
The list is simple to create: it just needs a reference in your will or trust, your signature (or in your handwriting), a date, and a clear description of each item and its recipient. We can even email you a form to get started as part of your Circle membership.
The Bottom Line
Your favorite things deserve to go to the people you love, without getting tangled in courts or paperwork. Washington’s personal property list makes it possible: flexible, private, and incredibly practical. For anyone who wants Estate Planning that’s personal, not painful, this is a must-have tool.