Give away any special personal items

If you want to make sure that any special personal items—such as collectibles, jewelry, antiques, and sentimental items—go to a specific person, you can give them away before you pass.

This can help the person receiving the item to understand why it is important and its value. It also may help avoid conflict, as courts tend to favor family over friends in disputes unless a bequeathal is made very clear.

Some people recommend going through and putting sticky notes on items you want to give away. For more information on gifts, trusts, etc., click here.