Who Should Get Your Favorite Things?

Your great-grandparent’s cookie jar.

Your cousin’s war medals.

Your art collection.

Personal treasures and family heirlooms represent achievements, favorite memories and cherished traditions. They are sentimental and special—so how do you make sure the right items go to the right people and prevent family disputes?

With a document that works alongside your will. It’s called a Personal Property Memorandum (PPM).

Your will is designed to provide for the disposition of assets, to assign guardianship of dependents and much more while a PPM, which is accepted in most states, spells out who gets specific possessions. Those possessions may include:

• Collections (trading cards, comics, figurines, etc.)
• Jewelry and clothing
• Artwork
• Household items such as china and silverware
• Furniture
• Sporting goods

When you use this document, you can spell out who gets particular items without you needing to make revisions to the will itself. Simply reference the PPM in your will. (If your state does not recognize a PPM, you’ll need to use your will to state how you want your special possessions distributed. Don’t skip this step!)

A PPM is simple to use and easy to update, requiring neither witnesses nor a notary. If your state allows one, ask your attorney for a sample template or fill one out using a will-planning app. See our list of dos and don’ts below.

You can also use a PPM or your will to leave valuable items to organizations like ours. Be sure to contact us first, as there are restrictions on what we can accept.

We would be honored to carry on your passion for Principia so you can impact those we serve after your lifetime. Reach out to Robin Sellers at 314.514.3117 or robin.sellers@principia.edu and let's talk!