In my experience, personal items cause vastly more problems in estate administration than their value would suggest. I’ve had clients fight over dining room sets that could have been replaced for under $1,000.00; the legal costs can vastly outstrip the cost of the items at times.
My best suggestion, always, is to ask your relatives what items they might like. If you are comfortable leaving that item to them, then mention it in your will or, better yet, give it away now. If not, talk to them now and explain why they won’t be getting it. A bit of work now can prevent an estate battle later.
