Checklist: 10 Things to Do With Your Stuff Before You File for Divorce | Without Causing a War
1. Photograph Each Room Quietly - Capture wide shots + close-ups of important items. We are currently working on a equitable distrobution appraisal guide to assist with thising such as taking images of framed artwork under glass.
2. Make a Quick List of High-Value Items - Art, jewelry, watches, musical instruments, collectibles, tools, electronics, sports memorabilia, antiques, and another items that maybe considered high value.
3. Gather Any Receipts or Certificates - Appraisals, insurance schedules, warranties, or invoices.
4. Identify Sentimental Items - These often cause the biggest emotional conflict later.
5. Separate Marital vs. Non‑Marital Property - Heirlooms, pre-marriage items, gifts, or inherited pieces.
6. Document Collections - Coins, sports memorabilia, handbags, firearms, and etc.
7. Note Condition Issues - Damage, wear, missing parts—important for valuation.
8. Create a Simple Inventory Spreadsheet - Item → Location → Photo → Notes → Estimated purchase price (if known).
9. Store Everything Securely - Cloud folder, password-protected drive, or printed binder.
10. Schedule a Confidential Property Organization Call - Get clarity on what needs formal valuation and what doesn’t.
A couple of notes on how to keep information in an organized format for easy submitting to the appraiser, attorney, accountant or other professionals
Appraisal Examinations are available by onsite, virtual or remote photo.
Keeping information in an organized manner is extremally important during the inventory and appraisal process to get the most accurate results.
Regardless of your preferred storage method—local drive, external drive, or secure cloud storage—it is best practice to maintain duplicate copies in two independent locations. This safeguards your documentation in the event of accidental deletion, corruption, left, or hardware failure.
As a Google Suite–based firm, we utilize Google Docs and Google Sheets to efficiently manage and exchange large volumes of information. For clients preparing inventories, we recommend:
• Using Google Sheets to record item names, descriptions, and key data
• Using Google Docs to store photographic documentation and extended notes
Referencing the corresponding Google Doc page number within your Google Sheet ensures a clear, traceable connection between written details and photographic evidence.
If an appraisal becomes necessary, the documentation you compile now will materially support the examination process. In the event that access to the property is later restricted or lost, your photographs and inventory list can serve as a reliable reference for both on‑site and remote appraisal work. Should you be unavailable to guide us through the property, we can independently locate and identify items using your documentation.
In time‑sensitive situations where only photographs can be obtained, an appraisal can still be completed; however, the resulting values may be less precise than those derived from a physical inspection. If you elect to proceed with a remote photo‑based appraisal, the information you have gathered will provide a sufficient foundation for the assignment.
Privacy Policy
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We have adopted this Privacy Policy, which determines how we are processing the information collected by The Peterson Exchange - Divorce and Estate Appraisals, which also provides the reasons why we must collect certain personal data about you. Therefore, you must read this Privacy Policy before using The Peterson Exchange - Divorce and Estate Appraisals website.
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When you visit the The Peterson Exchange - Divorce and Estate Appraisals, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the installed cookies on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Site, we collect information about the individual web pages or products you view, what websites or search terms referred you to the Site, and how you interact with the Site. We refer to this automatically-collected information as “Device Information.” Moreover, we might collect the personal data you provide to us (including but not limited to Name, Surname, Address, payment information, etc.) during registration to be able to fulfill the agreement.
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Contact information:
If you would like to contact us to understand more about this Policy or wish to contact us concerning any matter relating to individual rights and your Personal Information, you may send an email to support@thepetersonexchange.com.