What are “Intangible Assets” and How Are They Handled in Tucson Probate?
By Ryan Comstock, Tucson Probate Real Estate Specialist
📞 (520) 261-4669 | 🌐 www.ryancomstock.com
When most people think about probate, they picture real estate, bank accounts, or personal belongings. But not all assets are physical. Some of the most valuable items in an estate are intangible assets—and understanding how they’re handled in Tucson probate can be critical to a smooth process.
What Are Intangible Assets?
Intangible assets are items of value that don’t have a physical form. In the context of probate, these might include:
- Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
- Bank and retirement accounts
- Intellectual property like copyrights, trademarks, or patents
- Digital assets such as cryptocurrency, domain names, or monetized social media accounts
- Business interests or shares in a private company
- Royalties or licensing agreements
These assets can hold significant value—and, in some cases, be more complex to manage than physical property.
How Are Intangible Assets Handled in Probate?
- Inventory & Valuation
The first step is identifying and valuing these assets. In Tucson, the personal representative of the estate is responsible for compiling a full inventory. For intangible assets like stocks or digital currency, this might require help from professionals such as financial advisors, appraisers, or tech experts. - Ownership & Documentation
Proper documentation is key. Ownership must be verified—especially for jointly held accounts, intellectual property, or business interests. Estate plans and wills often detail how these assets should be distributed. - Access and Transfer
For bank and investment accounts, institutions typically require legal documents (like Letters of Personal Representative) before releasing funds. For digital assets, login information and legal authority must be in place to access and manage accounts. - Distribution or Liquidation
Depending on the estate plan, intangible assets may be sold, transferred to heirs, or held in trust. If there’s no will, Arizona’s intestate succession laws will determine how they’re divided.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Handling intangible assets during probate can be tricky. They often require careful coordination with financial institutions, legal counsel, and sometimes the courts. As a Tucson Realtor experienced in probate situations, I understand the importance of both tangible and intangible assets in the overall estate picture.
I work closely with families, attorneys, and executors to ensure that real estate and other estate components are handled with care and professionalism—helping ease the burden during a difficult time.
Need Probate Support in Tucson?
Contact Ryan Comstock at 📞 (520) 261-4669 or visit 🌐 www.ryancomstock.com
Whether it’s navigating real property or supporting you through complex estate issues, I’m here to help every step of the way.