Annotated Estate Inventory

A made-up Georgia estate, filled in on a generic inventory page. Each numbered blank has a note on who or what supplies the answer and the mistakes people make most.

Illustration only. This is a generic layout, not a court form. Your county publishes its own inventory form, so use that one. Every person, number and place on this page is fictional. Educational information only, not legal advice.

The sample estate

Decedent: Margaret A. Ellison
Date of death: July 28, 2026
Will: None, so an administrator was appointed
Administrator: Daniel R. Ellison (son)
Letters issued: September 15, 2026
Inventory due: March 15, 2027 (six months after letters)
Bond posted: $60,000.00
Estate totals: $215,000.00 real estate, $54,434.49 personal property

Each number on the form matches a note. On a computer the form stays in view while the notes scroll, and the number you are reading is outlined. On a phone, the notes follow the form and each has a link back.

In the Probate Court of 1Example County, State of Georgia

IN RE: ESTATE OF 2Margaret A. Ellison, DECEASED

ESTATE NO. 32026-0412

INVENTORY — DECEDENT'S ESTATE

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF THE PROBATE COURT: The undersigned, 4Daniel R. Ellison, as 5Administrator, whose letters were issued on 609/15/2026, returns the following as a true and complete inventory of all the property of the decedent.

1. Real estate

Parcel 1 (address and county): 7412 Maple Lane, Example, Example County, GA 30000

Approximate value 8$215,000.00 Parcels 2 to 4None

2. Personal property

A. Bank accounts

9First Example Bank, checking, x4821 10$6,214.37

First Example Bank, savings, x9930$18,540.12

11Example Credit Union, certificate of deposit$10,000.00

B. Other financial accounts (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)

12100 shares Example Utilities Co., brokerage x7710$5,880.00

C. Vehicles (cars, trucks, boats, campers, trailers)

132016 Honda Accord, VIN ending 4F2109$9,500.00

D. Other personal property and personal effects

14Wedding ring and wristwatch (estimated)$1,800.00

Household furniture and effects (estimated)$2,500.00

TOTAL PERSONAL PROPERTY 15$54,434.49

Is any party to this estate involved in a pending lawsuit? 16[ X ] No [ ] Yes (describe on attached sheet)

Bond posted 17$60,000.00 Additional sheets attached 180

Sign only in front of the notary or the probate clerk.

19Daniel R. Ellison

Daniel R. Ellison, Administrator · 100 Sample Road, Example, GA 30000 · (555) 555-0142

Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of , 20.

20Notary Public or Clerk of the Probate Court

After you file

Within the same six months, mail a copy of the inventory by first-class mail to each heir (no will) or beneficiary (will), and complete the court's certificate of mailing. Anyone can waive their copy in writing. Keep your own copy of everything you file.

Five to check twice

Values are as of the date your county's form names (note 6).
Real estate shows value, not equity (note 8).
Every account is listed, and you asked the clerk about joint and payable-on-death accounts (note 9).
Every representative signs in front of the notary or clerk (note 19).
Copies are mailed and the mailing is recorded.