How does an executor equitably distribute estate assets?

Question Details:

I am the executor of my mom's estate. Her will requests that her tangible and intangible assets be distributed equally among the siblings (2 men, 3 women). I just received the estate appraisal for her jewelry. There are 31 items valued at $13,492 with an individual item range of $50-$2,700. What approaches are common to separate jewelry that achieves both sentimental and financially equitable terms? One thought I have is since my brother and I will want very little jewelry, that we use cash from the estate to balance the equity issue. Your thoughts?

Asked 11/21/2009 under Wills, Trusts, Probate | 363 View(s) | More Legal Topics