A weak inventory is the number one source of disputes in partition procedures. The good news is that most problems are avoidable by applying a simple methodology. These are the ten decisions that, in our experience, mark the difference between a smooth distribution and one that ends with appeals.
The ten decisions
- Physically number each asset before photographing it: a visible label removes ambiguities.
- One photograph is not enough: general view, brand/model detail and visible damage.
- Describe the objective (measurements, brand, condition) and avoid the subjective ('nice', 'useful').
- Locate each asset at the time of inventory: address and, when relevant, the specific room.
- Group when it makes sense (sets of dishes, books, tools) and split when there is relevant unit value.
- Document the condition in detail: subsequent valuation depends on it.
- Record doubts immediately: assets of disputed ownership, loans, deposits.
- Control who can modify the inventory and who can only consult it.
- Close with an immutable version and signature once completed: an open inventory invites endless revisions.
- Review before closing: a second look catches between 5% and 15% of errors or omissions.
Why closing matters
A 'live' inventory is an inventory in dispute. Closing it formally — with a frozen version, signature and technical fingerprint — is what allows it to be used as the basis for the following phases (preferences, lottery, adjudication). If a forgotten asset later appears, the inventory is reopened with a documented incident, not silently modified.
The role of technology
Digital tools turn these good practices into defaults: automatic numbering, templates that demand minimum fields, integrated versioning and signatures. What on paper requires discipline, on a well-designed platform is covered with no additional effort.