You Can't Cut a Painting In Half! with Michelle Castro of Heritage Auctions

When it comes to dividing family collections and heirlooms, the challenges go far beyond financial value. Michelle Castro, VP of Trust and Estates at Heritage Auctions, breaks down why tangible personal property creates some of the most complex issues in estate planning.

In this clip, Michelle discusses:

✓ Valuation challenges - determining actual worth

✓ Emotional attachment and sentimental value

✓ Distribution issues - who gets what?

✓ Lack of knowledge about collections

✓ Missing documentation and provenance

"You can't cut a painting in half" - Michelle's memorable insight captures the unique complexity of dividing art, jewelry, collectibles, and other tangible assets among family members.

Whether you're managing a family office, planning your estate, or advising clients with significant collections, understanding these challenges is crucial for avoiding family disputes and ensuring smooth wealth transfer.