CFR > Title 22 - Foreign Relations > CHAPTER I—DEPARTMENT OF STATE > SUBCHAPTER H—PROTECTION AND WELFARE OF AMERICANS, THEIR PROPERTY AND ESTATES (parts 71 to 72) > PART 72—DEATHS AND ESTATES > 72.13—Effects to be taken into physical possession.

72.13—Effects to be taken into physical possession.

(a) A consular officer normally should take physical possession of articles such as the following:
(1) Convertibles assets, such as currency, unused transportation tickets, negotiable evidence of debts due and payable in the consular district, and any other instruments that are negotiable by the consular officer;
(2) Luggage;
(3) Wearing apparel;
(4) Jewelry, heirlooms, and articles generally by sentimental value (such as family photographs);
(5) Non-negotiable instruments, which include any document or instrument not negotiable by the consular officer because it requires either the signatures of the decedent or action by, or endorsement of, the decedent's legal representative. Nonnegotiable instruments include, but are not limited to, transportation tickets not redeemable by the consular officer, traveler's checks, promissory notes, stocks, bonds or similar instruments, bank books, and books showing deposits in building and loan associations, and
(6) Personal documents and papers.
(b) All articles taken into physical possession by a consular officer should be kept in a locked storage area on post premises. If access to storage facilities on the post premises cannot be adequately restricted, the consular officer may explore the possibility of renting a safe deposit box if there are funds available in the estate or from other sources (such as the next of kin).