Detailed Answer

Short answer: Under Idaho law you can usually try to recover personal items taken by heirs and you can ask the court to enforce its earlier order. How you proceed depends on (1) whether a court already issued an order giving you possession or control, (2) whether you are the personal representative/executor or a beneficiary, (3) when the items were removed, and (4) what evidence you have. Do not attempt forcible self-help recovery — use the court and law-enforcement tools available to you.

What legal routes are available in Idaho?

Several civil remedies can apply when heirs remove personal property improperly:

Probate-court enforcement or turnover motions. If the dispute arises in a probate administration and a probate court entered an order directing turnover of estate property or directing possession, the personal representative (executor/administrator) or an interested party can ask the probate court to enforce its order. Remedies can include an order to return the property and, in many cases, sanctions or contempt proceedings if someone disobeys a court order. See Idaho probate law generally (Title 15 of the Idaho Code) for the probate court’s authority and duties: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/.
Replevin (action to recover specific personal property). If a court has not already decided possession, or if items remain wrongfully withheld, you can file a civil action to recover possession of specific personal property (often called replevin or an action for recovery of possession). If you win, the court can order return of the items and may award damages. Ask the court for a writ or an order directing law enforcement or the sheriff to retake and deliver the property.
Contempt or writs to enforce orders. If there is an existing court order giving you possession, the court can hold the non‑compliant heir in contempt, impose sanctions, and issue writs or orders (for example, a writ of execution or order to sheriff) to carry out the order. The probate judge or district judge that issued the order typically has the power to enforce it.
Conversion or damages claim. If the items are not recoverable or were damaged or sold, you may have a claim for conversion or money damages against the person who wrongfully took or disposed of estate property.
Criminal reporting (rare; fact-dependent). If the taking involved theft or other criminal conduct, you may report the incident to law enforcement. Criminal prosecution is separate from civil recovery and depends on prosecutorial discretion and the facts.

How the practical process usually works

Gather evidence: inventory lists, photographs, receipts, witness statements, any probate filings and the court order that governs possession.
If you have a court order already, file a motion in that same court asking the judge to enforce the order. Ask for an order to show cause, contempt finding, and an order directing the sheriff to recover the items for immediate compliance.
If no prior court order exists, consider filing a replevin action (or asking the probate court for turnover if the action is in probate). You can ask for temporary relief (a preliminary injunction or temporary possession order) if items are in danger of being removed or destroyed.
Serve the opposing party with the court papers. If the court grants an order to retake possession, the sheriff or other law enforcement can execute the order to recover the items—do not attempt to retrieve items on your own.
If the items are missing, sold, or destroyed, consider a damages claim for conversion or other remedies instead of or in addition to seeking return.

Key legal considerations under Idaho law

Who holds title/possession. If you are the personal representative, you generally have the duty and authority to gather estate assets and protect them for beneficiaries. If you are a beneficiary, the court’s orders and the personal representative’s actions matter.
Timing and urgency. The sooner you act, the better. Evidence disappears, items can be moved or sold, and remedies may become harder to obtain.
Avoid self-help. Entering property, removing property by force, or otherwise attempting to recover items yourself can lead to criminal or civil liability (trespass, assault, theft).
Costs and bonding. Some courts require a bond when issuing extraordinary relief. Replevin or turnover actions may involve court costs and potential attorney fees depending on the outcome and statutory allowances.
Enforcement tools. Courts can use contempt powers, orders to the sheriff, and monetary sanctions to enforce their orders.

Where to read Idaho law and court procedure

Use the Idaho Legislature’s statutes site for statutes on probate and civil remedies: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/. For Idaho court rules and practical guidance on filing civil actions and enforcement, see the Idaho Judicial Branch: https://isc.idaho.gov/.

When to call an attorney

Talk to a lawyer if the items are high value, the facts are disputed, or you need immediate relief (temporary possession order or enforcement of an existing order). An attorney can advise whether to bring the matter in probate court or district court, prepare the motion for enforcement or replevin, and coordinate with the sheriff to recover property safely and lawfully.

Important reminder

This is not legal advice. This article explains general concepts under Idaho law to help you understand typical steps and options. Your situation may have specific facts or deadlines that change which remedy fits best. Consult a licensed Idaho attorney for advice tailored to your case.

Helpful Hints

Preserve evidence immediately: take photos, make an inventory, and save texts/emails about the removal.
Keep copies of all probate filings and any court orders related to possession.
Do not try to recover items by force or by unlawfully entering property—use a court order and the sheriff for safe recovery.
If you are the personal representative, document your authority and follow probate procedures when seeking turnover.
If items were sold or disposed of, consider damage claims (conversion) and trace proceeds if possible.
If you need immediate protection, ask the court for temporary relief (temporary possession order or injunction) and explain why delay will cause irreparable harm.
Contact the local sheriff’s office only after you have a signed court order authorizing recovery; the sheriff can physically enforce court orders.
Consult an Idaho attorney early if the value is significant or if heirs refuse to comply. Many attorneys offer an initial consultation to review evidence and next steps.