Estate planning allows people to control what happens to their possessions after their passing. Without a legally recognized plan in place, the government may dictate how someone’s assets are distributed. While there are numerous informal approaches to estate planning, not all are legally recognized. This may create confusion and spark conflict among families during an already challenging time. 

To increase consumer knowledge on estate planning and asset distribution, the Christian County Extension Office hosted a series of four workshops from the Transferring Cherished Possessions curriculum with the primary lesson presented during the annual Money Sense for Women Seminar and the following three lessons held on Tuesdays in September in 2023. Evaluations placed educational emphasis on four things:

1. Understanding the importance of clear family goals in determining how non-titled property will be distributed upon death.
2. Determining what "fair" distribution means for the division of non-titled assets.
3. Identifying different methods for distributing personal property.
4. Communicating estate plans clearly while minimizing family conflict.

At least 54 consumers participated in the initial lesson and 15 completed the full series. Following each session, participants completed an evaluation. 

As a result of participating in the Transferring Cherished Possessions program, 95% of respondents indicated they were better able to understand where to start estate planning for non-titled possessions; 90% better understood how to consider fairness when making a plan to distribute their assets; 90% better understood different methods of asset distribution; and 100% gained strategies to more clearly communicate their estate plans and goals with loved ones.  

Further, reported planned behavior changes included:

1. 95% indicated they plan to write a Letter of Last Instructions.
2. 100% indicated they plan to create an Asset Distribution Plan.
3. 100% indicated they plan to discuss their estate plans with someone.

A follow-up evaluation will be sent to participants in November to determine progress on planned behavior changes.