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 Grant County Family and Consumer Science agent hosted a series of two workshops from the Transferring Cherished Possessions curriculum at the local senior center. Evaluations placed educational emphasis on four things:

Session 1:

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.

Session 2:

1. Identifying different methods for distributing personal property.
2. Communicating estate plans clearly while minimizing family conflict.

As a result of participating in the Transferring Cherished Possessions program, 100% of respondents indicated they were better able to understand where to start estate planning for non-titled possessions; 100% better understood how to consider fairness when making a plan to distribute their assets; 100% better understood different methods of asset distribution; and 100% gained strategies to more clearly communicate their estate plans and goals with loved ones. Each evaluation also has what the most significant takeaway from the program that they will apply to their life and there was an emphasis on fairness and family discussion. One participant stated they were going to revise an existing plan to utilize some of the strategies they learned.