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 Whitley County Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent hosted a series of four workshops from the Transferring Cherished Possessions curriculum in January and February 2024. Nine consumers participated in the workshop. Initial evaluations identified that 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; 
• better understood how to consider fairness when making a plan to distribute their assets; 
• have a better understanding of different methods of asset distribution; and 
• gained strategies to more clearly communicate their estate plans and goals with loved ones.  

 Further, 100% of respondents indicated they intended to complete the following behaviors:

• write a Letter of Last Instructions;
• create an Asset Distribution Plan;
• create or update their will; and
• discuss their estate plans with someone.