Research suggests that more than 50% of Americans think estate planning is important, but only 33% have a will. For the nearly 70% of Americans without a written will, many indicate they do not believe they have enough assets to leave behind anything of worth. Even when formal estate plans are in place for titled property such as houses, land, or insurance policies, often overlooked is the non-titled property that makes up the bulk of a person’s estate. From clutter to cherished possessions — and everything in between — understanding the importance of estate planning and how to get started is vital for Kentucky families. 

Estate planning allows people to control what happens to their possessions after death. When an executor does not know how to distribute or dispose of a person’s estate, it may create confusion and conflict among families during an already challenging time. To increase consumer knowledge on estate planning, Dr. Nichole Huff, Assistant Extension Professor for Family Finance and Resource Management, developed the four-lesson curriculum and Extension publication series, Transferring Cherished Possessions: Estate Planning for Non-Titled Property. The material was originally peer-reviewed and piloted in 2022, with statewide train-the-trainer rollout following in February 2023. The curriculum includes four units that can be taught as independent or consecutive lessons, each with a suggested evaluation component. Below is a summary of evaluations submitted for Transferring Cherished Possessions during the 2023-2024 reporting year. For each lesson, paired sample t-tests were conducted to evaluate whether participant knowledge improved after program participation. Statistically significant improvements in knowledge were found for each learning outcome in the curriculum. All calculated effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were above the threshold of a large effect (i.e., 0.8), indicating that participant understanding of each learning outcome increased after participating in Transferring Cherished Possessions.

69 evaluations were collected for Lesson One (Where Do I Start?). As a result of the program, 97% of participants indicated they planned to write a Letter of Last Instruction detailing their estate plans, and 99% indicated they planned to discuss goals for asset distribution with loved ones. Statistically significant improvements in knowledge were found for each learning outcome (i.e., understanding estate planning, evaluating legal considerations, establishing family goals). 

39 evaluations were collected for Lesson Two (What Is Fair?). As a result of the program, 97% of participants indicated they planned to select and confirm an executor for their estate, and 100% indicated they planned to discuss plans with their executor and/or relevant heirs. Statistically significant improvements in knowledge were found for each learning outcome (i.e., selecting an executor, determining fairness when distributing property, communicating with heirs). 

33 evaluations were collected for Lesson Three (Who Gets What?). As a result of the program, 100% of participants indicated they planned to begin writing an asset distribution plan, and 100% planned to discuss these written plans with loved ones. Statistically significant improvements in knowledge were found for each learning outcome (i.e., preparing a distribution plan, evaluating different methods of distributing property, understanding how to outsource tasks). 

38 evaluations were collected for Lesson Four (How Can We Communicate Without Conflict?). As a result of the program, 100% of participants indicated they planned to discuss the distribution of their assets with those who will settle their estate, and 100% indicated they planned to use positive communication strategies when discussing their estate plans with loved ones. Statistically significant improvements in knowledge were found for each learning outcome (i.e., identifying methods to communicate clearly, preparing for estate planning, implementing strategies to minimize conflict).