During a person’s lifetime, resources and assets are accumulated.  Many people fail to make plans to transfer their property and possessions at the time of their death, therefore leaving others to settle their estate, pay tax obligations, and handle family disputes which can be added time and money. In order to address this concern, the Trimble County Cooperative Extension agent for Family and Consumer Science partnered with a local attorney to conduct an Estate Planning workshop.  Twenty six participants attended this program which addressed the topics of wills, health care directives, power of attorney, and organizing financial documents. Prior to the program, the majority of participants indicated that they did not know how to manage or address the current estate planning issues that faced their families and did not have the confidence in handling estate planning or specific financial matters. 

A six month follow-up evaluation reported that:

• 80% of the participants created at least one specific estate planning goal for their family.
• 73% of the participants have taken action toward implementing at least one estate planning strategy in regard to the subject area presented.
• 60% of the participants implemented at least one strategy in regard to estate planning. 

Participants also reported specific actions/behaviors such as:

• Completed a record listing the location of important papers, bills, documents, along with account reps names and numbers, reviewed revocable trust, and updated documents related to subject.
• Discussed with children where power of attorney and living will are located along with other documents.
• “We had an attorney draw up essential documents such our wills, power of attorney, and living wills.”
• “I realized that I needed to change beneficiaries of my IRA’s and bank accounts.”
• “This program encouraged me to have more family communication. My husband and I discussed our wills and distribution of our estate with our children.”
• “We have our financial and funeral plans implemented.  We have also purchased our cemetery lots and headstone.”

The majority of participants felt that what they learned assisted them in more effectively managing their estate planning needs.  Participants have also requested more information and additional classes are planned for the fall.