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Learn how to get your affairs in order with Dr. Marsha Goetting, a Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist at Montana State University.
The public is invited to attend these free in-person seminars on estate planning. A large estate is not required. If you are curious about how to best preserve, protect, and pass on any assets these seminars will fill the bill.
October 27 – Families and Legacies: Challenging Decisions.
Do you know what decisions you have already made about how the titling of your property influences who receives it upon your death? Do you know what decisions Montana has made for you that determine who receives your property if you pass away without an estate plan? Many people don’t know about decisions you have already made, and decisions Montana has made that determine who receives your property after you die. They think a written will controls everything. Not so, says Dr. Marsha Goetting, Montana State University Extension Family Economics Specialist. She will outline decisions you should be aware of so you can be assured the person you want to receive your real and personal property receives it instead of letting the Montana legislature decide for you.
November 24 – To quote Shakespeare: To have a trust or a will…. Aye, that is the question
Although revocable living trusts have existed for many years, they have recently gained more visibility. You may have read newspaper advertisements for free seminars on the benefits of a revocable trust, or perhaps you’ve seen television commercials suggesting that everyone should have one. A revocable trust can be an excellent tool for some types of estate planning. But it is not an appropriate choice for everyone. Dr. Goetting will explore the advantages and disadvantages of revocable trusts, testamentary trusts, QTIP trust and wills. She will also share alternative legal arrangements that are less expensive and may accomplish your goals more effectively, such as a durable financial power of attorney.
December 15 – Tools for avoiding probate on your assets to save money for your beneficiaries
Yes, it’s true. The Montana Legislature has made available tools that allow you to avoid probate on most of your assets. You can avoid probate with payable on death designations (PODs), transfer on death registrations (TODs), a transfer on death deed (TODD) for real property, and a beneficiary designation for your vehicles and vessels. She will explore the income tax impact when gifting or leaving assets as an inheritance. She will also reveal how a Montana Medical Care Savings account can be a living legacy as well as a death legacy for your beneficiaries.