Legally Secure Your Financial Future is a self-study curriculum to help you organize your important papers, communicate your wishes about legal and other issues, and prepare your financial affairs.

Content development by:

Marilyn C. Bischoff, M.S., Team Leader, Extension Professor and Family Economics Specialist, University of Idaho Extension; University of Idaho–Boise, 322 E. Front St., Ste. 180, Boise, ID 83702-7364; 208-364-9910; mbischof@uidaho.edu

Joanne Bankston, Ph.D., Family Economics and Management Specialist, Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program, Frankfort

Elizabeth E. Gorham, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Extension Family Resource Management Specialist, South Dakota State University Extension, Brookings

Cheryl C. Hardison, B.S., County Extension Education Director, Monona County, Iowa State University Extension, Onawa

Beverly A. Healy, M.Ed., Extension Professor, University of Idaho Extension, Boise

Jacque Miller, M.S., Extension Agent, Larimer County, Colorado State University Extension, Ft. Collins

Debra Pankow, Ph.D., Extension Family Economics Specialist, North Dakota State University Extension Service, Fargo

Reviewed for national use by David Godfrey, managing attorney for the Access to Justice Foundation, Legal HelpLine for Older Kentuckians, Lexington, KY.

Lesson Contents

I. Introduction

II. Estate Planning

III. Power of Attorney: Planning for Incapacity

IV. Property Transfer: Documents and Legal Arrangements

V. A Will: Who Needs One?

VI. The Probate Process

VII. Personal Representative: To Carry Out Your Wishes

VIII. Gifting and Tax Strategies

IX. A Trust: Who Needs One?

X. How to Hire and Work with an Attorney

XI. Learn More

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Glossary

Case Studies and Resources

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Disclaimer

Acknowledgments

Prepare Your Estate Plan belongs to a series called Legally Secure Your Financial Future. The series also includes information to help you organize important household papers and to communicate your health-care wishes.