Completed Project Report


The Financial Risks of Dying Without a Will in Montana

  • Award Amount: $40,000
  • Regional Center: Western Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2006 Competitive Grant Program
  • Project Director:
  • Email: goetting@montana.edu
  • Organization: MSU Extension Service--Dept Agricultural Economics & Economics

Extension RME Regional Centers
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Project Overview

Sale of land is a major financial risk for farmers who die without a will because of intestacy distributions to spouse and children, some of whom may lack interest in farming/ranching and demand their inheritance in cash. Many of the 842 participants during 2004-2005 estate planning programs indicated that “Montana law and property distribution” was the most valuable topic. Our objective was to continue participants´ education by developing a Website and interactive CD illustrating how property passes under Montana law when a person dies without a written will. We found that those who use the CD and Website became motivated to write a will. The CD/Website format could be easily be adapted in other states. The project could serve as a proto type for explaining the distribution of restricted/trust land on reservations and distribution of Individualized Indian Money (IIM) accounts under the American Indian Probate Reform Act.

Number of Participants: 3644

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

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EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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