Bozeman Magazine

The Bozeman Public Libraries is excited to present 3 programs on Estate Planning from Dr. Marsha Goetting, MSU professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist. All sessions will be on zoom. Click this link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89701975514. 1. Thursday, March 16, at 6:30PM on Zoom: What Factors Decide Who Receives Your Property After You Die? The property of Montanans who do not have a written will or a trust is distributed according to the “law of intestate succession.” However, Montanans need to understand how they have titled their property could over-ride this law. And they need to realize that beneficiary designations cannot be “undone” with a written will or trust. Be sure the assets you have worked so hard to acquire pass to people you want instead of being decided by the Montana Legislature. 2. Thursday, March 23, at 6:30PM on Zoom: Save More Money For Your Heirs By Avoiding Probate Learn how you can pass property to your heirs without probate and save your estate money. Montanans can add Payable on Death (POD) designations on their checking and savings accounts and CDs at banks and credit unions. Transfer on Death (TOD) registrations can be added to your stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. A Transfer on Death Deed can be filed on real property to avoid probate. And now Montanans can have a Beneficiary designation on their vehicle and vessel titles. Learn how these designations over-ride a written will. 3. Thursday, March 30, at 6:30PM on Zoom: Revocable and Testamentary Trusts: Which is Better? It Depends! Discover situations under which revocable and testamentary trusts can be useful estate planning tools. Explore how special needs trusts can be established for minor children and adults with special needs. Learn about the meaning of the various phrases often used in trusts. Explore family circumstances for which a trust could be most beneficial. Dr. Marsha Goetting is a Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist at Montana State University in Bozeman. During the COVID years 2020 through 2022 her virtual seminars reached over 13,450 Montanans. She received the 2022 Western Region Distinguished Team Award, from Epsilon Phi. Dr. Goetting is a member of the Montana Alzheimer’s and related dementia’s Workgroup. She received her PhD from Iowa State University and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Kansas State University.