News Release

“Talking about transitions and estate planning is difficult for most people – including rural Iowans – individuals, couples and families,” says Melissa O’Rourke, the Iowa State University Farm & Agribusiness Management Specialist in northeast Iowa. “And actual implementation of a transition plan can be even harder.”
That’s why Iowa State University Extension offers an “Evaluating Your Estate Plan” workshop to answer questions and help people prepare for the future.
The one-day workshop will be held on February 26 in Charles City.
“Families and individuals should plan adequately to protect assets and family relationships that are vital to their legacy” according to O’Rourke, who presents and facilitates the program. O’Rourke is an attorney experienced in agricultural law and estate planning.
The workshop will discuss the language of estate planning, gift, estate & inheritance taxes, family communication, working with legal and tax professionals and other areas vital to creating a good succession plan.
“We’re really excited about this workshop because it doesn’t just stop at providing valuable information for anyone concerned about estate and transition plans,” says O’Rourke. “Everyone participates in a hands-on analysis and discussion of case studies that will help folks apply the information to their own situations.”
Anyone who is unsure of how to build a transition plan or what options are best for their family or a farm operation should attend this workshop.
The workshop will be held at the Youth Enrichment Center on Floyd County Fairgrounds.
Registration starts at 9:00 am with the program beginning at 9:30 am, and will conclude by 4:00 pm. Advance registration is required and space is limited to the first thirty registrants at each location. The Evaluating Your Estate Plan workshop costs $50 per person and includes lunch and materials.
To pre-register call the Floyd County Extension Office at 641-228-1453 to register for the February 26 program in Charles City; or e-mail to lmehmen@iastate.edu.
More information including a program description and on-line brochure can be found at the Floyd County Extension Office website – http://www.extension.iastate.edu/floyd.