The Pike County Extension Office is offering a free program on estate planning and end-of-life issues on Thursday, July 28 at Cattleman Park. The program will be from 6 until 9 p.m. and dinner will be included.

Heath Wesley, Pike County Extension coordinator, said a large number of Americans die without a will or an advance health directive.

“Many people believe that their property will automatically pass on to their heirs without complications,” Wesley said. “Some people just never get around to making legal arrangements to protect their survivors.”

Wesley said a couple of other misconceptions are that estate planning is not important for younger parents or that their heirs will not be affected by tax liabilities due to their estate size.

“For some, it’s as simple as the costs to prepare wills and other important documents or simply the discomfort of discussing end-of-life issues with family members,” he said.

Dr. Robert Tufts, Auburn University professor and attorney, will facilitate the estate planning and end-of-life issues program.

Wesley said information will be presented that will be beneficial in helping recognize the legal documents that are essential in estate planning.
“Dr. Tufts will also present information regarding the importance of family communication about legal issues and how to select and work with an attorney,” Wesley said. “Participants in the program will learn how to prepare a plan to protect, distribute and transfer their assets.”

Wesley said those who would have to answer no to the question, “Do you know what will happen to your estate when you are gone?” will benefit greatly from participation in the estate planning program on July 28 at Cattleman Park at 4100 U.S. Highway 231south of Troy.

Wesley said the Pike County Extension Office is excited to offer this free estate planning program to the citizens of the Pike County area. Dinner will be provided courtesy of Troy Bank and Trust and First National Bank of Brundidge.

“Because dinner will be served, pre-registration is required,” Wesley said. “We are asking those who plan to attend, to register by calling the Pike County Extension Office at 334-566-0985 by 4 p.m. on July 26.”