Free workshop aims to help landowners navigate estate planning

ATHENS -- Most Americans die without an estate plan, which can create a host of problems for surviving family members.

University of Georgia Extension and Fort Valley State University Extension are offering a free workshop, “Sustaining the family home and farm through estate planning,” on Aug. 22 to educate Georgia landowners on the benefits of creating an estate plan.

Attorney Gracy Barksdale will provide an overview of estate planning, covering topics such as wills, power of attorney and health care directives.

The workshop also will include an update on the Farm Bill presented by UGA Senior Public Service Associate Amanda Smith and presentations on cost-sharing programs, disaster assistance, loans and record-keeping from U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency representatives.

“It’s critical for clients to understand the resources available as well as the latest updates to assist them in sustaining their land,” Keishon Thomas, a UGA Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent in Bibb County, said. “Good stewardship has several components.”

The workshop is presented by the Georgia Farmer’s Initiative for Training and Sustainability program.

Last year, the collaboration between UGA Extension and FVSU Extension helped 61 Georgians complete estate plans through estate planning education and technical assistance and provided education for more than 400 residents.

“This workshop will help attendees understand estate planning and the current Farm Bill and other USDA programs available to assist landowners,” Thomas said

The workshop will be held at the Agricultural Technology Conference Center in Fort Valley on Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and includes lunch.

Attendees should register by Thursday.