Many people hope to pass on or transfer some of their special non-titled personal property to family and friends. Non-titled personal property includes items that do not have a title or a legal document indicating ownership, such as furniture, family photographs, fishing gear, tools, and yellow pie plates. All too often, family members involved in transfer decisions fail to learn about each other’s perceptions of what would make the transfer process and end result fair. Assumptions can be made that are inaccurate. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings can result.
Mark your calendar for the upcoming educational program titled, “Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?” Linda Beech, Ellis County Family & Consumer Science Agent, will present the updated information Friday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. at the Great Bend Senior Center. The transfer of non-titled property is an issue that impacts individuals regardless of their financial worth, heritage or cultural background. Paring down and transferring personal property is inevitable due to necessary moves or death. Few individuals, however, have planned ahead regarding who should get what personal belongings such as grandma’s yellow pie plate, the oak table, dad’s cuff links or the family photo album.
While no single communication strategy will insure you are going to “Get your own way,” this program offers suggestions that may help work through differences and conflicts when they arise. There is some excellent handout material which accompanies this lesson. The program is free and open to everyone. I hope to see you there.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu