Seven out of 10 Montanans die without writing a will, and that means that their property may go to family they haven't spoken with in years -- or to the state of Montana.
Montanans can check a Montana State University Extension Web site or free CD to learn where their property would go if they died without a will. You can access the information at www.montana.edu/dyingwithoutawill.
"Just by clicking through the 'yes' and 'no' questions, Montanans can learn how their property would be distributed if they pass away without writing a will," said Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist.
Alternatively, the CD is just as simple and "would make an excellent educational tool for Montana families as they enter 2009," Goetting said. "What better way to start the year than to make sure we provide for our families if something happens to us--especially during these turbulent financial times."
She adds that the simplicity of the CD means it doesn't have fancy graphics like software games, but that same simplicity means it is clear and easy to use. Some of the few graphics reveal via a simple family tree how Montana law distributes property when a person dies without a will.
One of the central facts of dying in Montana is that, if a person passes away without a written will, only relatives receive property. If there are no relatives, the state of Montana gets all assets. If there is a favorite charity, it would receive nothing unless a will says so.
"The Web or CD information also shows that your hard-earned assets may go to someone you wouldn't have expected," Goetting said. "That can be a real motivation to write a simple will. It gives you some control."
The 39 examples in the CD describe typical family situations, but if a family scenario is not illustrated, Montanans can contact Goetting to ask for more information.
The Web site and CD were reviewed for legal accuracy by a member of the School of Law at the University of Montana and also by the Business, Estates, Tax, Trust, and Real Property Section of the State Bar of Montana.
Montanans can order the CD for free by contacting Goetting via email at goetting@montana.edu, calling (406) 994-3511, or writing her at MSU, P. O. 172800, Bozeman, 59717. Montanans also can contact the nearest Extension office. Additional copies for family members may also be ordered.
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