Kris Maser, Elder Law Attorney, Minneapolis, MN
I've used this program with my clients. It is a great teaching tool to aid families in the distribution of cherished family items from one generation to another.

Wall Street Journal Encore
Leading the way is the University of Minnesota, which created "Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?"

Peg Meier, Reporter, Star Tribune, Minneapolis MN
University extension educators are suggesting ways to gracefully divide those family items that are loaded with sentiment.

Book Description
Award winning book eases challenges of distributing personal possessions. "As executor for my mother's estate, I needed help. I never expected by sisters to act the way they did! This information helped us sort out what we wanted, talk about what we thought was fair, and consider different options. It wasn't easy, but we are still talking." When emotions take over, the division of a loved one's personal possessions can turn ugly and even destroy family relationships. There is another way. A better way. With the award winning book, "Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?" readers are shown a new positive way to transfer non-titled property. Whether planning ahead or making decisions when someone dies, this book will help family members create distribution options that feel "fair" for everyone. It is a must read for everyone--spouses, adult children, siblings and grandchildren. Readers learn immediately how to identify and understand the special significance and value of belongings. This process often results in suprises. Using the authors' suggestions the process can become a celebration of a person's life rather than a family nightmare.

About the Author
Marlene S. Stum, PhD: Marlene is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota--Twin Cities. She has been teaching in areas of family economics and social gerontology for 22 years. Her research and teachings focus on the economic well being of later life families. Marlene's expertise includes an understanding of later life transitions such as intergenerational resource transfers including inheritances. Her work also includes financing long term health care and end-of-life decisions. As a faculty appointee with the Minnesota Extension Service her work focuses on the development of educational resources to aid families in making more informed decisions regarding the later life experiences. In addition to writing in these areas, she also trains professionals to be better prepared to work with families. Marlene's PhD is in Adult Education and Gerontology from the University of Wisconsin--Madison. Her Master's degree is in Family Economics from Kansas State University.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Minnesota Extension Dean And Director's Team Award
Dean Don Felkner Award
Episolon Sigma Phi Award

SYNOPSIS

With the help of this award winning book readers are shown a new, positive way to transfer non-titled property.

Whether planning ahead or making decisions when someone dies, this workbook will help family members create distribution options that feel "fair" for everyone. It is a "must" read for - spouses, adult children, siblings and grandchildren - anyone involved in the distribution process of a "loved one's" personal possessions.

Readers learn immediately how to identify and understand the special significance and value of belongings. This process often results in surprises. Who would have known a "silly" jelly glass meant so much to everyone? Or a photo? Or a ring? Or a fishing pole? Using the authors' suggestions the process can become a celebration of a person's life rather than a family nightmare.

"Who'd want this old stuff - my old things aren't worth anything to anyone." People often overlook the emotional attachments family members have to their possessions. Yet, it is these sentimental items that cause the greatest pain and hurt in families during the distribution of a family member's belongings. This book helps anyone concerned about how their possessions will be distributed by their family after they have died. It provides the reader with guidance for planning ahead to prevent family strife after they are gone.

In addition to being used by individuals seeking a better way to distribute property, this book can also be used by religious leaders, estate planning and probate lawyers, funeral home directors, estate sale and auction administrators and senior housing and nursing home administrators to help their clients.

FROM THE CRITICS

Wall Street Journal Encore