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An audience of 40 people attended a panel discussion Wednesday, June 14, at the Rex Theater in Thompson Falls to listen to experts regarding estate planning. The panel discussion was put together by Deb Wilson with Edward Jones, and Deedee Blaney with Flying S Title and Escrow. Other members of the panel included Jeannette Carr-Smith with Clearwater Properties, Attorney Will McCarthy, and Wayne Egbert with Sunset Hills Funeral Home and Crematory.

Acknowledging the large amount of misinformation and lack of information about estate planning, Wilson and Blaney coordinated the panel discussion to try to get correct information to people. The panel covered a wide range of issues. McCarthy discussed Transfer on Death and Payment on Death topics. The entire panel discussed the importance of making sure necessary and proper documents were completed and that it is never too early to start those processes. Wilson spoke about the importance of having conversations with loved ones now because there is no guarantee of tomorrow. Making sure as much as possible is taken care of and documented appropriately can save a lot of heartache and family infighting later.

If you have not thought about, talked about, or made plans for what happens after you are gone, the panel strongly suggested starting that now. The panel also provided information, including a "My Last Wishes" book for attendees that was provided by Sunset Hills Funeral Home.