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Abstract

Inheritance: “A Tale of Two Perceptions”*

Charlotte Shoup Olsen and Theodore L. Osborn

Inheritance in rural families is examined to understand the complex process in the intergenerational transfer of titled agricultural assets as well as non-titled property.    Theoretical frameworks are used to describe differing perspectives of fairness among the heirs as related to the outcomes and the procedures taken to distribute an estate.  The paper concludes with implications for working with farm family members going through or preparing for the inheritance process.