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April 2023
650-463-1550 | www.FalkBarrot.com
Helping Families Avoid Frustration The Origin of Kimberly Barrot’s Passion for Estate Planning
My interest in estate planning was piqued as I navigated the passing of my grandmother, grandfather, and aunt between 2007 and 2008. I could see firsthand how estate plans worked and how families suffer when estate plans fail. My family and I experienced the frustration that an improper plan can put a grieving family through. We felt how the added stress of unknowns, family dynamics, and asset management could make the grieving process much more painful. In 2008, I interviewed with Mary Falk. As soon as we met, I knew estate planning was right for me. I followed my interest and left my job as a commercial real estate paralegal to join Falk, Cornell & Associates, LLP. I started my journey with the law firm as a paralegal in the trust administration department, assisting individuals and families through life’s transitions, including incapacity, resignation, and death. I quickly became driven by a passion to help other families avoid the frustrations of an insufficient estate plan. And so, after a year of assisting people with their financial affairs by day, I started attending law school classes at night so I could become an estate planning attorney. After four long years, I graduated and passed the CA bar exam, excited to begin providing individuals and families quality legal services with the comfort of knowing their estate planning goals are met and their legacy is protected. I worked as an estate planning attorney for seven years before becoming a partner in 2021. Last year, in recognition of our partnership, the law firm’s name was changed to Falk, Barrot & Associates, LLP. Mary and I are passionate about providing clients with peace of mind knowing their estate plan meets their goals and takes care of their family’s future. This is a mission the law firm will continue to pursue for years to come. In December 2023, Mary will transition to “of counsel.” She will still be a member of the law firm; however, she will work in a minimal capacity as she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling the world. Even in this transition, we will uphold the same values and commitment to our mission — that will never change. Transition presents an opportunity for our firm to grow so we can continue to serve our clients. We plan to add at least one more attorney and paralegal to our team this year! My time at Falk, Barrot & Associates, LLP has gifted me with meaningful relationships that fill my cup every day and allow me to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartache my family did 15 years ago. This area of law is extremely emotional, and
my goal is to always be here for our clients through life’s triumphs and tribulations, and when they are at their most vulnerable, while helping them through every phase of the estate planning process. Being someone our clients can lean on for information, advice, and support is important to me as an estate planning attorney, a granddaughter and niece. Our firm provides a family feel with every interaction. We genuinely care about our clients, and we provide a service that we would expect for ourselves — and for our families. When I am not dedicated to work, I’m spending time with family. My 4-year-old daughter keeps me very busy, doing art projects, science experiments, and dancing in our living room. Earlier this year, we took an amazing trip to Thailand, where we went scuba diving, took a private cooking class, and walked through many markets to experience some incredible authentic Thai food, and immersed ourselves in Thai culture. I am grateful to continue Mary’s legacy and honored to help our clients feel more secure and safe in their futures. No matter what tomorrow holds, our team at Falk, Barrot & Associates, LLP will be here for you every step of the way.
—Kimberly Barrot
www.FalkBarrot.com
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When Pollen Strikes Nipping Spring Allergies in the Bud
outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash your hair and skin to remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening. Remove pollen from indoor air. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air. Rinse out your sinuses. When pollen overwhelms your sinus passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. Take over-the-counter medications. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over-the-counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies.
Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay. Reduce your exposure. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time
Cheese and Desist! McDonald’s Customers Sue for Being Forced to Pay for Cheese
not receive cheese on their burger but were charged the same price as a Quarter Pounder with cheese. Their lawsuit states that they, and other customers who do not want cheese on their burgers, are forced to pay for two slices of cheese anyway, and they sued for damages as a result of being overcharged and required to pay for American cheese when they did not want or receive it on their burger.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, things got a little crazy! Two McDonald’s customers sued the fast-food chain for $5 million, alleging they were unfairly charged when they ordered Quarter Pounders without cheese. According to the lawsuit, the fast-food restaurant chain historically had four menu options: a Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, a Quarter Pounder, and a Double Quarter Pounder. The “with cheese” options were roughly between 30 cents and 90 cents more expensive than the “without cheese” burgers. At some point, McDonald’s discontinued the “without cheese” options.
According to USA Today, a McDonald’s spokesperson advised that the company does its best to allow customers to customize their food orders. If someone doesn’t want cheese as it is listed on the menu, the fast-food chain will not include cheese, thus they didn’t think the lawsuit has any merit.
Only a Quarter Pounder with cheese and a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese were available at the time these two customers visited the restaurant. The ingredients listed on McDonald’s website for these items include a sesame seed bun, quarter- pound 100% beef patty, ketchup, onions, pasteurized processed American cheese, and pickle slices.
And because the McDonald’s customers failed to prove they were damaged by an overcharge, the case was dismissed!
These customers ordered Quarter Pounders but asked for no cheese on their burger, and they did
650-463-1550
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Client Appreciation Coffee, Donuts &Shredding Event! Saturday, June 03, 2023 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Lucie Stern Center Fireside Room and Parking Lot 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301
We are happy to invite our clients, their families, and Successor Trustees to our annual Client Appreciation Shredding Event. This year we will be providing coffee and a variety of donuts. Come enjoy a delicious treat as Jessica’s Shredding Team destroys your documents on-site. To register, please call Heather at (650) 463-1550 or email at heather@falkbarrot.com. We look forward to seeing everyone in June!
Is Your Child Over 18? An Advance Health Care Directive and a Power of Attorney Are Needed!
Client Appreciation Coffee, Donuts &Shredding Event! Saturday, June 03, 2023 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Lucie Stern Center Fireside Room and Parking Lot 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Turning 18 is an exciting time. Perhaps your student is off to college or other adventures. It is necessary as your child gains independence into adulthood, that you discuss the importance of them signing an advance health care directive and power of attorney. • Advance Health Care Directive: Now that your child is 18, you can no longer access his/her medical records, speak to his/her physicians or make medical decisions on his/her behalf. Your child can sign an advance health care directive appointing an adult to serve as his/her advocate either immediately or in the case of a medical emergency. • Power of Attorney: Now that your child is 18, you cannot access his/ her financial accounts, contract on his/her behalf, or obtain any non-medical information from any institution. A college will let you pay his/her tuition but you cannot ask any questions! Your child can sign a power of attorney appointing an adult to make financial decisions on his/her behalf either immediately or in the case of an emergency. Signing these documents is critical! You do not know when your child will need you to take action. The law firm charges $750 to meet with an attorney and prepare an advance health care directive and a power of attorney; however, in appreciation of our clients, the law firm will provide this service for $500 per child. Please contact the office to get started. We are happy to invite our clients, their families, and Successor Trustees to our annual Client Appreciation Shredding Event. This year we will be providing coffee and a variety of donuts. Come enjoy a delicious treat as Jessica’s Shredding Team destroys your documents on-site. To register, please call Heather at (650) 463-1550 or email at heather@falkbarrot.com. We look forward to seeing everyone in June! UPCOMING LIVING TRUST WEBINARS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY Your friends and family are inspired by the comfort you have knowing that you have executed your estate plan and have protected your family and legacy. Please share your experience and encourage your friends and family to initiate their estate plan or to review existing but dated estate plans. Your friends and family are welcome to contact our office to register for one of our upcoming estate planning webinars or to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss establishing or restating a living trust.
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 12 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 22, 2023 12 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
650-463-1550 www.FalkBarrot.com 865 Laurel Street, Ste 4 San Carlos, CA 94070
TAKE A BREAK
FIND MORE ‘YOU’ TIME Developing a Self-Care Routine
Buds Conservation Diamond Easter Lily Planting Refund Regrowth
Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self-care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life.
Shower Sweets Taxes Volunteer
Become intentional.
When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier.
ONE-PAN CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS WITH EGG NOODLES
Create large and small self-care options.
Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure.
Ingredients
• 8 oz shallots, peeled and halved
• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2- inch pieces • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, halved • Salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp butter, divided • 8 oz button mushrooms, trimmed
Make time for hobbies.
• 3 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 8 oz egg noodles • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self-care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it!
Directions 1. In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until browned, 7–9 minutes. Remove from heat, discard fat, and set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Return pan to medium-high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook, turning a few times, for 10–12 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate. 2. Place remaining 1 tbsp butter in pan to melt. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook 8–10 minutes. Add broth and cream; bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. 3. Add chicken (skin-side up), cover pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring once halfway through. Cook about 10–12 minutes. 4. Uncover and simmer until thickened. Stir in dill and top with bacon. Serve and enjoy!
Plan your self-care time.
Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day.
Keep it simple.
Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.
www.FalkBarrot.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
650-463-1550 www.FalkBarrot.com 865 Laurel Street, Ste 4 San Carlos, CA 94070
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Kimberly Barrot’s Story
1 2
Combating Spring Allergies Hold the Cheese, Please!
One-Pan Chicken and Mushrooms With Egg Noodles Putting Together a Self-Care Routine
3
4
Illinois’ Sip and Spit Law
Sip … But You Must Spit Check Out This Strange Illinois Law!
unfortunately, virgin wines taste nothing like actual wines! This leaves a gap in many culinary students’ education and may even force them to relearn the skill once they turn 21 and sample alcoholic wines. According to CBS News, Emily Williams Knight, the president of Kendall College, a private Illinois university that focuses on culinary arts, says “taste training” is an integral part of culinary education for young students, which includes learning
By law, in the United States, the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years old. When an individual under 21 breaks the law and consumes alcohol, they are subject to arrest and hefty fines. However, there’s a loophole in Illinois. In 2012, the Illinois State Senate voted 48–6 in favor of passing a “sip and spit” law for Illinois culinary students over 18 but under the legal drinking age of 21. This strange law enabled these students to know their wine well without becoming intoxicated. The students can only sample the wines during their scheduled class times, and an adult that is 21 or older must supervise. Each sample of wine must be less than a shot’s worth in volume, and most importantly, they cannot swallow — they must just taste the wine, then spit it out. Culinary students nationwide rely on nonalcoholic wines to learn about the taste, color, and smell of wines and how to best pair them with their dishes, but
to pair dishes and meals with adult beverages. Understanding the different tastes and notes of various wines is essential to help these students succeed and prepare them for culinary arts and hospitality management careers. On Aug. 24, 2012, Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 758 into law so Kendall College students over 18 but younger than 21 could better develop their wine-tasting skills to enhance their culinary abilities. However, the rule is clear: Sip … but you must spit!
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