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May 2025
Legacy Ledger: Where Law Meets Life
(978) 653-4092 | www.MonteforteLaw.com
A Proud Dad’s Reflection on Gabby’s Incredible Journey
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but here we are — Gabby is getting ready to graduate this May, and it’s hitting me that we’re at the end of another era. If you know me, you know how proud I am of my daughter, but I think it’s worth sharing just how incredible her journey has been. Gabby is planning to go to law school this fall at Quinnipiac University Law, and she’s taken an unconventional path to get there. Most students sign up for the traditional four-year undergraduate program, and some even opt for the 3+3 hybrid program, where your senior year counts toward both college and law school. But not Gabby. As a freshman,
she decided she didn’t want to be distracted with a hybrid year. Instead, she meticulously planned her schedule to graduate in just three years — yes, three years! And she didn’t just scrape by; she’s graduating with a near- perfect GPA. Who does that!? Gabby does. Now, as amazing as that is, it’s only half the story. Gabby has been a dancer since she was a toddler. For years, we traveled all over New England for competitions, and when she graduated high school, we thought that chapter had closed. But Gabby had other plans. She decided to try out for the highly competitive Division I Quinnipiac Dance Team — and, of course, she made it. Not only did she make the team, but she has danced for all three years while also serving as the team’s treasurer. Every January we’ve made the trip to Orlando to watch her team compete at the national level, and this year was no different. Quinnipiac had top-10 finishes in two categories — fifth in the nation in pom and eighth in the nation in game day dances. These are unbelievable accomplishments, and while we are beyond proud, it’s also bittersweet knowing her college dance career is ending and we won’t get to see her perform on that stage anymore — on stage is where she shines. With some tears, we bid college dance a fond farewell. What amazes me most is how Gabby has managed to balance it all. In addition to being on the dance team, she’s been an officer in her sorority, a tutor in the school’s learning commons, and a peer catalyst — basically a student teacher — in multiple classes. All the while, she kept up a 4.0 GPA and spent every evening at dance practice, often coming home covered in bumps
and bruises, but never quitting. She is persistence personified. People always say Gabby is a miniature version of me, and while I can see the resemblance, the truth is, she’s so much more. I didn’t have the same level of drive and work ethic she does at her age. If anything, she’s me 2.0 — the new and improved version. And I couldn’t be more proud. So, here’s to my little girl. My Gabby — my brilliant, driven, and incredibly talented daughter. I can’t wait to see her kill it in law school.
–Mike Monteforte Jr.
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Out-of-State Property and the Massachusetts Estate Tax PROTECT YOUR ASSETS NOW
you can unknowingly push your estate’s value over the limit, leaving your heirs with a significant bill. Planning is essential. The good news? There are legal strategies to keep these properties out of your Massachusetts estate — or out of the tax crosshairs if you’re a non-resident. The key is proper planning . With the right approach, you can convert your real estate into “intangible” property for tax purposes, or structure your holdings to ensure they’re not counted toward the Massachusetts total. But these maneuvers must be done correctly, or you risk the opposite effect. Attend our seminar to learn more. If you’re unsure whether your cross-border property holdings could trigger a big tax bill, don’t wait until it’s too late. Join us at our upcoming seminar to discover how to protect your assets and minimize
If you’re a Massachusetts resident with a vacation home in another state — or a non-resident who owns real estate here — you may be on the hook for a hefty Massachusetts estate tax. It might sound surprising, but the way you own property across state lines can drastically impact how much your family pays when you’re gone. More families than ever are finding themselves liable for taxes they never anticipated. Out-of-state property matters. For Massachusetts residents, all of your assets are counted toward your state estate tax total, and if you have out-of-state property in an LLC, it often keeps your vacation home firmly within the state’s tax orbit. The result? You could exceed the $2 million threshold more easily than you think, especially when you add up all your real estate, investments, and life insurance proceeds. On the flip side, if you live outside Massachusetts but own property here — say, a rental in Boston or a summer cottage on the Cape — that property alone could expose you to a Massachusetts estate tax. Even if your home state has no estate tax, Massachusetts is happy to claim its share of any property located within its borders. This is urgent. With the threshold raised to $2 million, it’s tempting to feel safe. But remember, once you cross that line — even slightly — the tax rates can climb to 16% . If you own out-of-state property (or in-state property as a non-resident),
your estate tax exposure. Our team will walk you through the best strategies to safeguard your family’s future — so you can rest easy knowing your hard-earned wealth stays where it belongs. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and take
control of your legacy. Scan the QR code on the insert for our upcoming seminar dates.
Woman Arrested After K9 Sniffs Out Her ‘Innocent’ Tote Bag CRIMINAL MASTERMIND? NOT QUITE
There are bad decisions, and then there are “ Florida-level ” bad decisions. And right at the top of that list is walking around with a bag that literally announces your crime in bold letters. That’s exactly what 31-year-old
Teryn Acri did when she was caught with a tote bag that read, “ Definitely Not a Bag Full of Drugs ” — which, naturally, was full of drugs. You can’t make this stuff up. Acri’s latest brush with the law happened when the car she was riding in got pulled over by deputies in Brevard County. The driver, clearly possessing a stellar decision-making record, assured the officer that “nothing illegal should be inside.” Unfortunately for her, Aurora, the department’s drug-sniffing K9, had other ideas. When the deputy searched the vehicle, Acri’s ironically labeled tote bag was sitting there like a neon sign screaming, “ CHECK ME IMMEDIATELY. ” Inside? Allegedly, police found meth, needles, Narcan, digital scales, small baggies, cut straws — pretty
much everything except what you would usually find in someone’s bag.
What makes this situation even more ridiculous is that this isn’t even Acri’s first run-in with the law this year. She was arrested on Jan. 6 for — you guessed it — drug trafficking. But after making her $15,500 bond just two days later, she was out and about, making more exceptionally bad life choices. Now, she’s back behind bars, and something tells us she won’t be meeting bail this time. If irony were a crime, Acri would be serving a life sentence. Carrying drugs is bad enough, but labeling them like a cartoon villain? That’s next-level absurdity. The universe has a sense of humor, but so does law enforcement, and they love an easy arrest. If nothing else, let this be a PSA: If your bag screams, “ I’m guilty, ” expect to be treated accordingly.
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(978) 653-4092
Estate & Financial Planning Seminar Secure Your Future
Are you concerned about preserving your wealth in unpredictable times — or worried your family may be left unprotected if something happens to you? Our exclusive seminar brings together three seasoned professionals who will show you exactly how to safeguard your estate, thrive amid political and market shifts, and build an investment portfolio designed for long- term success. Whether you’re new to wealth preservation or fine-tuning a plan you already have, this event will arm you with the strategies you need to protect your legacy and make your money work harder, no matter what the future holds. What You’ll Learn 1. Estate Planning With Mike Monteforte I’ll break down the core components of an effective estate plan — from trusts and wills to health care directives — ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. We also cover how to minimize or even eliminate estate taxes so you can keep more of your hard- earned assets in the family. 2. Transitioning Markets With Kyle Wood Presidential administrations change, and with them, financial policies and market
conditions. Kyle will show you how to make money in a shifting economic landscape and adapt your portfolio to new governmental policies. If you’re worried about volatility or uncertain tax laws, his insights will help you stay ahead of the curve. 3. Investment Strategies With Ryan McSheffrey Ryan will share proven methods for building and preserving wealth through solid investment options. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, saving for a major purchase, or just want to maximize your returns, his guidance will help you craft a balanced portfolio. You’ll walk away with a clearer roadmap for future success — even if market conditions change. Why You Should Attend • Protect Your Estate: Ensure your legacy stays intact and reduce the tax burden on your family. • Navigate Shifting Markets:
• Invest With Confidence: Learn how to balance growth and security in any market, so you can meet your long- term financial goals. Reserve Your Spot Now Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from three professionals who’ve helped countless families secure and grow their wealth. You’ll come away with actionable strategies tailored to today’s fast- changing financial world.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 7, at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Season’s 52, 6 Wayside Rd. U, Burlington, MA 01803 Ready to learn more? Sign up for our seminar today at MLawSeminars.com. Space is limited , so secure your seat now and set yourself on the path to a more confident financial future. We look forward to sharing our expertise and helping you build — and protect — a legacy that lasts.
Discover how to capitalize on new opportunities when presidential administrations, policies, and economic conditions evolve.
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Inspired by Delish.com
INGREDIENTS
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• Salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 large eggs • 3 oz Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS 1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
“Very positive experience. Michael and the staff are very professional, yet we felt very relaxed. We are still working out some issues; staff is very responsive. We highly recommend.”
– Ken R.
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300 TradeCenter, Suite 6750 Woburn, MA 01801
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INSIDE
A Reflection on Gabby’s Amazing Journey
Protect Your Assets From Estate Tax
Florida Woman Takes the Title for World’s Worst Criminal
Secure Your Future
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Estate Planning Pitfalls You Need to Know
Are You Making One? Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Forgetting to Keep Your Plans Fresh Life changes quickly. Marriage and divorce, births, and property sales are just a few events that can affect your estate plan. It’s easy to forget to account for these changes, but the result won’t be easy for your family to forget. Imagine leaving all your property to a former spouse because you never updated your will. This might sound crazy, but it happens. If you created your estate plan years ago and never updated it, refresh it now. Creating a DIY Disaster It’s easy to be attracted to a DIY solution. They’re convenient and appear affordable, and who wouldn’t want to save time and a few bucks? Even Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” had a DIY estate plan. But like many people who go the do-it- yourself route, her situation didn’t work out well. Remember, you’re not a lawyer, and mistakes are easy to make when you use online tools for help. Instead of trying to
Putting together an estate plan is like writing the final chapter of your book, and you don’t want to make your book a horror story. Avoiding common estate planning mistakes will ensure your family isn’t confused, stressed, or surprised when it comes time to fulfill your final wishes.
save a few pennies, talk to a lawyer and get your plan right. Naming the Wrong Personal Representative The personal representative of your will has an important job. They handle paperwork, settle debts, and ensure assets go to the right people. People often base their choice of personal representative on family connections only, but you must also consider qualifications. For instance, your eldest child might be a logical choice. But what if they live thousands of miles away and haven’t managed their finances well? It could mean delays, mistakes, and a major headache for everyone involved. The best move is to choose a reliable and organized personal representative, even if they’re not a family member. What story will you leave behind? Keeping your plans updated, seeking professional help, and making careful decisions will ensure it’s the one you want.
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Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
WARNING: AN OUTDATED ESTATE PLAN COULD COST YOUR FAMILY THOUSANDS!
IS YOURS AT RISK?
Imagine this…
You did the right thing - you set up an estate plan, signed all the papers, and stored them safely. You feel secure. Then, out of nowhere, something happens. A stroke. A sudden illness. A freak accident. Now, your family needs to step in. But they can’t. Your power of attorney is outdated. No one has legal authority to act. Your Last Will doesn’t reflect your current life. One of your children isn’t even mentioned. Your home is vulnerable. A nursing home lien wipes out your assets. Your estate plan was supposed to protect you. Instead, it’s become a legal mess - one that will take years and tens of thousands of dollars to fix. This happens to families every day. Don’t let it happen to yours! Your Plan is Missing Two MAJOR Protections!
Your estate plan does NOT include our two newest proprietary tools: the 20/20 Hindsight Trust and the IRA Trust.
LIMITED-TIME OPPORTUNITY—ONLY 50 SPOTS AVAILABLE!
$4,000 $999 You Must Act Within 30 Days - To lock in this special pricing, you must book your Three-Year Check-In within the next 30 days and schedule your appointment within the next 90 days. Appointments are filling fast, so lock in your special pricing today! IRA TRUST $5,000 $1,999 Because we value our existing clients, we offer an exclusive, client-only offer for those who take action NOW. But this won’t last! Here’s the deal: Bigger Savings if you upgrade your existing Revocable Trust into one of these more powerful trusts. Special pricing for adding either the 20/20 Hindsight Trust or the IRA Inheritance Trust as a new trust to your estate plan. Limited to the First 50 Clients - Once 50 spots are filled, this offer is gone. 20/20 HINDSIGHT TRUST
�� SCAN THE QR CODE WITH YOUR CAMERA OR GIVE US A CALL AT 978-657-7437
SEE THE BACK FOR MORE
PROTECT YOUR LEGACY WITH THE 20/20 HINDSIGHT TRUST Your estate plan was built to protect your family, but in today's world, we need more protection than ever. Even with a trust, an inheritance is exposed to risks like: Divorce: An ex-spouse could walk away with half of your child's inheritance. Lawsuits & Creditors: Legal claims or debts could strip them of their legacy. Estate Taxes: Without proper structuring, the IRS could take a large portion of their inherited wealth. Poor Financial Decisions: A financially immature or struggling heir could quickly squander their family fortune. The 20/20 Hindsight Trust safeguards inheritances by keeping assets in a protective trust. Beneficiaries control their inheritance without the risks of direct ownership. It prevents ex-spouses from claiming assets, shields wealth from lawsuits and creditors, and reduces estate taxes for future generations.
DON’T LET YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN DISAPPEAR.
Your Retirement Plan (IRA, 401k, 403b) may be one of your largest assets - but without the right planning, it can become a tax burden or be lost to creditors or your child’s divorcing spouse. Most people assume naming their children or spouse as beneficiaries is enough. It’s not. Taxes could take up to 40%: Mishandling IRA distributions means the IRS gets a big cut. It could disappear fast: Without safeguards, heirs might drain it in a few years. Divorce could take half: An ex-spouse could claim part of your child’s inheritance. Creditors could seize it: Lawsuits or debts could put the IRA at risk.
The IRA Trust® safeguards your retirement savings for future generations while maximizing tax efficiency. The trust minimizes taxes and preserves more of your heirs' inheritance. It also prevents reckless spending by controlling beneficiaries' access to IRA funds. With built-in protections, this trust ensures that your IRA remains within your bloodline, shielding it from divorce, lawsuits, and creditors. Most importantly, it secures long-term growth, allowing your retirement savings to continue compounding for decades rather than being depleted.
ARE THESE TRUSTS RIGHT FOR YOU? FIND OUT HERE
Do you want to minimize the taxes on your IRA for your heirs? Do you want to ensure your IRA isn’t wasted or spent too quickly? Do you have over $250,000 in IRAs or retirement accounts?
Do you want to ensure your wealth stays within your family for future generations? Do you want to protect your beneficiaries from creditors and lawsuits? Do you want to protect your children’s inheritance from divorce? YOU NEED THE 20/20 HINDSIGHT TRUST
YOU NEED THE IRA TRUST
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