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FEBRUARY 2026
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From ‘I Do’ to ‘We’re Through’ How Relationship Changes Reshape Your Legacy
We often discuss how vital Estate Planning is for the health and protection of our families. Through your Estate Plan, you can determine who receives what and how they use those assets, ensure your wishes are carried out if you become incapacitated, provide peace of mind for the future, and so much more. However, many people believe creating an Estate Plan is a one-time thing, but it’s not. It’s an evolving process that changes alongside your life. Whenever something new happens, whether it be moving to a new house or welcoming a grandchild into the family, you’ll need to review and update your plan accordingly. Two life-changing situations can occur in life that require an urgent update to your estate plan, but you’re usually going through such emotional upheaval that it never crosses your mind until way later: marriage and divorce. Yet these events open up new avenues for Estate Planning and require an immediate update, which becomes even more important if this is not your first marriage.
ensure your spouse inherits everything, as long as neither of you entered the marriage with children from another person. If you divorce your spouse, you’ll likely want to make an immediate change to your Estate Plan to ensure it still aligns with your desires and long-term goals. You may not want your ex to receive anything and will need to update your plan accordingly. If you get remarried down the line, you’ll need to update your plan again to reflect this change. Blended families are becoming increasingly common in America and present unique Estate Planning challenges. If you don’t think this applies to you, think again! Research suggests that nearly half of all Americans have been or will be part of a blended family at some point in their lives. Estate Planning for a blended family requires intentional thought and actions. If you leave things as they are, there is a good chance chaos will erupt in your family after you have passed. Florida’s intestate succession laws state that your spouse and biological children will split the inheritance 50/50 if no Estate Plan is in place. Like all Estate Planning matters, you need to take some time to think about your legacy and how you want to pass on your assets. You may want everything to go to your biological children without leaving anything to your spouse. You may want to distribute your inheritance among your children and stepchildren equally. There is no wrong decision when it comes to your plan. Just be sure to communicate your wishes to those involved, especially if Guardianship or Trust conditions are at play. You don’t want to catch anyone off guard in the future, but you don’t need to change your wishes to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings. Explain your decisions clearly and don’t budge if anyone pushes back.
As you celebrate the month of love and Valentine’s Day, take some time to reflect on your love life and determine whether your Estate Plan needs an update. We’re here to help if you need anything or have any questions!
When you first marry, you likely envision your spouse as the partner you’ll spend the rest of your life with. With that in mind, you’ll likely incorporate them into your Estate Plan. Even if you fail to draft a Will or establish a Trust, Florida’s intestate succession laws still
-Barry Siegel
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Peace of Mind Is the New Love Language Why Your Estate Plan Is the Best Gift You’ll Give
February is often referred to as the month of love; it contains a couple of holidays that allow us to shower those closest to us with affection. Valentine’s Day is the highlight for many people, as they’ll go to extreme lengths to prove their love to their partners. They’ll get reservations weeks in advance at the busiest restaurant in town, buy luxurious gifts, and plan a date night that nobody will soon forget. While Valentine’s gets the most attention, February is also International Friendship Month, giving us another excuse to go big for someone close to us. While you likely already have a gift in mind for Valentine’s Day or plan to get together with your closest friends at some point this month, we have an idea for a gift that is sure to benefit them. Talk with them about Estate Planning! If you don’t already have an Estate Plan, now is the perfect time to get one in place. Not only does it ensure your wishes will be carried out in the event of the unexpected or unimaginable, but it also allows you to protect your loved ones and provide peace of mind for the future. Then, for Valentine’s Day, you can share your Estate Plan with your partner, showing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect their future. There’s no greater way to show your love! If you want to do even more, encourage your partner and friends to establish their own Estate Plans. Simply sharing your encouragement is an act of love because it shows you care about their future and desires. You’re not trying to influence their plan or be included in some aspect; you’re demonstrating care for them! If your friends or loved ones have any questions about creating an Estate Plan or are ready to take the next step and establish one, send them our way! We’ve helped countless individuals in our community with their Estate Plans and would be happy to do the same for you or someone you love.
DIGITAL DECEPTION Secrets of the Internet’s Sneakiest Scams
The internet has become deeply intertwined with our lives, enabling us to reconnect with old friends, stay informed about the latest news, and explore new ideas. However, with the good comes the bad. Scammers have been developing new strategies to take our money, and if you’re not careful, you could become a victim. Here are three internet-enabled scams you should be aware of. Unfamiliar Emails We get emails every day, and most come from unfamiliar senders. These emails rarely contain relevant or beneficial information, but they often carry potential harm. Don’t click on links or attachments within these communications unless you expect them. Scammers can even spoof friends’ or family members’ emails, so it’s always good to be cautious. Scam Calls Your phone number is public information, and scammers use that to their advantage. They often call seniors, claiming to be someone from their bank, cellphone provider, or another company with which they have an account. They ask for sensitive information shortly after the call begins. Never give it to them . The real organizations rarely call, and if they do, they will not ask for sensitive information. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the supposed organization directly to verify its authenticity. Shared Networks When you enter a business, you may feel compelled to join its public Wi-Fi. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this practice, you do not want to use public Wi-Fi to log into and view your bank account, medical information, or social media accounts. Scammers wait on public networks to intercept passwords. Shared networks are not as safe as they may appear.
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EVEN ICONS NEED A WILL HARD LESSONS FROM HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST NAMES
Whenever a well-known or influential celebrity passes away, the media always gives them extra attention or even a tribute. After entertaining us for years through hit TV shows, blockbuster movies, and songs that get stuck in our heads, it’s no surprise we would remain interested in the final chapter of their stories. Unfortunately, far too many celebrities have passed away without Estate Plans, turning what should be a time for grief and remembrance into total chaos. Let’s explore a few examples and discover the lessons we can take away from their mistakes. James Dean For only appearing in three major films, James Dean left quite an impression on the entertainment world. His career would have likely been one of the most successful during the Golden Age of Hollywood had it not been for his untimely death in 1955 when he was only 24 years old. Like many young people, Dean probably never considered the need for an Estate Plan or Will. Since he had no plan in place, his estate was subject to intestate law. His father received everything, even though he played a relatively minor role in Dean’s life. This incident serves as a reminder that everyone can
benefit from an Estate Plan, regardless of age, especially if you want to choose who receives your assets.
Aretha Franklin The Queen of Soul, often considered one of the greatest singers of all time, passed away in her 70s in 2018 without an official Estate Plan. When she passed, her children assumed she did not have a Will, although many people had encouraged her to establish one. However, upon searching her home, they discovered two Wills, neither of which was prepared by a lawyer nor signed by any witnesses. The first was written in 2010 and notarized, but she created the second in 2014, and it was found within a notebook under a couch cushion. After a lengthy legal battle and jury trial, the court ruled that the Will written in 2014 should be honored as the official version. Remember, simply writing out a Will does not mean it will be official. You must prepare it correctly to ensure your wishes are carried out as directed. Check Out Our Seminars
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Inside This Issue
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Marriage, Divorce, and the Estate Plan You Forgot to Update
Protect Yourself in the Digital Age
A Valentine’s Gift Nobody Will Forget!
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Celebrity Estates That Turned Into Cautionary Tales
Check Out Our Seminars!
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Peace Is a Playlist Away
Turn Up the Tunes, Turn Down the Stress THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR SANITY
Have you ever noticed that stress melts away when you tap your foot to a favorite tune or do a little “happy dance”? Music is more than just a soundtrack in our lives; it’s a form of therapy that can help us heal by tuning in and turning up soothing sounds. Your playlist is a science-backed mood booster that can bring calm and balance to your body and mind.
lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. Calming tunes can even decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. Soundtracks for Sweet Sleep A lack of proper sleep is linked to numerous mental and physical health issues, and for many people, reaching for their headphones can send them right into dreamland. Listening to calming music with repetitive patterns and simple elements for at least 45 minutes can help you achieve deep sleep. It triggers your body to rest, slowing your breathing and increasing the production of feel-good hormones. The trick to finding the right snooze song is avoiding anything unpredictable, loud, or distracting. Too many complex chord changes or guitar solos can keep your brain on alert. Melodies Mirror the Mind Music is a universal language and an excellent way to help build your confidence and find your voice. By singing along, playing a drum, or moving to the beat, you can express yourself in a way that lets you stave off stress and remember who you are. Next time you are feeling stressed, put on your headphones and your pick-me-up playlist to give your day a whole new, relaxed rhythm.
Tuning Out the Tension Music can have a considerable impact on how we feel and act. If you are stressed, slow-tempo songs can help quiet the noise in your mind, lift your spirits, and release tension. The power of audio over anxiety is scientifically proven and corresponds with actual physical changes in your body. Research suggests that music around 60 beats per minute can cause your brain to sync with the rhythm and produce the brainwaves needed for relaxation. Other
studies have found that listening to music can
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