Check out our latest newsletter!
Q4 2025 • 772-398-0720 • KulasLaw.com
Q1 2026 • 772-398-0720 • KulasLaw.com
KCS Quarterly
When ‘Someday’ Turns Into Too Late Don’t Delay the One Decision Your Family Can’t Make for You
National Procrastination Week begins on March 9, and if there were ever a holiday perfectly matched to estate planning, this might be it. I say that with self-awareness because procrastination isn’t something only my clients struggle with. If I’m not intentional, I can fall into it, too. We all can. It’s human nature to delay tasks that feel uncomfortable, emotional, or overwhelming. And sometimes estate planning can check all three boxes. In my experience, estate planning almost never feels urgent. Important, yes. Necessary, absolutely. But urgent? Not usually. And that’s exactly why it gets pushed to the bottom of the list until something happens. A health scare. A sudden loss. A family emergency. When estate planning becomes urgent, it often arrives wrapped in stress and regret. I’ve
seen it too many times, and it’s why this conversation matters. What’s interesting is that the New Year tends to shake people out of that cycle. Every January, I notice a shift. By mid- month, our office starts filling up with appointments. People are organizing finances, setting goals, and trying to get their lives in order. There’s a sense of momentum: “If not now, when?” Estate planning finally feels like something they’re ready to tackle. National Procrastination Week fits perfectly into that mindset. It’s a reminder that waiting rarely makes things easier. At our firm, we operate by a simple but powerful principle: Do not delay discomfort. Estate planning is uncomfortable. There’s no way around
This message isn’t just for people who’ve never created an estate plan. It’s equally important for those who already have one sitting in a drawer somewhere. Life doesn’t stand still. Families change. Assets change. Priorities change. An estate plan that worked years ago may no longer reflect who you are or what you want today. Oftentimes, reviewing and updating your plan is far simpler than people expect. And if you’re reading this thinking, “I’m actually in good shape,” then consider this your invitation to help someone else. We all know at least one person who keeps saying they’ll get around to it someday. National Procrastination Week might be the perfect excuse to check in, share your experience, or gently encourage them to take that first step. It’s almost always easier to be the one offering the nudge than the one wishing later that someone had done so. There will never be a perfect time to create or update an estate plan. There will always be something else demanding your attention. But there is a right time, and more often than not, it’s now. Taking action today is one of the simplest ways to protect the people you care about most. And that’s something worth not putting off.
that. It forces you to think about incapacity, death, and the people you love most. That discomfort is exactly why procrastination feels so tempting. But we’ve learned that when you address uncomfortable issues quickly, when you don’t let them linger, they lose a lot of their power. On our end, if something difficult comes up, we don’t put it off. We deal with it head-on, and clients often tell us that’s when their anxiety starts to fade.
–Joshua Crawford
1 772-398-0720
Dream Days, Golden Years Peaceful Plans for a Prosperous Retirement
Sometimes, the strongest preretirement plans are the ones that don’t prioritize financial necessities. As the adage suggests, you don’t live to work; you work to live . Your later years should be a season of well-earned happiness and contentment, not a period of denying yourself things that bring you joy. Successful retirement planning combines living well with living richly , prioritizing peace of mind over pinching pennies. Your retirement plan shouldn’t just be a financial blueprint; it should also serve as a lifestyle guide. Contrary to popular belief, “living comfortably” doesn’t just mean having the ability to pay your bills each month. Research suggests that although 77% of U.S. retirees succeed in accumulating enough money to manage ongoing living expenses in their older years, only 43% of them considered their emotional health
when building their retirement plans. Considering these figures, it’s safe to say many Americans achieve retirement only to discover they’re too constrained financially to pursue their desired pastimes, personal relationships, or purpose in later life. To best prepare for a happy retirement, ask yourself these key questions. What are your personal growth goals? Have you long dreamt of a fun hobby that your work schedule prevented you from pursuing? Would attending art classes broaden your creative side? Are you interested in doing more volunteer work in your community? Retirement can afford you these opportunities, but only if you budget for them now . Whom would you like to spend time with? If you can’t wait for a chance to finally spend every major holiday with your
grandkids who live 3,000 miles
away or join that bowling team or book club, you’ll soon have time to
spend with loved ones and even make new friends. With careful planning, you can devise a worry-free plan for more precious moments with the people who matter most to you. Where would you like to live? This question is the most significant of them all. Is a multistory home becoming less desirable as aging impacts your mobility? Are you looking for a sunnier climate after spending way too many decades shoveling snow? Our address can have a significant impact on our attitude, so consider your retirement home base carefully and explore ways to ensure your retirement cash flow can support it.
What DIY Estate Planning Tools Don’t Tell You Why ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Plans Often Cost Families More Than They Save
Protect what you’ve built. Estate planning isn’t just about who gets what but also about protecting assets along the way. Taxes, creditor claims, and lawsuits can significantly reduce the amount that ultimately reaches your beneficiaries. Strategic planning can help shield assets and preserve their value, but these strategies require more than basic forms. Without proper guidance, families may lose far more than they ever saved upfront. Plans need maintenance. Life changes, and your estate plan should change with it. Major milestones and shifts in the law can all impact how your plan functions. DIY options rarely offer reminders or guidance on when updates are necessary, leaving families with documents that no longer reflect their reality. Make an investment in peace of mind. Estate planning is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney helps ensure your plan is clear, up to date, and tailored to your family’s needs. In the long run, doing it right from the start often saves money, spares your family unnecessary hardship, and gives you confidence that your legacy is protected.
Online estate planning tools promise speed, simplicity, and savings. With just a few clicks, you can download documents that look official and feel reassuring. For many people, that convenience is hard to resist. But estate planning is about making sure your plan actually works when your family needs it most. Unfortunately, DIY shortcuts often leave critical gaps that don’t become obvious until it’s too late. DIY documents don’t always hold up. Estate planning documents must meet specific legal standards to be effective. Small missteps, like improper signatures, missing language, or outdated clauses, can invalidate an entire plan. When that happens, your loved ones may face court delays or unexpected legal hurdles. What seemed like a simple solution can quickly turn into a complicated and costly cleanup job, all while your family is already dealing with stress and grief. One family means many complexities. No two families are exactly alike. Blended households, minor children, adult children with special needs, family businesses, and unequal asset distribution all require thoughtful planning. Generic templates aren’t designed to account for nuance or future “what if” scenarios. Without clear direction, even well-meaning heirs can end up arguing, unsure of how to carry out your intentions.
2 KulasLaw.com
Deeds, Trusts, and Real Solutions for Protecting Your Home DON’T LET YOUR FAMILY HOME BECOME A LEGAL HEADACHE
How can a living trust help? Many homeowners choose to place their property into a trust to streamline the process. This allows the home to pass directly to loved ones without court involvement. You remain in control during your lifetime, and the plan can be adjusted as circumstances change. For families who value clarity and efficiency, this option often provides lasting peace of mind. What about special deeds in Florida? In Florida, options such as the Lady Bird Life Estate Deed allow homeowners to retain full control of their property while ensuring a seamless transfer later. You can avoid probate while still allowing you to sell, refinance, or manage your home freely. Used thoughtfully, this deed can be an excellent fit for the right family situation. Protect the home and the people you love. Because every situation is different, the best next step is a conversation. If you’re unsure whether your current plan truly protects your home, or if you haven’t made one yet, we’re here to help. Reach out to our office to explore the option that best protects your home and your legacy.
For most families, a home is more than just another asset. It’s where you hosted holidays and celebrated milestones; everyday life unfolded there. That’s why one of the most common (and emotional) estate planning questions we hear is simple: What happens to the house? Unfortunately, many people rely on quick fixes that feel right in the moment but can create headaches for loved ones later. But with a little planning, those surprises can be completely avoided. Why not just add a child to the deed? A common move we see is placing a child’s name directly on the deed. It sounds straightforward, but this decision can have ripple effects you may not expect. It can expose the home to your child’s financial issues, complicate taxes, and even limit what you can do with your own property. It can actually create risk and confusion. Is leaving your home in a will enough? A will does allow you to name who should receive your home, but it doesn’t necessarily make things simple for your family. Property passed through a will typically goes through probate, which can result in delays, additional expenses, and unnecessary stress for heirs. Without clear instructions, disagreements can arise, especially when multiple family members are involved.
St. Patrick’s Emerald Rain
This bold green cocktail will bring tropical flavor and citrusy brightness to your St. Patrick’s celebration, but it’s a fun, colorful pour for any time of year.
Directions 1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. 2. Add Hypnotiq, vodka, orange juice, lime juice, and bitters. 3. Shake well until chilled. 4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve immediately.
Ingredients : • Ice • 2 oz Hypnotiq • 1 oz vodka
Take a Break
• 1/2 oz orange juice • Juice from 1/4 lime • Dash of Angostura bitters
Inspired by MixThatDrink.com
3 772-398-0720
2100 SE Hillmoor Dr., Ste. 105 Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Also Serving Vero Beach
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE
pg. 1 If You’ve Been Meaning to Do This, This Is Your Sign
pg. 2 Happy Horizons in Later Life
Why Online Wills Aren’t Always the Bargain They Seem
pg. 3 The Most Common Home
Planning Mistake Families Regret
St. Patrick’s Emerald Rain
pg. 4 Brides Who Wore Parachutes
DRESSES FROM THE SKY Parachutes Turned Into Wedding Gowns
Most wedding dresses come from boutiques or family closets. But in the 1940s, some came from the sky. During and after World War II, brides across the U.S. and parts of Europe walked down the aisle in gowns made from parachutes. Equal parts scarcity and sentiment contributed to the development of this tradition. At the time, budgets were tight. Brides-to-be faced fabric rationing, and the military got most of the nylon. A parachute offered yards of strong, clean material, making it valuable. But for some couples, the biggest draw wasn’t the fabric. It was the story tied to it. One of the most famous examples is that of Major Claude Hensinger, who was forced to parachute out of a burning bomber. The chute delivered him safely to the ground and served as his bedding while he waited for rescue. He proposed to his girlfriend, Ruth, after returning home and suggested she use that same parachute for her gown. She hired a seamstress to construct the bodice and gathered the skirt herself using parachute cords. The finished dress, inspired by one from “Gone With the Wind,” now sits in the Smithsonian. Another bride, Carolyn Martin, made her own parachute dress after her fiancé, Chuck, survived a training flight crash. Carolyn transformed his parachute into a wedding dress using the sewing skills she had picked up in eighth grade. It is now part of the San
Diego Air and Space Museum’s collection. A far more elaborate dress is stored at the National Museum of the United States
Air Force. It originally belonged to an Air Force family and was pieced together from nine parachutes used in combat.
One of the most meaningful
parachute dresses, though, came from a displaced persons camp in Germany. Two Holocaust survivors, Ludwig
Friedman and Lilly Lax, married at the camp in 1946. To make the wedding dress, Ludwig bought a parachute from Allied troops, and Lilly hired a seamstress using cigarette rations. Two more brides at other camps borrowed their dress before it was preserved at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Parachute nylon was never meant to be heirloom fabric. But during a time of shortages and uncertainty, that’s what it became.
4
KulasLaw.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator