Merlino & Gonzalez - January 2023

DID YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT EXECUTOR? How to Estate Plan the Smart Way

• Do you trust this person implicitly? • Will they have time to interrupt their work/family life to handle your estate? • Can this person be honest and objective in carrying out your wishes, even if they go against their own best interests? • Does this person have excellent organizational skills? • Will this person be able to keep the peace within your family, or are they prone to losing their temper or causing conflict? • Is this person likely to outlive you? • Are they quick-thinking and able to pick up new skills easily? • Would this person welcome the opportunity to be your executor, or would they prefer not to take the job? When you find a person who matches all these criteria, you’ll have the perfect executor! If you’d like to update your estate plan (or start the planning process), our team can help. Call us at 718-698-2200 to schedule an appointment.

If you’ve already completed your estate plan, do us a favor and picture the person you chose as the executor of your estate. How long did it take you to select them for the job? Did you pick their name on a whim just because they’re your oldest child, favorite sibling, or best friend? Or did you take the time to consider your choice carefully? Hopefully, you answered “yes” to that last question! Assigning your executor isn’t something you should take lightly. Your executor handles all of the most critical work related to your estate after you pass away, like paying administrative fees, bills, and taxes; managing your assets during the probate process; and ensuring your will is carried out. It’s essential you choose a responsible, trustworthy person for the job who can dodge family drama and soothe any hurt feelings your wishes might cause. If you’re having doubts about your executor after reading that description, don’t worry! It’s not too late to update your estate plan. When you choose a new executor, consider these questions inspired by Erin Gilmore Smith, our fellow estate planning attorney.

SUDOKU

MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER

AIR FRYER ROASTED SALMON WITH SAUTÉED BALSAMIC SPINACH Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

INGREDIENTS

• Dash of crushed red pepper flakes • 10 cups fresh baby spinach (about 10 oz) • 6 small tomatoes, cut into 1/2- inch pieces • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

• 3 tsp olive oil, divided • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) • 1 1/2 tsp reduced-sodium seafood seasoning • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1 garlic clove, sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat air fryer to 450 F. Rub 1 tsp oil over both sides of salmon, then sprinkle with seafood seasoning and pepper. In a greased air fryer basket, place salmon. 2. Cook about 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily. 3. In a 6-qt stockpot, place remaining oil, garlic, and pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in tomatoes; heat through. 4. In a small saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil. Cook until vinegar is reduced by half, then remove from heat. 5. Arrange spinach on serving dish. Place salmon over spinach mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

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