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Honoring Our Helping Hands A Salute to Our Legal Stars
“The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.” –John Wooden All individuals can accomplish great things in life, but few of us reach our goals without receiving invaluable help along the way. In my role at Sheppard Law, I strive to make my clients feel comfortable during what would likely be a difficult process for them to navigate on their own. While I want to use my legal expertise to assist them in their estate planning needs, my ultimate desire is to instill confidence in them that they’re part of a true team working toward the best result. I often tell my clients that I chose not to be a sole practitioner so I could instead work alongside a dedicated network of in-house professionals who share the same commitment. Adapting this philosophy has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In addition to enabling Sheppard Law to offer more cohesive services, this structure helps us breathe a little easier in the office. When things get busy, we know someone is always by our side. Teamwork is an especially important topic here at the office these days, as Oct. 23 is National Paralegal Day. As I think about how far we’ve come as a firm, I know we wouldn’t thrive without the outstanding individuals who make our work here such a joy. So, how does our team work? Well, we stray from how most other firms do things. It’s not uncommon for a paralegal to
work with multiple attorneys and handle everything from prepping files to scheduling appointments, but we’ve reversed that trend by building a team based on specific roles. I’d like to take a moment to tell you a bit about our paralegals and legal assistants — and publicly honor them for making our workdays and client services so exceptional. Gina and Audra No client relationship at Sheppard Law would be possible without first building a solid foundation. Our incredible intake specialists, Gina and Audra, are the client concierges who keep it all together by ensuring our calendars and appointments are in proper order. We rely on them heavily, and the heart of our organization wouldn’t beat without them. Laura and Olivia Unsurprisingly, many clients find it tricky to fully digest, understand, and utilize important legal documents. As our drafters, Laura and Olivia assist our clients whenever they need to make updates, want a copy sent their way, or have a question about a specific provision. Their wealth of knowledge helps put our clients’ minds at ease when the wording gets overwhelming. Maria and Debbie Whenever a bank, life insurance agent, or financial planner has a question about an asset or beneficiary designation, Maria and Debbie are the best asset alignment experts they can hope for. When one of our attorneys
needs to get involved, they are on hand to coordinate that effort and take things to the next level. Their dedication to addressing concerns in this area is beyond compare. What’s the secret to having a strong and dependable team? It all comes down to personality. We’ve had extraordinary luck finding team members with the best combination of positive attitude, patience, and client focus imaginable. I can’t express how grateful I am to them. I conclude this article with a simple request. Take a moment to think about all the fantastic people in your life who’ve helped you shine. Who in your family has been a tremendous source of inspiration or encouragement? Which coworkers and colleagues have made your career so enjoyable? No matter who comes to mind, take the time to thank them for all they’ve done for you — and always endeavor to be that special team member for someone else.
–Michael Hill
1 (239) 265-9779
OCTOBER 2024
THE RISE OF KEYLESS DOOR LOCKS
Are They Worth the Investment?
Are you tired of constantly misplacing your keys or worrying about who can access your home? If so, consider switching to a keyless door lock system. These high-tech alternatives offer convenience and security but do have drawbacks. Before you make the change, let’s explore the pros and cons to help you decide if keyless locks are the right choice for your home. Unlock the Convenience One of the most appealing aspects of keyless locks is their convenience. No more frantically searching for your keys when your hands are full — with a simple code, fob, or biometric scan, you can effortlessly access your home. This is especially helpful for household members with accessibility needs, who may find traditional keys difficult to manage. Keyless locks also make it easy to grant temporary access to trusted individuals, like dog walkers or
housekeepers, without the hassle of making copies of physical keys. The Security Conundrum While keyless locks offer an extra layer of security, they are not perfect. Tech-savvy criminals can hack them, and anyone can look over your shoulder to learn your code and gain unauthorized entry. If you forget the code or experience a power outage, you could be locked out of your home. Choosing a high- quality, secure model and changing the code regularly is crucial to mitigate these risks. The Financial Consideration Another factor to consider is cost. Keyless locks tend to be more expensive than traditional deadbolts, ranging from $150– $250. Homeowners on a tight budget may find the price tag a deterrent, though the long-term convenience and security benefits could make it a worthwhile investment.
The Design Dilemma Finally, it’s worth considering the aesthetic impact of keyless locks. Many models prioritize function over form, resulting in bulky, unattractive hardware that can detract from the overall look of your entryway. If you’re a design-conscious homeowner, you may need to research to find a keyless lock that seamlessly blends with your home’s style. The decision to install a keyless door lock system depends on your needs, budget, and priorities. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and don’t hesitate to consult a professional locksmith to ensure you make the best choice for your home.
s - F r e e E s t a t e
A TIME TO REVITALIZE AND REORGANIZE
As we quickly approach the final weeks of fall, everyone at the Sheppard Law Firm welcomes our seasonal friends and neighbors back to Southwest Florida!
essential documents. If you still need to designate these parties, it’s often easier to communicate your thoughts while everyone is together than try to do it over the phone or via email. Refresh your spirits — and your assets. In addition to confirming who will do what in executing your estate plans, you could use the end of the year as the time to revamp your asset inventory. Compile a comprehensive list of everything valuable in your home and on your property. Cars, TVs, and other significant
We’re thrilled to see you return to the area as you escape winter’s chill and prepare for the holidays. In addition to being a time of togetherness with friends and loved ones, the final months of the year are an ideal time to look toward the future — and review and revitalize your estate planning.
Yes, it may seem counterintuitive to think about wills and trusts during such a festive time, but the holiday season is ideal for examining your legacy more closely — especially if you follow these two tips. Give your plans a festive boost.
possessions are obvious items to list, but you shouldn’t overlook seemingly minor things like the tools in your shed or that old painting in your living room. Non-physical assets, such as life insurance policies and 401(k)s, are also essential to include. Along the way, consider who should receive these items as part of your legacy plan to avoid disagreements among your beneficiaries, which allows the distribution to go more smoothly.
The ultimate goal of any estate plan is to ensure your loved ones are provided for after you’re gone. If you plan to gather with them over the holidays, use that special time to help any family members involved in your plans understand their roles and have access to
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automatically transferring assets to your designated beneficiaries. Revocable Living Trusts Another powerful tool is creating a revocable living trust. You transfer your assets into the trust, and you can remain the trustee during your lifetime, managing the assets as you see fit. Upon your death, the successor trustee you’ve named will distribute the trust assets to the beneficiaries according to your instructions in the trust document — again, without probate. Incorporating these strategies not only simplifies the distribution of your assets but also provides peace of mind, knowing that your beneficiaries can avoid the complications of probate. Although setting up a trust is the preferred way to address your assets, solutions are available to those in probate situations. Michael B. Hill of Sheppard Law Firm is pleased to offer an online masterclass on avoiding probate in four easy steps. For more information and to sign up, please visit AvoidProbateMasterclass.com .
How to Sidestep Probate Simple Ways to Avoid Probate With Your Assets
Avoiding probate is a common goal for many when planning their estate, and for good reason. Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed under court supervision. This process can be time-consuming, costly, and public — all good enough reasons to find an alternative that allows your estate to pass directly to your loved ones. First, understanding what probate involves is crucial. Probate is the distribution of assets in your name at the time of your death. Without proper planning, these assets must go through probate before being legally transferred to your heirs. However, several strategies can ensure your assets bypass the probate process, saving your beneficiaries time, money, and stress. Here are three effective ways to avoid probate.
Beneficiary Designations One straightforward method is to designate beneficiaries directly on accounts such as IRAs, life insurance policies, and retirement plans. Doing so will transfer these assets directly to the named beneficiaries upon your death without going through probate. It’s vital to keep these designations up to date to reflect your current wishes. Payable on Death (POD) and Transfer on Death (TOD) For bank accounts, you can set up a Payable on Death (POD) designation, which allows the account’s contents to be transferred directly to a named beneficiary when you pass away. Similarly, Transfer on Death (TOD) registrations can be used for brokerage accounts and other eligible assets. These designations are simple to set up and effectively bypass probate by
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Loaded with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this is a family favorite perfect for any occasion.
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
• • • •
1 (16 oz) package of dried ziti pasta
• • • •
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Cook ziti according to package instructions. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened. 4. Add marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. 5. Stir in the cooked ziti and season with salt and pepper. 6. Transfer mixture to baking dish. 7. Top with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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(239) 265-9779
9100 College Pointe Court Fort Myers, FL 33919 (239) 265-9779
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Shared Goals, Stronger Teams PAGE 1 Keyless Locks May Hold the Key PAGE 2 A Perfect Season for Legacy Prep PAGE 2 Escape Probate With These Estate Planning Tips PAGE 3 Ultimate Baked Ziti PAGE 3 Celebrity Tips for a Better Night’s Rest PAGE 4
The best compliments we receive are your referrals. When you refer us to your loved ones, we do all we can to exceed expectations.
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Have you ever struggled to fall back asleep after being awoken by the incessant barking of your neighbor’s Chihuahua? How about those nights when your mind is too busy replaying every embarrassing memory of yours on a loop rather than drifting off into unconsciousness? If you sometimes find it hard to get to sleep, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 15% of adults have trouble falling asleep. Some of those adults are celebrities, and they have great tips to help us get to sleep! Oprah Winfrey The entrepreneur and television personality Oprah Winfrey has a tried-and-tested method for ensuring a good night’s rest: a hot bath. Science agrees! According to a study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews, a warm shower or bath can improve sleep duration, efficiency, and quality. You don’t need Oprah’s billions to help you sleep soundly — just fill that bathtub with warm, sudsy water! Eva Mendes If you want to sleep like a baby — or like Eva Mendes — you might want to pick up a white noise machine. These devices help you drift to sleep on a wave of peaceful background noise.
Gwyneth Paltrow We are all guilty of having a late- night snack from time to time. You know you’re in trouble when you are down to just
Cap’n Crunch Oops! All Berries cereal in the pantry, and you’re still making yourself a bowl out of sleepy boredom. But that midnight
munching impacts your sleep more than you may realize. That is why actress and business owner Gwyneth Paltrow has taken to eating an early dinner to prepare herself for bed. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health shows that eating within three hours of bedtime increases the chance you will wake up in the middle of the night by about 10%. Eating more than three hours before bedtime may be very helpful if you want uninterrupted rest.
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