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603-894-4141 | 978-969-0331 | LegacyCareLaw.com November 2025 It’s Not About the Money How to Make Sure Precious Heirlooms Keep Families Together
When people come into my office to talk about estate planning, most expect the conversation to be about bank accounts, property, or investments. And, yes, those things matter, but I’ve learned that the real landmines most likely to tear a family apart are often not the “big-ticket” items. They’re the heirlooms. The quilt that lived on the back of grandma’s sofa. The set of spoons that three generations of hands have polished. The photograph that always hung in the hallway. These things might not carry much monetary value, but they hold emotional weight that can feel immeasurable. I’ve seen siblings go to court over heirlooms that, on paper, are not worth more than a few dollars. But to them, those items represent memories, identity, and love. And when a plan isn’t clear, it becomes easy for people to fall into the trap of saying, “Well, Mom told me I could have this,” while another insists, “Actually, she promised it to me.” What follows isn’t just a dispute over an object, but a fracture in relationships that can sometimes last a lifetime. That’s why, whenever I sit down with a client, I emphasize not overlooking sentimental items. People often come prepared with lists of accounts and deeds but forget the things that truly live at the heart of family stories. Those overlooked pieces (the well-worn piano, the wedding ring, the rocking chair) can create the deepest wounds if left unaddressed. The solution isn’t complicated, but it does require intention. A legal plan should always specify how sentimental property is distributed. And in some families, I’ve seen people go a step further, leaving behind letters or notes that explain the reasoning behind their decisions. Legally, those notes might not carry weight, but emotionally? They can make all the difference. Imagine a daughter learning that she inherited her mother’s teapot not by chance, but because they always shared tea together on rainy afternoons. That small explanation transforms a potential dispute into a cherished memory. At its core, estate planning is about peace of mind, not only for the person creating the plan but also for those left behind. The goal is to ensure families don’t spend their time in conflict after a
loved one is gone. For families who get along, a thoughtful plan preserves that harmony. For families already navigating tension, it helps prevent new wounds. So, when you think about your estate, don’t just focus on the tangible wealth. Inventory your life’s belongings, even the seemingly ordinary things. Ask your loved ones what matters most to them, and their answers might surprise you. Often, the smallest items carry the most significant meaning. The truth is that heirlooms aren’t just “things.” They are stories, legacies, and living reminders of those who came before us. Taking the time to plan for them with clarity and compassion ensures those stories continue, unbroken, in the hands of the next generation. And in the end, that’s what estate planning is really about, passing on not just what you had, but who you are.
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LAWN MUNCHIES? Here’s Why Your Dog Treats Grass Like a Snack
Tummy Troubles One of the most common beliefs is that dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit when they’re feeling nauseous. While studies show that vomiting doesn’t always follow grass-eating, some dogs seem to feel better afterward. It’s like their own natural remedy (though not all dogs use it for this purpose). Nutritional Gaps Some vets suggest grass-eating may stem from a lack of fiber or certain nutrients in a dog’s diet. If your dog’s diet is lacking, their body might be nudging them to get a bit of roughage. A quick consult with your vet (or even a change in food) might do the trick. The Uncommon Possibilities Instinctual Behavior Dogs have descended from wild canines that often consumed plant matter from their prey’s stomachs. Some experts believe this behavior could be hardwired into your pet’s DNA as a throwback to those wild meals.
If you’ve ever looked out the window and spotted your dog chowing down on your lawn like it’s a salad bar, you’re not alone. This behavior, known as “pica,” is when animals eat things that aren’t typically considered food. It has puzzled dog owners for generations. But don’t worry! In most cases, it’s completely normal. The Common Culprits Paw-sonal Preference Some dogs enjoy the taste and texture of grass, especially after a fresh rain or in the early morning when it’s dewy. Grass can be cool, crisp, and oddly satisfying for your pup. Boredom or Anxiety Dogs, like people, can engage in strange habits when bored or stressed. Chewing grass could be their version of nail-biting or fidgeting. If your pup isn’t getting enough mental stimulation or exercise, they might start nibbling the lawn out of restlessness.
Parasites or Illness In rare cases, frequent grass-eating could signal a serious issue, such as intestinal parasites or an undiagnosed medical condition. If your dog is obsessed with grass and shows other symptoms, like lethargy, weight loss, or vomiting, it’s time to call the vet. Worth the Worry? Usually, no. Occasional grass-snacking is a normal part of dog life. Just make sure your lawn isn’t treated with harmful chemicals or pesticides. If it becomes excessive or other symptoms accompany it, your vet should take a look. Ultimately, dogs sometimes eat grass simply because they’re dogs … and they can!
SIDEWALK TELESCOPES ARE BRINGING THE UNIVERSE TO YOU STOP, LOOK, AND WONDER
Imagine walking down a city sidewalk and seeing a telescope pointed toward the sky. There aren’t any ticket lines or admission fees, only a friendly smile and a view of Saturn’s rings or the craters of the moon. That’s what’s happening thanks to a growing global movement bringing astronomy directly to the people, right on the streets! In cities worldwide, astronomy enthusiasts are setting up powerful telescopes in
parks, on sidewalks, and in busy downtown areas. Their mission is simple: to share the wonders of the universe with anyone who happens to walk by. The best part is there’s no experience required. All you need is a little curiosity. The movement is called #popscope (short for pop-up telescope). Founded in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2014, it has expanded to include hundreds of cities in Canada, the U.S., Ireland, and India Volunteers, often amateur astronomers or passionate stargazers, invite strangers to peer into the sky, and many people are left speechless. It’s a great reminder that we all live under the same stunning sky. These spontaneous sidewalk star parties are making science more accessible, especially for communities that don’t have easy access to observatories or science museums. Beyond amazing educational
opportunities, the pop-up telescope events spark something deeply human: connection. As people gather to look up, they share a sense of awe that transcends background, language, and age. It’s hard not to feel united when staring at the vastness of space. This isn’t about high-tech gear or flashy presentations; instead, it’s an opportunity to pause for a moment amidst the noise and hustle and realize the universe is right there, waiting to be admired. Thanks to these sidewalk astronomers, more and more people are getting that chance.
To volunteer for the group, visit their website at PopScope.org.
So, the next time you’re strolling through the city and see a telescope a stranger has set up, don’t walk past it. Stop. Look. Wonder. You just might see Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings, and you’ll definitely walk away with a smile!
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LEARN ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING FROM OUR ATTORNEYS
Upcoming In-Person Seminars in the Nashua Area
Tuesday, December 2nd — 6PM at The Event Center Marriott, Nashua, NH Wednesday, December 3rd —1 PM at Sky Meadow Country Club, Nashua, NH Wednesday, December 3rd — 6 PM at Sky Meadow Country Club, Nashua, NH Thursday, December 4th — 1 PM at Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center, Westford, MA
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Many Americans like to invest in the stock market, hoping to earn
New York-based investors Sam Siegel and Vincent Kosuga realized they could get rich quickly by manipulating the surging onion market of the 1950s. They purchased 30 million pounds of onions, almost all of Chicago’s inventory, to short-sell the stock. This meant they would sell the stocks at a higher price before rebuying them when the price dipped. They knew they could profit since they owned 98% of the inventory. After flooding the market with their onions and onion futures contracts, the price per bag dropped from $2.74 to 10 cents. Farmers were furious. Many lost their livelihood, but Siegel and Kosuga made millions. While market manipulation was unethical, it wasn’t illegal back then, so the two couldn’t be punished for their actions. To ensure this never happened again, Congress passed the Onion Futures Act in 1958, which completely banned trading in onion futures. President Eisenhower signed the bill into law. To this day, onions are the only commodity in America that is explicitly banned from futures trading.
supplemental income or get rich. But there’s always the fear that a hedge fund or an extremely wealthy influencer could manipulate the market, allowing them to get rich off their stocks while everyone else suffers and loses money. In theory, nobody should have the power to manipulate stocks, but it still happens. One of the most extraordinary market manipulations occurred in the 1950s. In 1955, onion futures became one of the most traded commodities on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. For those unfamiliar with futures trading, someone could sell their product months down the line for the price it’s worth today, as long as someone buys the contract. For example, let’s say wheat is trading at $5.50 per bushel right now. You purchase a futures contract to lock in that price three months later. If the price rises, you still get wheat for the initial cost, or you can sell your contract for a profit.
THE GREAT ONION MARKET MELTDOWN How 2 Men Peeled the System
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9 Red Roof Lane, Salem, NH 03079 603-894-4141 | 978-969-0331 LegacyCareLaw.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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The Overlooked Step in Estate Planning That Changes Everything
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Dog + Grass = Mystery? Not Anymore!
The Global Movement Making Astronomy for Everyone
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The Day Onions Crashed the Chicago Exchange
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Inside the Explosive Probate Battle Over Gary Coleman’s Estate
2 WILLS, HANDWRITTEN CODICIL SPARK LEGAL WAR Gary Coleman’s Probate Drama
Gary Coleman’s death at age 42 in 2010 led to one of the most convoluted probate battles in celebrity estate history. Although he left only modest assets, the fight over his will and remains spiraled into a legal saga filled with dramatic courtroom testimony and personal revelations. Coleman had signed multiple wills: a 1999 document naming a former manager as his executor and a 2005 will naming his longtime assistant and friend, Anna Gray, as executor and sole beneficiary. Even though he divorced Shannon Price in 2008, Coleman had allegedly added a handwritten codicil in 2007, leaving everything to her. Price asserted they continued living together as husband and wife, despite the divorce, claiming a common‑law marriage under Utah law. This twist turned a probate hearing into a character trial. Price’s legal team presented
witnesses (bank officers, Coleman’s agent, and relatives) who testified that the couple filed joint taxes, shared bank accounts, and called each other husband and wife. But Anna Gray’s side countered with a strong testimony. The judge questioned whether Price had established a public reputation as a wife, a key requirement for common‑law recognition in Utah.
Anna Gray as executor and beneficiary stood as the controlling document.
So, what did Coleman actually leave behind? His estate amounted to little more than his home ($315,000), royalty payments, and possessions. The real value lay in deciding who controlled Coleman’s name, ashes, and remaining intellectual property. Adding to court records, Shannon Price was the person who authorized turning off Coleman’s life support when he fell and suffered a brain hemorrhage in 2010. Whether that gave her moral or legal standing remained hotly debated, but in probate court, she lost.
In May 2012, after three days of explosive
testimony, Judge James Taylor ruled that Price failed to show a recognized common‑law marriage with Coleman at the time of his death. This meant that the 2005 will naming
And in the end, the probate judge settled the matter: Anna Gray inherited what remained of Coleman’s estate, his ashes, and control over the disposition of his name and legacy.
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