Elder Care Firm December 2017

The Dangers of a Digital Will

Why You Shouldn’t Solely Rely on the Internet

Some families have trouble tracking down estate documents after a loved one passes. Without an original copy of a will, courts may move the estate through Michigan’s intestate law process. When this happens, the original desires of the person may be altered. A will, then, is only as secure as your loved ones’ access to it. One recent “solution” to this problem has been the emergence of companies offering to create digital wills that are easily accessed by family members. Digital wills appeal to people who are fearful of having their paper copy lost or destroyed. However, there are a few reasons why you should be concerned about storing these sensitive documents on the cloud. As with all digital information, wills stored in cyberspace are vulnerable to security breaches. Estate planning documents can be packed with personal information that hackers can use to open new accounts, even if a person is recently deceased. Circumventing an estate planning attorney can lead to important steps being skipped, resulting in your estate ending up in probate. Additionally, many of these companies are new. What happens if they shut down with little to no warning? How will you access the original copies of these documents?

If you’re worried about the fragility of paper documents, there are other options that don’t present digital safety risks. Originals should be stored in safe deposit boxes or in a fireproof safe. We will keep copies of all documents in our office and provide copies to those who need them. In the event that an original is lost, we’ll help you get copies validated by the court to avoid probate. The only way to ensure your estate plan is rock-solid is to consult with an experienced estate planning team. No single document can create a comprehensive plan. With thorough preparation, however, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your wishes will be carried out.

Chris’ Paleo Corner:

STAR COOKIES Recipe courtesy of elanaspantry.com/star-cookies.

Thank You! For us to be able to help family and friends just like you, we depend on referrals.

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. 2. In a smaller bowl, mix together coconut oil, agave, and vanilla. 3. Mix wet ingredients into dry. 4. Roll out dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper until ¼ inch thick. 5. Refrigerate for 1 hour. 6. Remove top piece of parchment paper and dust dough with almond flour. 7. Cut out cookies with a small star cutter. 8. Using a metal spatula, place stars on a parchment lined baking sheet. 9. Bake at 350 F until lightly browned around the edges, 5-8 minutes. 10. Cool completely prior to handling.

INGREDIENTS

Thank you to the following people for your support!

• 2 ½ cups blanched almond flour (not almond meal) • ½ teaspoon Celtic sea salt • ¼ teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted • 5 tablespoons agave nectar or honey • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Terry Boden Nancy Clark Patricia LaTour Debbie Lempicki John Mathews Brian Measel Nancy Montgomery

Linda Omstead Richard Paul Nancy Rademacher

Mark Schneider Michael Wilbur Mike Witzke

888-390-4360 • 3

Plan. Protect. Preserve.

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