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DREAM BIG, ACHIEVE BIGGER Transforming Ambition Into Achievement
“It’s fun to do the impossible.” — Walt Disney Last year was an absolute whirlwind for me.
First, I decided to apply for the Florida Bar Board Certification in Wills, Trusts, and Estates — a tremendous opportunity for lawyers who’ve reached at least the half-decade mark in their careers. At the same time, I was busily preparing to marry my fiancé and knee-deep in coordinating that special day. I knew I was signing up for a lot, but I just wanted to rip off the Band-Aid and enter 2024 with these major goals met. A sound plan, right? Well, I almost lost my mind! After studying over months at night and each weekend, I took the exam last May. Two months later — while I was on my honeymoon, no less — I was informed that I had passed. Once I was back home and finally took a breath, the significance of my new certification sank in. From the moment I chose my profession, I knew I wanted to work in estate planning. After graduating from law school, I was fortunate enough to join a firm specializing in that area. With every passing day, I gained more knowledge and experience in the field I loved. Years later, serving estate planning clients still fills me with a sense of purpose and pride. Earning this certification last year was a tremendous step forward in accomplishing my goals and taking my professional abilities to the next level — and worth every minute I spent studying for the test amid wedding planning. Taking that exam was just one step in the application process. In addition to practicing law for a minimum of five years specializing in wills, trusts, and estates, there is a stringent peer review process. I also had to put in 90 hours of area-specific continuing legal education in the three years before applying. There are only 281 board certified attorneys in the state of Florida in Wills, Trusts, and Estate at the time we’re writing this article. I’m proud to say that I’m now one of the three attorneys at the firm with that designation — Craig, Mike, and I are all board certified in Wills, Trusts, and Estates. It was a hefty workload, but I would do it all over again. Why? Because I find no greater joy than guiding clients through their estate plan and estate settlement process that would normally keep them up at night and away from pursuing what they want in life.
I’m honored to provide these services through the Sheppard Law Firm — which, by the way, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. If I ever need a reminder of why staying the course is so important, all I need to do is look around at my team, think about all the great people we’ve helped, and consider my firm’s vast history. Even if you’ve never taken a certification exam while planning a wedding, I’m sure you know that no significant milestone is achieved overnight. Balancing professional aspirations and personal ambitions is often a delicate juggling act. That pressure can get even heavier when complex matters like estate planning join the mix. Everyone here at the Sheppard Law Firm knows how unexpected and demanding life can get, so we strive to alleviate any stress you may feel during the legacy process. I know what it means to spin multiple plates at once, so I’m excited to help give your fingertips a much-needed break — and give you more time and energy to achieve your dreams. –Hayley Donaldson
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NOVEMBER 2024
ROMAN RULES Peculiar Laws of the Ancient Empire
While ancient Rome may be known for gladiators, grand conquests, and
were enacted in 213 BC when it became illegal for women to wear colorful dresses — unless they were celebrating a ritual sacrifice — to wear more than a half ounce of gold or even to ride around in carriages. However, they soon repealed these laws because they considered them antiquated . Shocking Statute Tough luck for those who like hanging out on tall metal poles — if a lightning strike killed someone in Rome, the law forbade families from burying them! This is because Romans believed lightning strikes were divine retribution from the king of the
fashionable togas, a surprisingly intricate legal system kept their civilization in line. They had many laws — some familiar, others bizarre — that dictated the everyday lives of millions of Roman citizens, enslaved people, and soldiers across a vast empire. Here are three of the most outrageous and interesting laws Romans enacted
to the death — for the public’s amusement and began holding them back in 264 BC. However, because only 3 of every 5 people made it to their 20s at the time, only about 10% of those bouts involved actual fatalities. Many slaves, prisoners of war, and Christian martyrs fought as gladiators in the arena, but if they were already sentenced to execution, they had no hope of survival. One peculiar law involving gladiators was that they would fight until an injured combatant put down his shield and lifted his index finger to ask for mercy. At that point, it would come to an abrupt halt — though the emperor, if in attendance, would make the final decision.
as a republic and an empire. Dress Codes and Party Fouls
Beginning in around 215 BC, the Roman Republic began instituting what was known as sumptuary laws, which restricted the clothes people could wear, foods they could eat, and the maximum number of attendees at parties. They created these, in part, to reduce the costs of banquets, festivals, and other Roman ragers. Some examples
Roman pantheon, Jupiter. See Ya Later, Gladiator!
Romans “borrowed” the idea of gladiatorial games from their (conquered) neighbors, wherein people would fight — sometimes
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Although Dec. 31, 2025, may seem like a faraway date, it will be here before we know it — and it could usher in critical tax changes you need to prepare for now . At the end of next year, substantial revisions will be made to the estate tax exemptions established in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). Signed into law by President Donald Trump in January 2018, this tax reform law doubled the basic exclusion amount (BEA) that would not be subject to federal gift or estate tax from $5.6 million to $11.18 million that year. Adjusted annually for inflation, the BEA now stands at $13.61 million per individual or $27.22 million per married couple. However, unless Congress acts to either extend the provisions of the TCJA or set them in stone, these figures will “sunset” — meaning they will revert to their pre-2018 amounts (indexed for inflation) — at the close of 2025.
These changes could have a substantial financial impact on your estate. Once the current exemptions are effectively halved, the likelihood of assets you transfer above the 2026 BEA being hit with a 40% estate tax rate doubles . You are
strongly advised to review your estate plan in anticipation of the return of pre-TCJA thresholds and, if possible, transfer assets within the next 13 months to reduce future tax burdens.
Although the existing sunsetting outline may change in light of an unpredictable political landscape, it is wise to err on the side of caution and consider the actions you must take based on present circumstances. We are closely monitoring the impending alterations to the TCJA and are happy to answer any questions you have. Please contact us as soon as possible to review your current estate plan and explore your best options for 2026 and beyond.
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FINANCIAL STRAIN, FAMILY FALLOUT The Risks of Lending to Adult Children
In a perfect world, your golden years are a time of comfort and financial security. You’ve saved for decades, paid off your mortgage, and planned out years’ worth of travel and relaxation. You should be all set at this stage in life, right? If you have adult children, you may find yourself dipping into your nest egg to help them out of a sticky financial situation. Here are three things to consider if they come to you for a loan. Get real about your risk. Before agreeing to help your adult child overcome their financial troubles, assess the situation critically. Are you in a position to help without putting yourself at risk? Is their predicament the result of an illness, an injury, or another unplanned circumstance? Did their lifestyle or spending choices cause the problem? Have they asked you for money before? Would you approve them for a loan if you were an actual lender and not a parent? Are you prepared to never see that money again? We all want to help our children, but perhaps the best way would be to refuse to add fuel to a wildfire. They may be better off in bankruptcy court than relying on the Bank of Mom and Dad.
Set boundaries and limitations. If you decide to proceed with the loan, draw up documentation explaining its terms and conditions. Details could include the interest rate (if any), the amount and frequency of repayments, and rules for late payments or defaults. Incorporating these formalities into a family matter may feel awkward. Still, it may be a necessary step in protecting both parties from even more uncomfortable scenarios if they don’t pay off the loan. Minimize lump-sum struggles. Not everyone is skilled or disciplined in money management, and a lump-sum payment may not be ideal for someone with a history of impulsive spending. Instead of giving them the full loan amount upfront, consider structuring it in smaller increments over time or
paying their billers directly. That way, you have more control over how your loan is spent and can better ensure your money goes responsibly toward what is intended.
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INGREDIENTS
TAKE A BREAK!
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6 tbsp unsalted butter 3 garlic cloves, smashed 3/4 cup buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
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1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
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2 tbsp heavy cream 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
3/4 cup panko
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp minced fresh thyme
1 (3-lb) skin-on salmon fillet (1 1/4-inches thick)
2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp each black pepper and salt, divided
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. In a medium bowl, stir together crackers, panko, thyme, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Add melted garlic butter and combine. Set aside. 4. In a small bowl, stir together cream and mustard; set aside. Drizzle oil in a heatproof baking dish and place fish, skin side down, in the center. Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Brush fish evenly with cream mixture. Top fish with cracker mixture, gently pressing into fish. 5. Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce temperature to 400 F. Bake until crumbs turn golden brown, 15–18 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Hitting the Boldest Goals PAGE 1 Ridiculous Rules From Ancient Rome PAGE 2 Escape the Exemption Shuffle PAGE 2 Balancing Love and Loans PAGE 3 Crunchy, Lemony Salmon PAGE 3 The Do’s and Don’ts for Happy, Healthy Joints 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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The joints in our body are responsible for keeping us moving, so maintaining our joint health is essential. But many of us don’t realize some of our everyday habits might work against us. From how we bend and lift to the choices we make in our daily routines, seemingly small actions can cause significant stiffness or discomfort. Let’s uncover the habits that could be causing joint trouble and learn how to improve them. Exercise Healthy joints require regular exercise, and it’s crucial to stay active without overdoing it. A sedentary lifestyle with frequent or extended sitting can lead to weight gain and muscle tightness, making it more difficult for your joints to function. But overworking your joints can put stress or strain on them. So, aim for a mix of cardio, muscle conditioning, and strength training in your routine. Give your joints a break from sitting every 30 minutes by doing stretches for a few minutes. Diet Some of the tastiest foods, like red meat, french fries, dairy products, and sweets, are inflammatory and can trigger worse joint pain, especially for knee and hand osteoarthritis. When planning your
plate, look for foods with omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, fiber, and magnesium. Foods rich in these nutrients can reduce joint inflammation and lower cholesterol. Berries, fish, olive oil, leafy greens, and nuts are all great snacks to keep your bones healthy and your body limber. Making mindful adjustments to your exercise routine and diet are proactive steps toward preserving your joint health and enjoying a more vibrant, active lifestyle. Remember, small changes today can significantly improve how you feel and move tomorrow.
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