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513-721-1513 | ZimmerLawFirm.com April 2025
ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Preparing Future Trustees, Executors, and Agents
Would you be prepared for the responsibility if you had to step in to manage a loved one’s finances, estate, or health care decisions? Trustees, executors, and agents under a power of attorney play a critical role in fulfilling their loved one’s wishes. Still, many people assigned to these positions don’t fully understand their role, which could lead to confusion and added stress to an already stressful situation. That’s why we’ve created a unique training program to help fiduciaries understand their responsibilities. Zimmer Law Firm’s Trustee and Power of Attorney School will help you learn how to confidently handle estate matters, whether you’ve already been named in an estate plan or simply want to be ready. What This Event Covers Managing the distribution of a deceased person’s estate can be complicated and includes many responsibilities. Trustees and executors are responsible for asset inventory and management, beneficiary notification, asset distribution, estate accounting, and debt settlement. In addition to financial decisions, agents under a power of attorney are also responsible for health care decisions. Often, people receive very little preparation before stepping into these roles. We designed our Trustee and Power of Attorney School to bridge this knowledge gap and provide step-by-step guidance for future fiduciaries and our clients. You’ll learn about the function of legal and non-legal estate planning documents and your role in implementing them. Our training also covers fiduciary duties, standards of conduct, and common challenges trustees, executors, and power of attorney agents may face when carrying out an estate plan. Learning to avoid
family disputes, financial missteps, and unintentional probate will help you avoid delays and other potential issues. Another important aspect of the training involves preparing for family conversations. Estate planning is essential, but many people fail to have detailed discussions with loved ones regarding their wishes. This can lead to confusion over roles and responsibilities, but we’ll help you learn how to have those conversations in a way that fosters clarity and cooperation. Finally, you’ll understand the steps to take now to ensure your family member has everything in place to avoid complications later. Who Should Attend? The Trustee and Power of Attorney School will help those named in an estate plan prepare for their role before they need to carry out their responsibilities. Even if you’ve previously served in a fiduciary role, this training will provide a strong refresher and help you feel confident handling your duties. This event is also appropriate for anyone looking to learn more about the estate planning process and how to prepare your own affairs to make the jobs of future fiduciaries easier. Having a better understanding of estate planning will make it easier for you to have meaningful conversations with your loved ones and ensure your plan functions as intended when the time comes. Next Steps If you’ve been named trustee, executor, or agent under a power of attorney, there’s no better time to learn your future responsibilities. Stay tuned and contact us for updates as we finalize the details of our live training. We also have it available on demand for those who want to learn at their own pace or for family members who live out of town. In the meantime, give us a call or reach out online to request a free consultation. We can review your estate plan or that of a loved one and help you stay prepared and informed so you can confidently navigate estate settlement and end-of-life issues.
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Making Sense of Powers of Attorney
Everything You Need to Know
Financial POA: A financial POA is a limited power of attorney specifically focused on managing financial matters. It allows your agent to oversee investments, pay bills, and handle banking responsibilities. Medical (Health Care) POA: Another limited type, medical POAs allow your agent to make health care decisions to ensure your preferences for treatment and care are followed if you cannot make decisions on your own. Springing POA: Springing POAs become effective only upon a specified event, typically your incapacitation. Choosing an Agent The agent you choose will have significant control over your affairs, making it vital to select someone trustworthy and competent. In addition to understanding your values, your agent should be financially responsible and available when needed. It’s also wise
A power of attorney (POA) is a crucial component of estate planning that enables you to appoint someone to manage your financial, legal, or medical affairs. Understanding the different types of POAs and their functions is essential to ensure your wishes are honored and your interests are protected. Types of Power of Attorney General POA : A general power of attorney grants your agent broad authority to handle financial and legal matters on your behalf, including managing bank accounts, signing documents, and conducting real estate transactions. Durable POA: A durable power of attorney is similar to a general POA but remains in effect if you become incapacitated. Limited (Special) POA: Limited POAs only apply to specific tasks or transactions, such as selling property or managing medical care.
to appoint a successor agent to serve as a backup if your primary choice is unable or unwilling to serve. Legal Considerations Each state has its own POA requirements, so consult with an estate planning attorney to ensure your document complies with local laws. Regularly reviewing and updating your POA, especially after significant life events, is also essential to ensure it remains aligned with your current intentions. With the right plan in place, you can have peace of mind that a trusted individual will manage your affairs as you’d like if you cannot.
EMPTY ROOMS, FULL POTENTIAL Time to Transform Your Space Into Something Special!
A Fun Space for Entertaining Just because your little ones have grown up doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun and unleash your inner child. You could create a home movie theater with comfy recliner chairs and a big-screen TV or projector. These changes make movie night special, rather than just another typical night in the living room. Stock it with your favorite snacks, a popcorn machine, and warm blankets. If movies aren’t your thing, you could instead turn it into an entertainment room where your grandchildren can play on an inviting rug, or you can host friends in a relaxing seating area. So, whether you’re flexing your creativity or your muscles, those empty rooms have plenty of potential and space for you to explore your passions. Feather your empty nest with fun, fitness, and a little flair.
When the kids leave the nest, you may find yourself with a lot of space — and a golden opportunity to create a home that reflects your current lifestyle and passions. Those empty rooms don’t have to gather dust; you can turn them into something that sparks joy for you. For years, your home has been the headquarters of science projects, sleepovers, and snack raids, but now it’s time to make those rooms work as hard for you as you’ve worked raising your children. With these ideas, you can transform your newly emptied nest into almost anything! A Hobby Room or Home Gym Are you an artist at heart? Maybe you’re getting into a new craft or activity. Have you always wanted to improve your health but can’t stand going to the gym? Now is the perfect opportunity to turn your child’s old room into a hobby haven or workout
station. It doesn’t matter what your passions are; this can be a space dedicated to improving yourself and getting creative. You can install vertical shelving to store all the supplies you need for your craft and hang up artwork that inspires you. To create a home gym, clear space in the center of the room for an exercise mat and add workout equipment over time.
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TAKE A BREAK
ARBOR ARIES
BASEBALL CHERRIES CHOCOLATE DAISY DIAMOND FOOLS GARDEN KITE
A Deep Dive Into ‘Old Ironsides’ America’s Invincible Icon
RAINBOW SHOWERS
Some American institutions were built to last.
In 1794, a shipbuilder named Joshua Humphreys earned his status as an American hero by designing the first half-dozen warships used by the U.S. Navy. Amazingly, one of these ships, the USS Constitution, remains commissioned to this day after being used in some of our country’s most significant achievements at sea. The USS Constitution was first commissioned circa 1797 during the Quasi-War with France before being shipped off to North Africa during the U.S. conflict with the Barbary Pirates. However, the ship’s greatest fame came during the War of 1812, when it helped secure a victory against the British Navy. Known for its virtually impenetrable construction, the USS Constitution earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” after it was victorious against a British warship known as the HMS Guerriere. When the war-worn Old Ironsides seemed to be nearing the end of its structural life and would need to be decommissioned in 1830, a national campaign to save the ship kept it in service. By 1881, Old Ironsides finally got its well-earned retirement, and the ship was officially decommissioned. Was that the end of this iconic vessel’s storied history? Not by a long shot! In 1931, the Navy returned the ship to a different kind of active duty, where it remains to this day. These days, Old Ironsides is docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts — next to a nonprofit museum dedicated to preserving its incomparable impact on American history. The warship and museum attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, and official USS Constitution crew members are on hand to deliver presentations on the frigate’s extraordinary past. More than 200 years after it first left Boston Harbor, Old Ironsides continues to stand (or, more accurately, float ) as a symbol of American ingenuity and our nation’s commitment to liberty and freedom for all.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Inspired by DietDoctor.com
Ingredients
• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 2 tbsp heavy cream • 1 lemon, zest and juice • 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F and season chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. 3. Melt butter in skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmesr for 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (165 F internal temperature). Garnish with parsley before serving.
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513-721-1513 ZimmerLawFirm.com 9825 Kenwood Road, STE 201 Cincinnati, OH 45242
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Understand the Essentials of Estate Planning
A Simple Guide to Powers of Attorney
Hobby Haven or Home Gym?
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
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A Naval Legend Lives On
When Your Diary Becomes Evidence
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Dear Diary, Please Don’t Be Used Against Me in Court
Many of us have fond memories of writing in diaries or journals throughout our youth. We would share our thoughts and feelings in a book we would keep hidden from friends, family members, and others. It was our sanctuary where we could be ourselves without worrying about judgment or embarrassment. You may even remember the feeling of rage or hopelessness when you spotted your brother or sister holding your diary. Thankfully, there usually wasn’t anything too incriminating in our teenage diaries, and some of us have continued the practice well into adulthood. However, a recent news story proves we should be cautious about the information we share in our private journals. Last year, a Minnesota woman was arrested for auto theft. While investigating the incident and looking into Vanessa Guerra, a suspect in the case, a law
enforcement officer allegedly found her diary. He flipped through the pages, looking for any information that would catch his eye, when he stumbled upon an entry from Aug. 12, the same day a 2004 Ford Freestar van was stolen and resold at an auto salvage business. “Totally stole a car today! Something I never thought of doing,” Guerra allegedly wrote in her diary. Guerra was charged with receiving stolen property and theft, although she claims she didn’t know the vehicle was stolen. However, workers at the auto salvage business informed law enforcement they recognized Guerra as the seller of the stolen vehicle. Most people will probably not blab to others about crimes they have committed, especially if they are currently unsolved. This
case reminds us to be just as cautious about what we write in private journals. While your diary may be your safe place to share your innermost thoughts and feelings, your entries could come back to haunt you if you’re involved in a criminal case, especially if you blatantly admit to the crime.
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