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September 2025 Give Them the Freedom to Mourn, Not Manage LIGHTEN THE LOAD OF GRIEF WITH A PLAN THAT SPEAKS FOR YOU
603-894-4141 | 978-969-0331 | LegacyCareLaw.com
When someone we love dies, grief does not ask for our permission. It arrives uninvited, heavy, and unpredictable. In those moments of loss, the last thing anyone wants is to face a mountain of legal questions or decisions. Unfortunately, without proper estate planning, that is precisely what grieving families are forced to confront. I have sat across the table from families in the throes of mourning, and I have seen firsthand how having a plan — or not having one — can shape the entire experience. An effective estate plan does more than direct how assets are distributed. It brings clarity and structure during a period that can feel chaotic and uncertain. It allows grieving family members to focus on honoring their loved one, not scrambling to understand complex legal procedures or sorting through financial unknowns. A well- prepared plan communicates, without ambiguity, what you intended, ensuring your legacy is preserved and your wishes are respected. We are saying to our families, “I thought of you. I made this easier for you.” While not always easy to talk about, that kind of preparation is one of the most compassionate gifts we can offer. Because when the time comes, our loved ones will not need to guess about our wishes, navigate a maze of court proceedings, or face unexpected expenses. Instead, they will have clarity, guidance, and the space to grieve without the weight of uncertainty. Too often, I meet with people who resist estate planning because it feels uncomfortable or morbid. A common belief is that if we avoid talking about death, we somehow protect ourselves from it. But ignoring the conversation does not spare us; it simply passes the complexity down to our loved ones. Without a plan, the state laws will determine who manages your affairs, who receives your assets, and how decisions are made. That means you place your hard-
earned money and your most personal decisions into the hands of strangers guided by default laws, not your values.
The irony is that many people who delay planning are incredibly organized in other areas of life. They manage careers, families, and finances with care and attention. These are the people who map vacations to the hour, keep color-coded calendars, and track every dollar in a spreadsheet, but they pause at estate planning. It feels too personal, emotional, and serious. And it is. But it is also a gift you leave not for yourself but for those who matter most. Even for those who already have an estate plan in place, I always emphasize the importance of reviewing it regularly. Life changes like marriages, divorces, births, deaths, and relocations can significantly impact your plan. I have seen families discover, too late, that a once-thoughtful plan no longer reflects current relationships or intentions. Revisiting your documents every few years ensures your legacy is truly protected and your loved ones are supported in the way you envision. I know estate planning conversations are not always easy, but they are meaningful. They are empowering. And they are, at their core, about love and taking the time to protect the people who matter most. So, whether you are motivated by compassion, logistics, or simply the desire to ensure your voice is heard long after you are gone, take the step. Create a plan. Review your plan. And give your family the gift of peace during one of life’s most difficult moments.
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The Power of Early Estate Planning Starting your estate planning early might not sound like the most exciting thing, but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. Whether you’re in your 30s and just bought your first home, in your 40s raising kids, or in your 50s thinking about retirement, having a solid estate plan gives you and your loved ones a Secure Your Future Today
priceless gift: peace of mind. Control Over Your Wishes
One of the most significant advantages of early estate planning is control. You have the opportunity to decide exactly how your assets will be distributed, who will care for your children if something happens to you, and who will make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Without a plan, those decisions could be left to the courts, and the outcome might not reflect what you would have wanted. “Whether you’re in your 30s and just bought your first home, in your 40s raising kids, or in your 50s thinking about retirement, having a solid estate plan gives you and your loved ones a priceless gift ...” Protection for Your Loved Ones If you have young children, planning early is especially important. A well-crafted estate plan allows you to name a guardian for your kids, create trusts to manage their inheritance responsibly, and ensure your family is cared for no matter what happens. Even if your estate isn’t large, the structure and guidance you leave behind can make a huge difference. Probate Hassle Avoidance Another key benefit of early estate planning is avoiding probate, a time-consuming, public, and expensive legal process. Strategies
like creating a revocable living trust can keep your estate out of probate court and ensure a smoother transition of assets to your beneficiaries. Starting early allows you time to structure your plan
wisely and avoid future headaches. Adaptation to Life Changes
The earlier you start, the more flexibility you have. Life doesn’t stand still — marriages, divorces, new children or grandchildren, job changes, and new properties can all affect your estate. Beginning early gives you a solid foundation you can tweak as needed, instead of scrambling to build something from scratch during a crisis. Tax Minimization While not everyone faces estate taxes, for those who do, early planning can help minimize them. A financial and legal advisor can help structure gifts, trusts, and charitable donations in ways that preserve more of your wealth for your loved ones instead of the IRS. And even for smaller estates, planning ahead helps with income and capital gains tax implications that often get overlooked. Family Conflict Avoidance When a loved one passes without a clear plan, confusion and differing expectations can lead to arguments or legal battles between family members. By outlining your wishes clearly and legally, you minimize misunderstandings and help ensure a smoother, more unified transition. Peace of Mind Ultimately, the most significant advantage is peace of mind. Knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones will be cared for, and your legacy will be preserved brings a sense of comfort that’s difficult to put a price tag on.
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Tuesday, October 7 — 1 PM at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse th Tuesday, October 7 — 6 PM at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse th Wednesday, October 8 — 1 PM at Teresa’s Ristorante Bar & Pizzeria th Thursday, October 9 — 1 PM at Hilton Boston-Woburn th Upcoming In-Person Seminars in Lynnfield & Woburn, MA LEARN ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING FROM OUR ATTORNEYS Protect Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs. Avoid Probate Fees and Frustration. Minimize Death Taxes.
Call us or visit our website to sign up: 603-894-4141 or 978-969-0331 • www.legacycarelaw.com
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Can You Put Your Pet’s Bowl in the Dishwasher?
kitchen sponges and bathroom faucets. When left unwashed, pet bowls can become breeding grounds for bacteria like MRSA, E. coli, and salmonella, which can pose health risks to pets and families. That’s where your dishwasher comes in. Modern dishwashers can handle more than dinner plates — they reach high enough temperatures to sanitize pet bowls and kill harmful bacteria effectively. Just check the bottom of the bowl or the manufacturer’s instructions for a dishwasher-safe symbol, especially for plastic bowls, which can warp or degrade in high heat. If you still use a plastic pet bowl, consider finding a new one. Veterinarians and pet care experts recommend stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Not only are they more durable and hygienic, but they’re also far less likely to harbor bacteria in scratches or porous surfaces. If you’re hand-washing your pet’s bowl, use hot, soapy water, and scrub every part of the bowl. The FDA recommends cleaning pet bowls after each use and even more frequently if you feed wet or raw food.
W H A
If your pet is practically a family member, you likely care a lot about what goes into their food bowl. But here’s a question many pet owners forget to ask: “How clean is that bowl, really?” And more importantly, “Can you just toss it in the dishwasher?”
If your pet eats from their bowl multiple times a day, consider having a second clean set on hand so a fresh one is always available.
The short answer is yes, most pet bowls can be safely washed in the dishwasher — and they probably should.
So, if your pet’s bowl is dishwasher-safe, go ahead and give it a spin — preferably on the top rack. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping your furry friends healthy and safe.
According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), pet bowls are among the germiest items in the home, often ranking alongside
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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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Ease Grief With Grace: How Estate Planning Lifts the Burden
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Get Ahead of Life’s Surprises With a Rock-Solid Estate Plan
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Yes, You Should Be Washing Your Pet’s Bowl Every Day
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Legacy Lessons From Michael Crichton
Estate Planning Lessons From a Literary Legend EVEN MICHAEL CRICHTON GOT IT WRONG
Michael Crichton was a literary giant — the mind behind “Jurassic Park,” “The Andromeda Strain,” and “ER.” But despite his brilliance, he wasn’t immune to estate planning complications. When Crichton passed away in 2008 at 66, he left behind a complex situation that serves as a cautionary story for anyone hoping to leave a smooth legacy.
Crichton’s estate was valued in the tens of millions, but we can all learn from his story. Here are four key takeaways.
Keep your documents up to date. Life changes with marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Your estate plan should reflect your current reality. Review it at least every 3–5 years, or immediately after a significant life event. Plan for future children and grandchildren. Even if you’re not expecting, it’s wise to include language that accounts for future descendants. This can avoid costly court battles and ensure your intentions are honored. Communicate with your family. Unspoken assumptions can lead to conflict. Being clear with your loved ones and your estate planning attorney can prevent confusion down the line. Work with an experienced estate planning professional. Crichton had a will and trust, but they weren’t airtight. A qualified estate planner can help ensure your documents are legally sound and flexible enough for life’s surprises.
Crichton had a will and trust in place, but they were outdated. Most notably, his documents did not provide for any future children. At the time of his death, his fifth wife was pregnant — a fact not reflected in his estate plan. As a result, there was a legal dispute over whether the unborn child, John Michael Todd Crichton, should be considered a beneficiary. Crichton’s adult daughter from a previous marriage argued that the baby should not inherit, citing the language in the will. A court battle followed, and eventually, a judge ruled that the son could inherit from the estate — but not without litigation and unnecessary stress for the family.
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