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REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 February 2026
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
Valentine’s Day Isn’t Just for Chocolates — It’s for Planning Your Future Together LOVE AND PLANNING GO HAND IN HAND
Every February, love tends to get wrapped up in pink cards, red roses, and dinner reservations. Those things are great. But in my work, I see another kind of love that matters just as much, and it shows up in quieter moments. It’s the kind of love that says, “Let’s talk about the future,” even when that conversation feels a little uncomfortable. Many couples tell me they have thought about estate planning but keep putting it off. It feels heavy and emotional, and sometimes it’s easier not to go there at all. I understand that reaction. Still, I’ve seen what happens when no plans are in place, and it’s rarely the outcome anyone would have wanted for the person they love. Planning together isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about taking care of each other. When couples sit down and talk honestly about their wishes, it clears the air. It reduces surprises later and replaces uncertainty with understanding. Just as important, it strengthens communication. You learn how your partner thinks about money, family, health, and legacy, sometimes in ways that never come up in everyday life.
Planning together also removes uncertainty. Without clear documents, decisions can be left to state rules that may not reflect your relationship or values. When couples make choices together, they create a sense of security that extends beyond themselves. It reassures each partner their wishes will be respected and that their loved ones will not be left guessing during an already difficult time. I often encourage couples to think of this process as a series of meaningful conversations, not a single heavy discussion. Start by asking simple questions. What does taking care of each other look like to you? Whom would you trust to step in if one of you could not make decisions? What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind? These questions can open the door to deeper connections and mutual respect. Differences in opinion are normal, and they don’t mean something is wrong. In fact, working through them together often strengthens the relationship. When partners listen, compromise, and plan with intention, they build confidence in their ability to handle life’s challenges together as a team. As an estate planning attorney, I see the relief and closeness that comes from couples who have done this work together. They walk away not just with documents, but with peace of mind and a stronger bond. They know why they are planning and what they want the outcome to be. My role is to help put those wishes into place in a way that works legally and practically. This Valentine’s season, I encourage couples to think of planning as a simple act of care. It’s a way of saying, “I want to make things easier for you,” and “I want our future to be clear and protected.” That kind of thoughtfulness lasts far longer than flowers, and in the end, it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give each other.
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Small Space, Big Style
Design Hacks That Make Any Room Feel Larger
Expand Upward Architects through the ages have reduced crowding by expanding living and working spaces upward. You can do the same by creating multipurpose floor-to-ceiling bookshelves for your small abode. Tiered display shelves draw the eye upward and offer multiple options for storing or displaying books and decorative items. Also, floor-length, wall-to-wall curtains in light colors can create the illusion of high ceilings and make a room feel more spacious. Use Folding Furniture A clever way to increase potential uses for your living space is to invest in multipurpose furniture. A futon sofa bed can double as a comfy couch. A stylish ottoman can open up into a storage receptacle for magazines or linens. If you enjoy entertaining, consider an extendable drop-leaf dining table with storage
Amid rising housing costs and a trend toward smaller families, many Americans are choosing smaller homes and apartments. When bulky sofas and expansive chandeliers are out of the question, homeowners seek stylish ways to make small rooms feel spacious. Here are four design hacks to transform your small living space into an alluring sanctuary. Invite Light An abundance of light helps create a living space that feels airy and open. Choosing a white, cream, or light gray decor reflects available light, but any pale pastel hue can achieve a similar effect. Glass, Lucite, or acrylic tabletops lend depth and reflect natural light. And don’t hesitate to play with mirrors. Placing them opposite windows, in an entryway, or on interior doors can amplify natural light coming in.
shelves tucked inside, or nesting sets of two coffee tables that swivel into one. Additionally, while you may be tempted to push your furniture up against the wall to save space, this actually creates a cramped feeling. Choose pieces that rest on exposed legs rather than flat on the floor, and position furniture at a slight distance from walls. Reduce Clutter Any room feels smaller when strewn with clutter. Take advantage of the many stylish storage options available today to make that mess disappear. Under-bed storage containers serve as sturdy hideaways, and a hanging shoe organizer can store other items, such as cleaning supplies. Any of these strategies can help make your living space feel larger, easing that cramped feeling and freeing you to enjoy it to the max!
Cook the World A Global Dinner Adventure Awaits
Step 2: Cook up some fun. Now it’s time to bring the world to your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, play music from the country you’re exploring, and assign roles. One person can chop, someone can stir, and someone else can handle the playlist (very important). Kids love getting hands-on, and it’s an excellent way to help them learn about teamwork, creativity, and patience. Talk about where the dish comes from, what people might traditionally serve with it, or how it’s eaten in that culture. Before you know it, your kitchen will smell like another part of the world. Step 3: Eat, share, and celebrate. When the food hits the table, make it special. Light a candle, add a little decoration, and let loose. Take that first bite together and talk about the flavors. What’s new, what’s
Are you tired of the same spaghetti night or pizza delivery? It’s time to shake things up and turn dinner into a family adventure. Instead of hopping on a plane, grab your aprons and “travel” the world through food. Each week, choose a country, find its most famous dish, and cook it together, no passports required. Step 1: Choose your destination. Begin your journey by selecting a country that excites everyone. Maybe your kids are obsessed with anime (hello, Japan!) or you’ve been craving something spicy from Mexico. Every culture has a dish that tells a story, like Italy’s cheesy lasagna, India’s vibrant butter chicken, and Greece’s fresh tzatziki and gyros. Choose one that feels doable and prepare to embark on a new flavor adventure.
surprising, and what’s delicious? Create a “family food passport” where you write down the country, the dish, and everyone’s rating or favorite moment. It’s a great way to remember your culinary travels. Step 4: Keep the journey going. Once you start, it’s hard to stop! Turn this into a weekly or monthly family ritual. Each dish brings a new story, a new skill, or a fresh memory. You’ll end up with full bellies and a collection of shared experiences that span the globe.
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Smart Estate Planning Starts With the Right Deed DON’T LET A TECHNICALITY DECIDE YOUR HOME’S FUTURE
only if the property is actually titled in the trust’s name. Unfortunately, this step is often missed. Simply referencing real estate in a trust document doesn’t change ownership. The deed itself must be updated for the plan to work as intended. Transferring Property During Your Life Some families choose to transfer property before death to simplify matters later. While this can be effective, it isn’t always straightforward. Tax consequences, future capital gains issues, and unintended financial impacts can arise if the transfer isn’t carefully planned. Before signing a new deed, it’s important to understand the whole picture. Putting Your Plan on Solid Ground Your home is often one of your most valuable and emotional assets. Making sure your deed aligns with your estate plan protects your family, preserves your intentions, and helps avoid complications down the road. Our team here at Merlino & Gonzalez helps homeowners bring clarity and confidence to their real estate and estate planning decisions. Contact us to make sure your plan is built to last.
Most people spend time thinking about wills and trusts but overlook one document that can quietly undo even the best estate plan: the property deed. How your home or real estate is titled determines what happens to it when you’re gone, and if that doesn’t match your intentions, your family could face delays, confusion, or unnecessary legal hurdles. Understanding How Property Ownership Really Works The way ownership is listed on a deed controls how property transfers. Some ownership structures allow real estate to pass instantly to a surviving owner, while others require court involvement before anything can happen.
When probate is involved, the process can be slow and stressful for loved ones who are already navigating a loss. Certain ownership arrangements are designed to keep things simple, especially for married couples. Others are better suited for co- owners who want flexibility and control over who inherits their share. Each option serves a different purpose, and choosing the wrong one can unintentionally override your estate planning goals. Trusts Only Work if the Deed Matches Many homeowners use revocable living trusts to avoid probate. It’s a smart strategy, but
HONEY MUSTARD PORK CHOPS MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INGREDIENTS •
4 thick, boneless pork chops
• • •
1/4 cup stone-ground mustard
•
3 1/2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning, divided
1/4 cup fresh honey
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
• •
1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp avocado oil
DIRECTIONS 1.
Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Pat pork chops dry before seasoning them with salt and 1 1/2 tsp of garlic and herb seasoning. 3. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. 4. Sear pork chops in hot oil for 1–3 minutes on each side. 5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mustard, honey, and remaining garlic and herb seasoning while the pork cooks. 6. Remove pork chops from skillet. Add honey mustard mixture to the skillet and mix. 7. Place pork chops back in skillet and cover with sauce. 8. Place pan in oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until pork reaches 145 F. 9. Set oven to broil for the final minute to allow the tops to caramelize and enjoy.
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
Love, Trust, and the Talk That Strengthens Your Bond Page 1 Clever Design Tricks to Expand Your Small Space Explore Cultures Through Family Meals Page 2 Why Your Property Deed Matters More Than You Think Honey Mustard Pork Chops Page 3 Good Reasons to Get Out This February Page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3 STATEN ISLAND AND NEW JERSEY EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS DRINKS, DRAGONS, AND DARING DIPS
Whether you’re toasting Valentine’s Day with wine and chocolate, welcoming the Lunar New Year with family-friendly festivities, or braving the cold for a charitable plunge, there’s something for every mood and every calendar. Mark these dates, grab your tickets, and bundle up; these February events prove that the season is full of flavor and energy. Wine and Chocolate Trail Weekend Feb. 13–15 NewJerseyWines.com/wineandchocolatetrail/ Fall in love with New Jersey wine country during the Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend. Hosted by the Garden State Wine Growers Association, this Valentine’s Day tradition invites you to sip award-winning local wines perfectly paired with decadent chocolates from New Jersey chocolatiers. Spend the weekend exploring participating wineries
across the state, enjoying live music, cozy vineyard vibes, and sweet surprises at every stop. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a fun weekend with friends, this is a delicious way to celebrate love in Garden State style. 2026 Chinese New Year Celebration Feb. 21, from 12–3 p.m. Snug-Harbor.org Ring in the 2026 Chinese New Year with an afternoon of color, culture, and celebration at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden! Families are invited to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with lively performances, captivating tales, festive treats, and hands-on traditional crafts for kids of all ages. The Horse represents strength, good fortune, freedom, and unstoppable energy, and this celebration captures that spirit from start
to finish. Admission is $15, and children 4 and younger attend free. Buy your tickets today to start the new year with good fortune. Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights Feb. 28 PlungeSeaside.org Take the plunge for a powerful cause at the Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights. Each year, thousands of fearless individuals, teams, businesses, and other organizations charge into the icy Atlantic to support Special Olympics New Jersey. Every dollar raised fuels programs and competitions for athletes across the state. Festivities kick off with registration at 9 a.m., plungers hit the beach at 11:30 a.m., and the big splash happens at 1 p.m. Bring your courage and your crew — this is winter’s boldest way to make a difference.
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