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REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 August 2026
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
Celebrating Our Family’s First Year and the Moments That Matter Most GROWING OUR FAMILY, SECURING OUR FUTURE
home and couldn’t have predicted just how much joy would take place here.
Becoming parents also changed the way we think about preparing for the future. Working at Merlino &
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our own Stephanie Walsh and her husband, Tom, as they reflect on a remarkable year of firsts with their newborn, the home they’ve grown into together, and the peace of mind that comes from planning for the future.
This home has grown and changed right alongside our family. When we first moved in, we renovated and made it feel like our own. But becoming parents transformed the way we used the space. Our former office and storage room became Thomas’ nursery. Our coffee table was moved aside and the space became a place for toys and playtime.
Gonzalez has helped me see homeownership and estate planning from both sides, as someone who helps clients through the process and now as someone experiencing it personally. I’m sure countless young parents think they have all the time in the world before considering estate planning, but time goes so quickly. All it took was a few
August has always been a meaningful month for our family, but this year it feels like one that will always hold a special place in our hearts. In just a few weeks, we celebrate some of the biggest milestones in our story: our anniversary, our son Thomas’ first birthday, our home anniversary, and Tom’s own birthday. It’s almost hard to believe how much life has changed since August 7, 2019, when we started dating. In 2025, that same date became even more special when we welcomed our first child, Thomas, into the world. Our anniversary became our son’s birthday, a beautiful reminder of how our lives grew into something we had always dreamed of. Then, on August 18, we celebrate the anniversary of buying our first home while we were dating. At the time, it was simply the place where we were starting our lives together, but now, it’s become so much more. We came home here after getting engaged, returned here after our wedding and honeymoon, and most importantly, carried Thomas through the front door when we brought him home for the first time. In the November 2022 newsletter, Tom and I shared the news of buying our first
Our cabinets now hold bottles and bibs instead of coffee cups and Tupperware. Every corner tells a story of how our family has evolved. We know we may outgrow this home someday and dream of a house with a private yard where Thomas can run and play, a garage for extra storage, and more room as our family grows. But no matter where we move next, this house will always be special because it holds the memories of where our family began. We’ve watched Thomas grow from a tiny newborn who mostly slept and ate to a curious baby with his own personality. We’ll never forget hearing his first belly laugh or the moment he looked at Tom and said, “Dada,” for the first time. Now he’s crawling, walking while holding our hands, blowing kisses, and discovering everything around him. Seeing the world through his eyes has reminded us of the wonder in everyday moments we used to take for granted.
years for both of us to grow professionally, buy a new home, get married, and start a family. All these changes and transformations deserve to be protected. The most important things in life need to have plans in place and the right people listed to step in, no matter what life may bring. As we look ahead to Thomas’ second year, we’re excited for all the adventures waiting for us. We’re eager to watch him walk on his own, explore new places, and try new foods. We look forward to re-creating some of the childhood memories we loved ourselves. This August, we’re honoring more than birthdays and anniversaries — we’re celebrating the love that has filled our home and shaped our family, and appreciate every moment that brought us to where we are today. -Stephanie & Tom Walsh
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Interior designers and avid readers of Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, and Southern Living are always looking for new, out-of-the-box decorations and ideas to set their homes apart. While we see countless design trends every year, one new fad is really gaining traction. It’s all about utilizing the fifth wall in each of your rooms. The Boldest Design Trend You Haven’t Touched Yet You likely read that last sentence, quickly counted the walls in whatever room you’re currently in, and thought, “This room has four walls, just like every other room in the house. What is the fifth wall?” It’s not a typo, and you’re not going crazy. We’re talking about the wall directly above you, your ceiling! Look Up!
You probably haven’t thought too much about the ceiling in each room unless you recently moved in, repainted, or installed a ceiling fan. However, so much potential resides above your head. It’s all about how you design this often underutilized surface. One option is to add an architectural element to the space. You can add wood planks to give it character, or even install wood beams to change its dimensions. The right option can add depth and functionality, making any room entirely unique.
give it a cool, modern look. Graphic wallpaper can make any room feel bolder. Paint gives you a few more options depending on the look you’re going for. You can turn your ceiling into an accent wall by painting it a color that complements the walls, or you can drench the room in a single color to give it a more sophisticated, elegant look. We often ignore our ceilings unless something is glaringly wrong with them, but recent trends have us reexamining this design choice. Just be sure to think through your ideas before putting them into action. The last thing you want is to add elements you later regret, which can lead to more work down the road.
If you’re not a builder, don’t worry; you can still update your ceiling with paint or wallpaper to
Twilight Treasures at Home A Grandparents’ Guide to Sleepover Smiles
Be adventurous but considerate. Naturally, a visit to your home should be something your grandkid looks forward to. Maybe they’re excited to indulge in desserts and other treats they don’t eat regularly at home, or they can’t wait to see a special movie you’ve picked out to watch with them that may run a bit (or a lot) past their normal bedtime. Of course, any special indulgence you’re planning for the weekend should be okayed by Mom and Dad before your little houseguest arrives. Additionally, be sure to address any allergies or dietary restrictions they may have before serving them a delicacy that could upset their tummies (or worse). Make your grandkid’s getaway glorious. While watching fun movies and eating yummy goodies are always great for creating a fun sleepover, nothing’s stopping you from turning
your home into a special world for your visitor. Do they have a favorite TV show or movie character? You can decorate the living room (or anywhere else your grandchild will be) in that theme and give them a journey away from home they’ll never forget. You can also add themed music (maybe even karaoke!) and games to make it more engaging for them. That way, a trip to their grandparents’ feels more like going to a resort created just for them ! Above all, remember that the most meaningful part of a sleepover has nothing to do with decorations, treats, and games. Life moves quickly, and the quality time you spend with your grandchildren now, whether sharing stories at bedtime or sharing laughs over breakfast, is the real key to creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.
Being a grandparent can be one of life’s greatest blessings. After all, you get to spend time with a precious little one (or perhaps more), savor their joy and laughter, and spoil them absolutely rotten before sending them home! All joking aside, hosting one or more grandchildren at your home for a sleepover should be a special occasion for you and them. Whether you’re hosting your first sleepover for a grandchild or are a seasoned pro at overnight stays, here are two tips to help ensure a wonderful experience for everyone involved.
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The Medicaid Look-Back Period THE MISTAKE THAT COULD DELAY YOUR LONG-TERM CARE COVERAGE
Timing is important. If Medicaid determines that an improper transfer occurred, it calculates a penalty period based on the value of the transferred assets. During this time, Medicaid will not pay for nursing home care even if you otherwise qualify for benefits. That often means families must pay for care out of pocket until the penalty period ends. Planning well before long-term care is needed gives you far more flexibility. Don’t leave your future to chance. Because every family’s situation is unique, professional guidance can make all the difference. At Merlino & Gonzalez, we help families understand the Medicaid look-back rules, review prior asset transfers, and develop personalized long-term care plans. Planning ahead today can help protect both your assets and your peace of mind tomorrow.
Planning for long-term care isn’t always easy, but understanding New York’s Medicaid rules today can help you avoid costly surprises tomorrow. One of the most important rules to know is the Medicaid look-back period . Many families don’t realize that financial decisions made years before applying for Medicaid can affect when benefits begin. Fortunately, with the right planning, you can protect your options and your future. What is the Medicaid look-back period? When someone applies for nursing home Medicaid in New York, the state reviews their financial history during the 60 months (five years) before the application date. This review, known as the look-back period, is designed to determine whether assets were transferred, gifted, or sold for less than fair market value.
property transfers, and changes in asset ownership. If certain transfers are identified, benefits aren’t automatically denied, but coverage may be delayed. Money transfers can trigger a penalty. Many people assume only large gifts are a concern, but that’s not the case. Common transactions that may create problems include:
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Gifting money to children or grandchildren Selling a home or other property below market value Adding someone to a deed without receiving full payment Moving money into another person’s account
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Forgiving personal loans or debts
Even transfers made with the best intentions can affect Medicaid eligibility if they occur during the look-back period.
Medicaid may examine bank account transactions, gifts to family members,
MARGARITA GRILLED SHRIMP SKEWERS MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INGREDIENTS • 1 lb raw extra jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1/3 cup olive oil • 2 large garlic cloves, chopped • 1 tsp minced jalapeno
• 1 tsp onion powder • 1 tsp cumin • 1 tsp kosher salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 2 tbsp tequila (optional) • Thin slices of lime for skewers • Chopped cilantro • Wedges of lime to squeeze on shrimp
• 2 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp chili powder • 1 tsp garlic powder
DIRECTIONS 1. Soak wood skewers in water. 2. Place shrimp in wide shallow bowl and set aside. 3. In small bowl, combine all ingredients from olive oil through black pepper. Use a food processor or blender to process. 4. Pour marinade over shrimp and stir to coat. 5. Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours, turning about halfway through. 6. Drizzle tequila over the shrimp, if desired, and fold to combine. 7. Thread shrimp onto skewers, with folded slice of lime in between. 8. Heat grill to medium-high. Set shrimp on oiled grates and grill 2–3 minutes per side. 9. Place shrimp on platter and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with lime.
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Some Months Change Your Calendar. Others Change Your Life. Page 1 The Fifth Wall Is Changing Interior Design Nighttime Nests for Grandkids Page 2 Could a Gift You Made Years Ago Affect Your Medicaid Eligibility? Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Page 3 Late-Summer Magic Is Blooming Across NY & NJ Page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3 UNFORGETTABLE WAYS TO MAKE THE SEASON LAST A LITTLE LONGER ONE LAST SUMMER HURRAH!
Before pumpkin patches and sweater weather take over, there’s still plenty of time to squeeze every last drop out of summer. Across New York and New Jersey, the season is going out in style with fields bursting into bloom, magical night markets, and mouthwatering food festivals that celebrate everything we love about late summer. Here are three unforgettable ways to send summer off on a high note. Lambertville Sunflower Festival Aug. 15 – Sept. 13, 2026 BellemontFarmNJ.com/lambertville- sunflower-festival Step into a sea of golden blooms at the Lambertville Sunflower Festival, where late summer shines at its brightest! Wander through breathtaking sunflower fields, snap picture-perfect photos, and even pick your
own bouquet to bring home. On weekends, enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, a beer garden, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities that make this festival a celebration for all ages. Soak up the beauty of the season at this sunflower-filled festival. Lunar Faire Night Market Aug. 1 – Oct. 24, 2026 LunarFaire.com Looking for a night that’s delightfully strange in the best possible way? Then come experience the enchanting world of Lunar Faire Night Market, where tarot, magic, music, and mystery come together for an unforgettable evening. Browse one-of-a- kind vendors, sip whimsical potions, enjoy live performances, watch mesmerizing fire dancers, and discover surprises around every corner. This month’s tarot-themed event
even includes a complimentary tarot card at the gate to reveal your vibe for the night. Pig Island NYC 2026
Sept. 12, 2026 PigIsland.com
Calling all barbecue lovers and foodies! Pig Island NYC returns to Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden for its 17th year with an all-you-can-enjoy culinary celebration featuring more than 20 acclaimed chefs, heritage farms, craft beverages, and unforgettable flavors. Sample everything from whole-hog roasts and smoky barbecue to global pork specialties and award-winning hot sauces, all included with admission. Pair your bites with local craft beer, cider, wine, or spirits as you relax outdoors with live festivities and friendly competition among top pitmasters.
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