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In many ways, I’ve been preparing to write this article since I was a child. I’ve been a “planner” since I was about 10 years old. Even then, I planned to become an attorney and work in estate planning. I drew inspiration from my uncle, who practices real estate law in California. I was always struck by how intellectual he was, and I thought pursuing a similar career path would be a great direction for me. I’m grateful to have never strayed from that early childhood goal. Over the years, I’ve seen a few friends go through difficult times when their loved ones departed. They didn’t know how to start or where to go — whether it was dealing with the banks or simply understanding the will and all its provisions. I realized I would never want my family to face that struggle; I would like to be there to help them and others through the process. I didn’t want anyone in this scenario to feel they had to do it alone. Nearly a decade after graduating from law school, I’m fulfilled knowing I help people and families make sense of things when they’re often unable to think clearly. I may not always be able to lessen the emotional impact of a loved one’s passing. Still, I’m committed to alleviating as many of the logistical burdens of estate planning as possible. I’ve been in the legal profession since 2016, and I got my bar license last October — right around the time I joined Sheppard Law Firm. Since that time, I’ve worked with our team to help guide people through challenging times. Generally, people don’t know much about estate planning, get very confused by the task, and become overwhelmed. That’s where I come in, and I’ve found great satisfaction in being there for our estate planning clients these past few months. If they walk away with greater peace of mind and the knowledge they have a friend on their side, I’ve done my job. Sheppard Law Firm is by far the most wonderful firm I’ve ever worked with. It’s truly a privilege to work with intellectual attorneys who present a wealth of knowledge. Everyone is warm and welcoming, and they have the expertise necessary to bring comfort and security to our clients’ most significant challenges. Knowing this is where I get to live my dream is such a joy. Away from the legal world, I’ve devoted years to two great passions: ballet and baking. I’ve been dancing since I was 2 years old and was part of the dance department at Cypress Lake A LEGAL DREAM COME TRUE How Compassion Became My Career
Center for the Arts before continuing ballet through college. Baking has always made me happy, and I love making goodies for family, friends, and everyone here at the firm. For the rest of 2025 and beyond, my biggest goal will always be to absorb the knowledge around me and continue to get better and better at what I’m doing in this field. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I know the best days of my career are still ahead of me. The legal professional in me is honored to serve our clients at Sheppard Law Firm, but the 10-year-old in me is thrilled to know that her dream of helping others has come true. –Courtney Castro
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APRIL 2025
When Myth Meets Reality In 17th-century Sweden, stories of fairies and other supernatural beings weren’t just the stuff of folklore — sometimes, they even showed up in court. Tales of people falling in love with these creatures fascinated time. Accusations often targeted those on the edges of society, reflecting how supernatural elements could support real-world prejudices. While these cases might sound unbelievable FAIRY TALES IN COURT
today, they show how folklore influenced people’s actions and even legal proceedings.
communities and blurred the line between myth and reality. These beliefs influenced real-life events, leading to bizarre legal disputes and societal consequences. Historical Tales of Fairy Romance Documented examples from Swedish history involve people claiming they had romantic relationships with fairies. According to court records, these claims weren’t uncommon during the 1600s, when many believed in supernatural creatures. Cases often involved accusations of kidnapping, enchantment, and moral corruption, which mirrored the era’s deep-seated anxiety about the influence of otherworldly powers.
Why These Stories Resonate The allure of fairy romance tales remains strong. Modern literature and media frequently draw inspiration from such stories while reimagining them to explore contemporary themes and societal issues. Authors like Philip Pullman, for example, have crafted thought- provoking retellings, such as his “Grimm Tales,” giving us new ways to look at classic ideas. The continued interest in fairy folklore highlights its timeless relevance. Stories like those from Sweden 400 years ago — where claims of fairy romance sparked legal disputes — bridge the past and present and remind us how imagination and belief have shaped history.
These stories went beyond the fantastical and were deeply tied to the cultural norms of the
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The Aftermaths of Absent Estate Plans
Estate planning can be complicated, but it’s nothing compared to what happens when you pass away without a will or other essential documents in place. Here’s an overview of why some people choose not to have a will — and what could happen when there’s no immediate way to determine how to preserve their legacies. Why People Avoid Estate Planning In 2023, AARP reported that roughly 65% of Americans had no estate plan. According to the American Bar Association, 55% of U.S. citizens pass away without a will. When asked why they hadn’t prepared a legacy plan, 35% of respondents to a survey by the senior living referral service Caring.com stated they didn’t believe they had enough assets to warrant undergoing the process.
Intestate Fallout in Florida People who pass away without a will are known as “intestate.” In Florida, the court will distribute an intestate individual’s assets to their surviving family members. If the deceased has a spouse but no children, their possessions will go to their spouse. If they are single when they pass, their belongings will go to their child or children. Single and childless individuals will have their belongings transferred to their parent(s). In cases where the individual has no children or living parents, their possessions will be placed in their sibling(s)’ ownership. For step or foster children to receive assets, the intestate person must have adopted them before passing. In rare cases where a person with no living relatives dies without a will, their assets will be transferred to the state,
which may sell them through a process called “escheatment.” Why Wills Deserve Another Thought Although the statistics mentioned earlier reveal that plenty of people believe they don’t have enough assets of value to create a will, it is truly rare for someone to have nothing to pass on to someone else. Even the most seemingly insignificant clothing, jewelry, or furniture could have tremendous historical, sentimental, or monetary value. If you have neglected to update or even create a will — or believe your assets are insufficient to pass along — now is the time to reconsider your options seriously and put a will and/or estate plan in motion.
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Crucial Communication, Clear Legacies The Dangers of Hidden Family Secrets
1. You may become incapacitated before you pass away. Unfortunately, serious accidents, severe illnesses, and unforeseen medical situations can strike at any age. Would your loved ones know how to address advanced nursing care, medical expenses, or end-of-life decisions if you become unable to express these wishes yourself? Suppose specific individuals have been given these roles in your estate plan. In that case, they should be informed of their responsibilities to ensure they are available and able to perform them as necessary. 2. Your loved ones may have difficulty interpreting your plans upon your death. Presenting your thoughts properly on paper or in digital form is one of the most challenging aspects of estate planning. Although you may know what you want to say, your loved ones and beneficiaries may be confused by your
chosen directions and how they should proceed with your plan. Additionally, your plan may be subject to change based on logistical matters — including relocations and home sales — that could dramatically affect what will occur after you’re gone. It is critical to review your estate plan regularly and make updates accordingly. Don’t assume your loved ones will be able to decipher details that became irrelevant a decade ago when you sold your home or a beneficiary passed away. Of course, no two estate plans are alike, and your unique family circumstances may require disinheritances and other sensitive matters that make open communication even more difficult. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about effectively communicating your estate plan with
When it comes to conversations about estate planning, what a person doesn’t say often matters most. Discussing your legacy with loved ones is typically not a comfortable family activity, and some clients feel the best way to handle matters is to keep certain people in the dark. Regardless of the reason, keeping critical information from beneficiaries or even the individuals responsible for carrying out your plans could have unintended — and potentially devastating — consequences. Here are two of the biggest reasons open communication is key to a successful and worry-free estate plan.
others before it goes into effect.
TAKE A BREAK!
We’re in the middle of Lent, so there’s no better time to host your own fish fry for your loved ones! INGREDIENTS
• • • • •
Vegetable oil 2 lbs fresh cod
• • • • •
2 tbsp water
2 cups plain bread crumbs 1/2 tsp mustard powder 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
2 large eggs
Lemon wedges
DIRECTIONS 1. Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Cut cod into 4 servings and season with salt and pepper. 3. Place flour into a pie tin. Whisk egg and water in a second pie tin. Combine bread crumbs, mustard powder, and cayenne in a third pie tin. 4. Coat your fish in the flour tin, then the egg tin, then the bread crumb tin. 5. Set coated fish in hot oil and fry for 5 minutes on each side. 6. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy! (239) 265-9779 Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
An Empathetic Voice in Estate Planning PAGE 1 Bizarre Tales of Fairy Romance PAGE 2 Halted Heritage and Heirloom Hurdles PAGE 2 Unspoken Words and Estate Security PAGE 3 Classic Fish Fry PAGE 3 Naval Combat Inside the Roman Colosseum? PAGE 4
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The Colosseum’s Wildest Spectacle The Roman Colosseum is famous for its gladiator combat, but did you know it could be flooded with water for full-scale naval battles called naumachiae? These aquatic battles were a feat of ancient engineering and showcased Rome’s obsession with over-the-top entertainment. Thousands of spectators cheered as warships clashed in a flooded arena, with soldiers, prisoners, and even seals and hippos playing roles in the reenactments. Of course, flooding the Colosseum was not easy. It’s believed aqueducts supplied the water, and special flat-bottomed ships were used to navigate the shallow depths. However, the logistical challenges proved too much, leading the Romans to abandon the naumachiae after only a handful of events. These extravagant battles weren’t just for entertainment — they were a display of imperial power. While short-lived, the story of the naumachiae remains a testament to Roman ingenuity and their flair for creating spectacles that still captivate us today.
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