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QUARTER 1 2025
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Celebrating 50 Years of Service A HALF-CENTURY STRONG
This year, I am honored to celebrate a major milestone with our team at Litherland, Kennedy & Associates: 50 years of service to our community. Our office was founded in 1975 with the goal of providing quality legal services and education in the Bay Area. CONTINUING A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND EXPERTISE Our founder, Roy W. Litherland, set out to build a law firm dedicated to protecting families through thoughtful estate planning. His approach prioritized compassion, understanding, and the importance of making legal planning accessible. Today, as we carry on his legacy, I am proud to lead our team in maintaining his vision and commitment to exceptional client care. The work we do goes beyond preparing legal documents; it is about creating lasting relationships and providing the support families need to plan for the future with confidence. At Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, we help clients navigate estate planning, asset protection for future generations, Medi-Cal planning, and elder care needs with the same level of personalized care that has defined our firm since its inception.
documents, as well as addressing long-term care needs and planning for Medi-Cal eligibility.
Through our educational programs, we strive to make even the most complex legal matters understandable. Helping our clients feel confident in their decisions is one of the most rewarding parts of our work. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: OUR COMMITMENT TO BEING YOUR TRUSTED ATTORNEY ADVISOR As we mark this 50th anniversary, we are not only celebrating our past but looking forward to the future of estate planning and elder care. Our commitment to our clients includes staying current with changes in the law and evolving our services to meet the needs of our community. This anniversary is a testament to the trust our clients have placed in us over the years. I am deeply grateful to each client and colleague who has been part of our journey. As we look to the years ahead, our team remains steadfast in our dedication to carrying on Roy’s vision: to be a trusted resource for families, providing peace of mind through planning, education, and compassionate service.
We see our role as a partnership with our clients. By working closely with each family, we help them craft plans that reflect their unique goals and values. Our team is dedicated to preserving our clients’ legacy and making sure their loved ones are cared for, even as life and the law evolve.
EDUCATING AND EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY Our firm’s core focus is to provide peace of mind through education and planning through all phases of life. We believe informed clients make the best decisions for their families, which is why we provide regular workshops, webinars, newsletters, and other educational resources on estate planning and elder care topics. We want our clients to feel empowered to make informed choices. Whether navigating trust creation or understanding when and how to use their estate planning documents, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates ensures clients are well-informed every step of the way.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and for trusting us to help secure your
LIFELONG PLANNING FOR EVERY PHASE OF LIFE
future. Here’s to the next 50 years of service and beyond.
Estate planning is a lifelong process, and our goal is to guide clients at every stage. We know circumstances change, and so do the needs of our clients. Our team focuses on holistic planning to cover every aspect of estate and elder care. This includes creating comprehensive estate plans that include a revocable living trust, wills, financial powers of attorney, and health care
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At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats. Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort. “Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS- produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.” Meet the Boxer Who Changes Lives
A Journey of Growth and Leadership JUSTIN M. KENNEDY
Justin M. Kennedy joined Litherland, Kennedy & Associates in 2011 as a junior attorney, bringing with him a passion for estate and tax planning. Over the years, his journey within the firm has been marked by a blend of professional growth, personal milestones, and visionary leadership that has shaped the firm into what it is today.
Starting as a junior attorney under the mentorship of Roy W. Litherland, Justin quickly established himself as a dedicated and resourceful legal professional. He played a vital role in advancing the firm’s mission by offering clients clear, accessible explanations of their estate plans, how they function, and when to utilize them, helping them navigate the complexities of estate planning with confidence. His ability to connect with clients on a personal level made him an invaluable asset to the firm. Justin’s journey has not been limited to his professional achievements. During his time with the firm, he experienced a deeply personal milestone: He married his best friend, Holly. Roy W. Litherland attended the wedding and was also a proud supporter, reflecting the strong bond that extended beyond the professional realm.
In 2018, Justin celebrated another life- changing moment with the birth of his son, Owen. From the beginning, Roy has been a key figure in Owen’s life. The two have a special bond, sharing monthly hikes and outdoor adventures. This relationship underscores Roy’s continued role as a mentor and friend, enriching Justin’s personal life. When Roy retired, he entrusted the firm to Justin, confident in his ability to expand its reach and uphold the commitment to excellence. Under Justin’s leadership, the
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.” Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people's therapeutic treatment. “I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open-minded as a dog can be.”
firm has grown significantly, embracing modern practices and team building while maintaining its focus on providing exceptional client care.
A notable achievement under Justin’s stewardship has been the extensive remodeling of the office to meet the firm’s evolving needs. This included expanding the seminar room to seat 35 people, transforming it into a hub for client education, community outreach, and professional development events. From junior attorney to visionary leader, Justin M. Kennedy’s journey exemplifies growth, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. His leadership continues to strengthen the firm and cement its reputation as a firm that provides peace of mind through all phases of life through education and planning.
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CELEBRATE GLOBAL BELLY LAUGH DAY!
Laughter Is the Best Medicine
What is the value of a good laugh? It may be as precious as your health.
lungs with gentle movements, all while deliberately laughing without any specific reason. As one practitioner said, “The body doesn’t know that we’re faking it.” It is possible to infuse humor into your life through conscious effort. Listen to funny podcasts and watch comedic movies. Decorate your space with humorous posters, enjoy silly videos or memes, and spend time with friends who have a good sense of humor. A hearty belly laugh has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the bloodstream by more than 30%, according to a 2024 review of eight studies in PLOS One. Laughter therapy also eases the negative emotions experienced by cancer patients, including depression, anxiety, stress, pain, and fatigue, according to a 2023 study in the journal Oncology. Additionally, interventions that encourage laughter in patients with limited mobility have led to significant improvements in their mood. If you have a practical joke, a family story, a favorite movie, or a comedy special that is guaranteed to draw a chuckle, Jan. 24 is a good time to haul it out. After all, a good laugh might just become a habit!
In recognition of Jan. 24 as Global Belly Laugh Day, this is a good time to reflect on the mental, physical, and social benefits of laughter.
Laughter can stimulate your organs, relieve stress, and ease tension, according to the Mayo Clinic. For older adults, it boosts the oxygen levels in the blood, releases endorphins, and activates T-cells, thereby strengthening the immune system, as highlighted in the Atlantic Health System seminar titled Chuckles, Chortles, and Giggles: The Benefits of Laugher for Seniors. Laughter can even help with weight loss by increasing calorie consumption by 10%–20%. An intrinsic benefit of laughter is its social nature. Laughing alone can be enjoyable, but laughing with others and sharing jokes can strengthen social ties, easing the sense of isolation that affects so many older adults. Global Belly Laugh Day originated in 2005 at the urging of a laughter yoga therapist. This practice is rooted in research showing that a sense of humor helps relieve stress and fosters joy and hope. Laughter yoga, or hasyayoga , combines breathing exercises to prepare the diaphragm and
VEGAN TACO BOWL WITH TOFU CRUMBLES
Inspired by BowlsAreTheNewPlates.com
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • • •
2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp black pepper
• • • • • •
2 tbsp adobo sauce 16 oz extra firm tofu
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup diced yellow onion 2 cups cooked quinoa 1/2 cup salsa of choice
1 tsp dried oregano or epazote
1/2 tsp salt
2 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, chopped
DIRECTIONS
SOLUTION ON PAGE 2
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine garlic, cumin, black pepper, oregano, salt, chipotle chilies, and adobo sauce. 2. Drain the block of tofu and gently squeeze out the extra liquid using paper towels. Then, crumble tofu using your hands, add to mixing bowl, and toss to coat with spices. 3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes. 4. Add tofu crumbles and cook for 6 minutes. Add salsa and cook for 1–2 minutes. 5. Fill serving bowls with quinoa. Layer tofu taco meat over the quinoa, then top with extra salsa and other garnishes like lime juice, jalapeños, cilantro, avocado, and sliced radishes.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WELL-DRESSED MAN ON A UNICYCLE AND A POORLY-DRESSED MAN ON A BICYCLE?
ATTIRE
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Celebrating 50 Years of Service page 1
Justin’s Journey of Growth and Leadership A Deaf Dog’s Remarkable Journey page 2 The Science Behind the Healing Power of Humor Vegan Taco Bowl With Tofu Crumbles page 3
Top Strategies to Guard Against Identity Theft page 4
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft GUARD YOUR IDENTITY
Identity theft cost Americans $23 billion in 2023, up 13% from 2022, and the scams are becoming increasingly difficult to unravel. On average, consumers spent 10 hours resolving issues caused by identity fraud in 2023, up from six hours in 2022, according to the 2024 Identity Fraud Study. Identity theft can happen to anyone. Criminals may contact consumers by phone, email, or text, claiming to represent a government agency, utility company, or bank while demanding sensitive information. Others mine consumer datasets or steal sensitive documents from people’s mail or trash. How can you avoid becoming a victim? To protect your documents, get a lockable mailbox, and shred sensitive records before discarding them. Switch to paperless billing whenever possible, and keep your Social Security card securely stored at home.
To protect your digital records, set up strong passwords for computers, phones, and tablets, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for online shopping or banking, as many are poorly secured. Regularly review bank and credit card statements for unauthorized withdrawals or purchases. Sign up for fraud alerts on your credit cards so your provider can verify any suspicious charges, such as large purchases made far from home. Review your credit reports at least annually through AnnualCreditReport.com, and consider signing up for a free service like Credit Karma for alerts to suspicious activity. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit reports to require lenders or creditors to verify your identity before issuing new loans or credit cards. If your information is compromised in a data breach, freezing your credit reports will prevent anyone from opening accounts in your name.
Email phishing scams remain common. Avoid clicking on links in emails from unfamiliar senders. If you receive a notice of a data breach from a company you have dealt with, investigate which accounts were affected, update your passwords, and enable two-factor authentication where available. Unfortunately, criminals even target the deceased. Avoid including birth dates or maiden names in death notices or funeral programs, and monitor your loved ones’ accounts for suspicious activity.
If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, help is available at IdentityTheft.gov .
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