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REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 April 2026
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
What My Father’s Passing Taught Our Family About Preparation TURNING LIFE LESSONS INTO LEGACY
guided us. Sadly, my father passed in November, just before signing his final paperwork. Losing him was hard. What could have made it even harder was navigating the legal aftermath alone. Instead, the firm walked us through probate and every step that followed. During a time when our family was grieving, they provided clarity. That experience stayed with me. My wife, Vanessa, and I have built what we like to call our “small little life” here on Staten Island. We’ve been married since 1999. We have three grown children: our sons, Aaron and Kaihl, and our daughter, Jasmine, who is graduating from NYU this May. We also have a very enthusiastic, larger-than-life dog named Java who keeps us on our toes. We both came from humble beginnings. Conversations about financial literacy weren’t common in our homes growing up. We learned by observing, asking questions, and sometimes figuring things out the hard way. I work as a financial compliance officer, so I understand systems and structure. Even so, going through my father’s passing opened my eyes in a different way. Vanessa and I had wills. We thought we were being responsible. But working with Ken Gonzalez helped us understand estate planning more fully, ensuring your loved ones aren’t left scrambling to piece things together during one of the hardest moments of their lives.
When I first connected with Raadeen and Vanessa Ortiz-Brassfield, they were walking through a challenging chapter with such thoughtfulness and care for their family. It’s been a true privilege to support them along the way. I’m grateful to introduce them and share the heart behind their planning journey. There are certain conversations you don’t think you’ll need to have until you do. For me, estate planning became real in the spring of 2024, sitting beside my father in a hospital room. He had always been fiercely independent. Even in retirement, he handled his own business, lived on his own terms, and took pride in not needing much help. I was his power of attorney and his main point of contact, but mostly I was just his son, making sure he was okay. When his health took a serious turn, everything shifted. The doctors prepared us for outcomes no one ever feels ready to hear. In the middle of worrying about his health, another realization settled in: Not everything was fully organized. There were good intentions, of course. But good intentions don’t always translate into clear instructions. That’s when we were connected with Merlino & Gonzalez. From the beginning, they brought calm into what felt like chaos. They explained things in a way that made sense. They didn’t rush us. They didn’t overwhelm us. They simply
retirement accounts work. We want them to understand not just what we have, but how we manage it. We don’t believe in keeping knowledge to ourselves. If we’ve learned something that can help someone else, we share it. And we hope that, one day, when our kids see how much we’ve thoughtfully planned for them, they’ll continue that legacy of responsibility and care. We realize many people carry the quiet belief that estate planning was for “other” families, those with more money, assets, and complexity. What we’ve learned is that it’s for any family wanting to reduce stress during an already painful time. And honestly, it wasn’t nearly as complicated as we expected. The team made it approachable. We showed up, listened, asked questions, signed what needed signing, and left feeling lighter. If we could say one thing to someone who keeps putting it off, it would be this: Don’t wait for a hospital room to make the decision for you. Take the step now. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to begin. For us, estate planning became another way to care for our family, another way to say, “We’ve thought about you. We’ve prepared for you.” And in the end, that’s really what this is about, love made practical.
-Raadeen Brassfield & Vanessa Ortiz-Brassfield
We talk openly with our children about finances. We show them statements. We explain how
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Spring-Cleaning Without the Strain
Easy Hacks for a Lighter Reset
Spring-cleaning can be a great way to reset, but if the mere thought of scrubbing and mopping for hours makes you feel tired, you’re not alone. The good news is that you can refresh your space without doing it the hard way. With a few simple, efficient hacks, you can cut your workload in half while still making your home feel noticeably cleaner, lighter, and fresher. Tools to Tackle Everything Before you dust any shelves, declutter your cleaning routine. You don’t need a box full of different products or supplies. Focus on multipurpose tools and cleaners that can tackle a variety of tasks. You likely already have scrubbing superstars under your sink, like baking soda and white vinegar. Both are handy for lifting stains, eliminating odors, and cleaning many household surfaces. Microfiber towels and cloths are another versatile tool that can shine up everything from glass cooktops to computer keyboards.
As you declutter, try the 10-10-100 challenge. Choose one space in your home, set a timer for 10 minutes, and place 10 items you want to store or donate in a box. Tricks to Make It Fun Cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a dreaded chore. This tidy-up time can be your moment of personal zen, a chance to catch up on your favorite podcast, or a family activity that feels like a game. Put on a new audiobook or an energetic playlist while you sweep. Make a little time to “spring-clean” your mental health while working by incorporating breathing exercises or mini meditations. As you wipe down a counter, take a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for or exhale with every swipe. As you tackle spring-cleaning, keep the work light and fun, and it will no longer feel like a punishment for surviving the winter.
Systems to Spread It Out It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your to-do list is large, or you aim to deep-clean every inch of your home in one day. Break up your chores into manageable sections, rather than trying to complete everything at once. Create daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks to keep you on schedule without burning out.
Backyard Fun Made Easy
Take Game Night Outdoors
If your backyard could talk, it would probably say, “Use me more.”
Once you have games in mind, think about the layout. Pick a main “anchor” spot, and put your most social game there. Set up a couple of chairs nearby where people can sit and snack when they’re not playing. Keep your “quiet” table in a corner near the food and drinks, and arrange things so people can drift between areas without crossing live throwing zones.
An outdoor game night is a fun way to do just that. It’s easy to prep, and you don’t need a huge space or a Pinterest-perfect setup. You just need a loose plan and a few games that everyone will enjoy.
Start by thinking about the people before the games. For an all-adult crowd, you might want more competitive activities. If kids are in the mix, consider options that let them run around without wiping out your flower beds. Around 2–4 games is ideal, and the best mix is a combo of active, competitive, and casual options. Cornhole and ladder toss are great because you can explain the rules in under a minute and rotate players in and out. BucketBall and yard pong are also fun and easy to learn. Higher-energy options like Spikeball or capture the flag are perfect for a more active crowd. For something a little quieter, set up a table with a Jenga stack, cards, or a dice game that people can play while chatting.
Some simple lighting (think string lights, stake lights, and lanterns) will keep the fun going after sundown, and a Bluetooth speaker with a shared playlist keeps everything lively. Food and drinks can also stay simple. A spread of easy-to-grab finger foods and a cooler with ice, water, and a couple of drink options keep you from running in and out of the kitchen. You can add special touches like a selfie station or prizes for the winners, but the goal is to do something different and fun without stressing about the planning. If people leave with some grass in their shoes and a good story, you did game night right.
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While New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 3B:3-14) may automatically remove certain spousal rights, it doesn’t address everything. Outdated provisions can lead to disputes or unintended results. Replacing your ex- spouse with someone you trust helps ensure your wishes are honored. Don’t forget about beneficiary designations. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death bank accounts pass directly to the named beneficiary, regardless of what your will says. If those forms still list your former spouse, they could inherit those assets. A quick call to your financial institutions can prevent that outcome. Take a close look at trusts and property titles. If you have a revocable living trust, review it carefully and update it as needed. For irrevocable trusts, changes may require legal guidance to determine the best course of action. Property ownership is another area that needs attention. Retitling assets in accordance with your divorce agreement and coordinating those updates with your estate plan helps avoid conflicting instructions later. Protect your children’s future. Divorce often raises new questions about your children’s financial security. You may want to create or revise a trust to manage their assets, especially if they are minors. Naming a responsible trustee ensures funds are handled appropriately. Divorce marks a new chapter. Taking the time to update your estate plan ensures your wishes reflect your current life, not your past. If you need help reviewing or revising your documents, Merlino & Gonzalez is here to guide you every step of the way.
A Fresh Start Deserves a
Fresh Estate Plan WHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS CHANGES, YOUR PLAN SHOULD, TOO
Divorce brings a lot of change emotionally, financially, and legally. While you’re focused on moving forward, your estate plan might be the last thing on your mind. But reviewing it during and after a divorce can save you stress and prevent serious complications down the road. Use your existing plan as a helpful road map. If you already have a will or trust in place, that’s a great starting point. A well-prepared estate plan typically includes a detailed snapshot of your assets, like bank accounts, retirement funds, insurance policies, real estate, and more. That organized record can make conversations about dividing property more straightforward. Update key roles and beneficiaries. Once your divorce is finalized, it’s critical to revisit your documents. Many people forget that their former spouse may still be listed as executor, trustee, agent under a power of attorney, or beneficiary.
CHEESY ASPARAGUS ORZOTTO MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INGREDIENTS •
2 tbsp plus 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and peeled
• • • • • • •
1/2 tsp salt
•
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup frozen peas
• • • • •
1 leek, halved and sliced
1 oz Parmesan, grated 1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups orzo
2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup basil leaves
3 cups broth
DIRECTIONS 1.
In a pot over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add asparagus, cover, and cook 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board to cool, then cut into 1-inch pieces. 2. Heat remaining oil. Add leek, season with salt, and cook 3 minutes. 3. Stir in orzo and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. 4. Add wine and cook 2–3 minutes. 5. Stir in broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper, then simmer, covered, on low heat for 12–15 minutes. 6. Add peas to orzo, cover, and cook 2 minutes. 7. Remove from heat, add Parmesan, cream, and butter, and stir until butter melts. Stir in asparagus and basil.
Take a Break
Inspired by Delish.com
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Making the Future Easier for the People We Love Page 1 Refresh Your Home Without the Rush An Entertaining Way to Get Outside Page 2 Don’t Let Divorce Derail Your Estate Plan Cheesy Asparagus Orzotto Page 3 Spring Into Fun: Festivals, Flowers & Fossils Await! Page 4
STOP AND SMELL THE TULIPS (WATCH FOR DINOS!) FRESH AIR, BRIGHT BLOOMS & BIG ADVENTURES
Spring has officially sprung across Staten Island and New Jersey, and the season is bursting with color and family-friendly fun. From hands-on Earth Day activities to endless fields of blooming tulips (and even a few roaming dinosaurs), there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate warmer days. Soak up the sunshine and experience the magic of spring close to home! Earth Day How-To Festival Saturday, April 11, 12–4 p.m. StatenIslandMuseum.org/event Get ready to roll up your sleeves and celebrate Earth Day by getting your hands dirty! On April 11, the Staten Island Museum becomes a buzzing hub of community science for its Earth Day How-To Festival. Explore interactive workshops, pop-in demos, and lively talks led by local experts, hobbyists, and
passionate pros. Whether you’re mastering a specialized skill or discovering an easy, eco- friendly habit, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, it’s free with museum admission. Come curious, leave inspired, and help protect the one planet we all call home. Holland Ridge Farm’s U-Pick Tulips Spring Spectacular April 11–May 4 (but may be extended!) HollandRidgeFarms.com Spring explodes into color at Holland Ridge Farms as 8 million tulips bloom into a breathtaking rainbow paradise. Opening April 11, this bucket-list festival invites you to wander vibrant fields, snap frame-worthy photos, and pick your own stems (just $1 each, 50 cents on weekdays!). Refuel with bakery treats and gourmet food trucks, then browse
the weekend makers market hosted by Asbury Fresh. Don’t miss the authentic 100-foot Dutch windmill towering over the fields! This spring spectacle is pure magic. Dino Festival and Tulip Experience April 9–May 3 ArrowheadFarmsteadNJ.com Roar into the season at Arrowhead Farmstead for the Dino Festival & Tulip Experience! Thirty life-size moving dinosaurs hide among one million tulips across 150 acres, perfect for prehistoric photo ops. Kids can dig for fossils, meet baby dinos, watch raptor training, and enjoy stage shows and science demos. Stroll tulip fields on weekdays or visit Dino Fest Thursdays through Sundays; food trucks, lemonade stands, covered picnic areas, and a Dinosaur Discovery Den keep the fun going for all ages!
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