Ginger Pork Stir-Fry
Want to Write Your Own Will? Know the Downsides of DIY The biggest hurdle to creating an estate plan is usually convincing people they need one. But once people accept they should have a plan for their assets, they often reason they don’t need a professional. Many assume they can effectively craft their own estate planning documents to explain their wishes, and online legal forms have reinforced the misconception. In truth, Do-It-Yourself estate planning documents often have unintended consequences that leave a person’s loved ones picking up the pieces. Legally speaking, dividing your assets is much more complicated than it sounds. While many assume they only need a simple Will, one might fail to understand the benefits of other estate-planning documents available, like Revocable Living Trusts, to protect their family’s interests. Professional estate planners can help people overcome complicated hurdles, including taxes, property transfers, and probate. The “easy” route for the person making their estate planning documents without the assistance of counsel is often far more difficult for those left behind. Furthermore, estate planning documents are legally binding documents. The law requires specific procedures and precautions to protect against fraud or undue influence. Someone may complete a Will or a Trust correctly, only to fail to have it properly notarized, which may invalidate the entire document. Furthermore, the language everyday people use sometimes has a different legal meaning. People who thought they protected themselves might have their assets distributed in a way they never intended. Consider other drawbacks to a DIY route. Ambiguous wording is a common pitfall. What “makes sense” to one person may have a different meaning to another. Writing your own Will or Trust opens it up to challenges from potential heirs who may not like how you divided your assets. Perhaps you think no one in your family would begin such a legal battle, but grieving people who have money on the line can behave in ways you wouldn’t expect. The likelihood only increases with personality clashes and resentments among your loved ones. The more complicated your situation, the more risks you take when you create your own estate plan. People who aren’t married to their partner, who have remarried, or who own businesses may be at particular risk. Amateur estate planners may also inadvertently create negative consequences for loved ones with special needs. Courts sometimes even invalidate homemade Wills or Trusts for various reasons. A professional’s help is the only way to ensure your legal documents match your intentions. Douglass & Runger would love to help you on your estate planning journey. Call us at (901) 388-5805 to schedule a meeting with one of our experienced attorneys.
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Looking for a healthy stir-fry that has all of the delicious flavors and none of the heavy ingredients? This one might be perfect for you!
INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp cornstarch • 1 cup orange juice • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips • 2 tbsp canola oil • 1 small onion, sliced
• 1/4 lb fresh snow peas • 1/2 sweet red pepper, julienned • Cooked rice • Green onion, chopped (optional) • Sesame seeds (optional)
DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until smooth; set aside. 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, stir-fry pork in oil until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove pork and add onion, peas, and red pepper. Cook until crisp-tender, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Stir in orange juice mixture and pork. Bring to a boil, and then cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve over rice. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, if desired. INSPIRATION “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” —Thich Nhat Hanh
901-388-5805 • 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator