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December 2024
603-894-4141 | 978-969-0331 | LegacyCareLaw.com
THE IMPORTANCE OF ESTATE PLAN REVIEWS AND SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TRAINING How Our Reviews and Workshops Ensure a Seamless Transition
Maintaining an up-to-date estate plan is of the utmost importance for all our clients. It ensures their wishes are honored and provides peace of mind for them and their loved ones. Estate planning is not a one-time task; it requires ongoing attention and periodic reviews to adapt to life’s changes. This is why I emphasize the importance of regular check-ins and why we offer a unique trustee training workshop as part of our comprehensive estate planning services. Regular estate plan reviews are essential. If it has been more than three years or circumstances have changed, it’s a good idea to schedule a review, which we do for our clients free of charge. Life events such as a move, marriage, children, changes in financial circumstances, or updates to tax laws can all significantly impact an estate plan’s effectiveness. Ongoing reviews help safeguard a person’s legacy and ensure their estate plan aligns with their goals. Having a valid and up-to-date estate plan is essential, but ensuring the designated trustee is fully prepared to execute it is equally critical. We offer our clients a free Trustee Workshop that provides specialized virtual training designed to equip a trustee with the knowledge and confidence needed to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
essential topics, including the necessary actions to take and the appropriate contacts to make in the event of incapacity or passing. We also explore the specific tools of an estate plan, how and when to use them, and the legal and financial responsibilities a trustee will need to manage. One key message we emphasize is seeking assistance when necessary. The role of a trustee is complex, and it can be overwhelming without the proper support. Our team is here to provide ongoing guidance, ensuring our clients’ trustees are never left to navigate these responsibilities alone. The primary objective of these workshops is to ensure our clients and their trustees are fully confident and supported throughout the process. When a trustee participates in this training, our clients can rest assured their estate plan will be executed seamlessly, according to their wishes, and with the utmost care. I highly recommend that all our clients take full advantage of our estate plan reviews and Trustee Workshop. Regularly reviewing an estate plan and preparing a trustee are essential steps in ensuring its effectiveness and providing crucial protection for loved ones. Don’t wait until an emergency arises to address these important matters — if you have an estate plan already in place, contact your attorney and schedule a review to keep your plan as strong and secure as possible. “Having a valid and up-to-date estate plan is essential, but ensuring the designated trustee is fully prepared to execute it is equally critical.”
During these workshops, we provide comprehensive guidance on the practical aspects of being a trustee. We cover
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7 ESTATE PLANNING ANSWERS EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW Clear Answers to Common Questions
When it comes to estate planning, endless questions seem to have countless different answers. Before a migraine emerges, let’s cover the top seven most commonly asked estate planning questions to settle the score. Don’t worry; even the most legal jargon-averse can appreciate this quick guide! 1. Can I put a rental property inside a trust? Yes, and it’s a great idea! Placing your rental property in a trust protects it from going through probate and keeps things running smoothly for your beneficiaries. It can provide them with a steady income stream without the hassles of court proceedings. 2. Can I prevent my spouse from giving my assets to a new partner if they remarry? Absolutely! To safeguard your assets, you can set up a specific type of trust to prevent this, like a Family Wealth Trust. This ensures your assets are used as intended, even if your surviving spouse remarries. Clear documentation and legal guidance are crucial here to ensure everyone understands the stipulations you want. 3. Should I put my kids on the deed to my house? No, this can lead to unexpected complications, such as tax issues or financial vulnerabilities (like your child’s creditors claiming a stake). Instead, consider using a trust. It’s a safer mechanism that allows you to control how and when your house passes to heirs without exposing it to risks.
4. What happens to my kids if I die without an estate plan? Without an estate plan, the state takes over, and a judge decides who will care for your children without your input. You must create a will or set up a guardianship to ensure your children are cared for according to your wishes, not the court’s. 5. If my home has a mortgage, can I still put it into a trust? Yes, you can! Moving a mortgaged home into a trust is common and doesn’t interfere with your mortgage terms. This approach helps facilitate a smoother transfer to your heirs without probate. 6. How often should I update my estate plan? It’s wise to review your estate plan every 3–5 years or after any significant life event, such as a marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial change. This ensures your plan remains aligned with your current circumstances and wishes. 7. What’s the difference between a will and a trust? A will sets out your wishes for after you die and goes through probate, which can be a lengthy public process. A trust, however, takes effect immediately upon creation, offers more privacy, and bypasses probate, allowing for a quicker transfer of assets. Armed with these answers, you’re better equipped to make informed decisions about your estate. Remember, the best approach often involves consulting with an estate planning attorney to tailor a plan that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind.
“Remember, the best approach often involves consulting with an estate planning attorney to tailor a plan that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind.”
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The Fascinating Tale of the Pig-Faced Lady A Legend Worth Its Weight in Bacon
TAKE A BREAK
CARDINAL COCOA FROSTY GARLAND GENEROSITY MENORAH MITTENS PEPPERMINT PINECONES SNUGGLE UNITY YULE
Ready for a tale that really brings home the bacon? Legends dating back to the 1700s tell the story of women who were a mix of beauty and beast — pig-faced ladies! Myths about noblewomen with hog heads lasted in France, Holland, and Britain for hundreds of years. These glamorous piglets were said to roam the city streets, take carriage rides through town, and show up at fancy parties or homes to beg for money. Let’s ham it up royally and take a porky peek at the pig-faced ladies Londoners talked about for centuries. One of the earliest tales starring a woman with a boarish face was in the 17th century. A pregnant Dutch housewife reportedly had a visit from a mysterious poor woman begging for money for her children. The housewife turned her away, and the cast-off beggar cursed her unborn child to be born with a pig’s face. Stories that followed had similar themes of women cursed to look like pigs. Our swine superstar was launched into legendary status in the summer of 1815 when Londoners were celebrating the recent victory of Britain over Napoleon and France. As people packed the streets, a horse-drawn carriage caught their attention. The passenger was none other than the pig-faced lady. Rumors and interest around the event spread, and London’s growing newspaper industry took the story and ran with it.
CHICKEN CAPRESE SALAD Inspired by EatingWell.com
In the following years, the masses sought proof of these pig-faced women. One woman put out an ad in the paper offering to provide care for a woman with the affliction. Another paper ran a request from a man with a marriage proposal for the elusive “baconess.” The famous author Charles Dickens even referred to her in a book he wrote in 1861. Chances are that people born with physical
Ingredients
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp ground pepper • 2 1/2 tsp honey • 3/4 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced • 8 cups coarsely chopped romaine lettuce • 1 lb grape tomatoes, halved • 1 (8-oz) container fresh small mozzarella cheese balls in water, drained • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Directions 1. Whisk vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer 6 tbsp of mixture to a smaller bowl and whisk in honey; set aside. 2. To mixture in the medium bowl, add 1/2 tsp salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes. 3. Coat a grill pan with oil. Over medium heat, add chicken and cook until grill marks appear on each side, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate; let stand for 5 minutes. 4. Arrange romaine, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a large platter; sprinkle with salt. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle with the honey mixture.
disabilities inspired the pig-faced lady story and reflected the sad way society treated them. The pig-faced lady likely represented London’s biggest anxieties, like class tensions and women’s limited roles. So, whether she was the embodiment of society’s fears or just a bit of hogwash, the tale of the pig-faced lady shows how the wildest legends can hog the spotlight for centuries.
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9 Red Roof Lane, Salem, NH 03079 603-894-4141 978-969-0331 LegacyCareLaw.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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The Benefits of Trustee Preparation and Regular Updates
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Top Questions About Estate Planning Demystified
Chicken Caprese Salad
Porky Myths and High Society
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The Best Way to Update Your Will Without Confusion
A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR PEACE OF MIND How to Ensure Your Will Reflects Your Current Wishes
Whether getting divorced or welcoming a new child, you may need to change or revoke your will to reflect any life changes. Why? Because significant changes can affect how your assets are handled. Common reasons for adjusting a will include marriage, divorce, new family members, financial changes, buying or selling property, or appointing a new guardian for a minor. So, how do you change a will? In the past, people added a codicil, an amendment to the original document. However, codicils can create confusion and legal disputes. They require signatures and witnesses, just like a will, which can make them more of a hassle than they’re worth. A simpler approach is to create a new will entirely. This new document should clearly state that it revokes all previous versions, including any codicils, ensuring your latest wishes are honored without question.
Creating a new will is generally no more complex or costly than adding a codicil and provides a clearer legal foundation. Sometimes, you may need to revoke your will but are not ready to make a new one, but simply destroying the current will might not be enough. If other copies of the will exist, a probate court might still consider those copies valid. Revoking a will is essentially canceling it. Once a will is properly revoked, it no longer exists legally. If you’re considering revoking your will, it’s essential to do so through legal means to ensure your intentions are clear. Only the person who created the will, known as the testator, can revoke it. Once the testator dies, the will becomes legally binding and cannot be changed or revoked.
relocations, ensuring your will accurately reflects your wishes is crucial to avoid future confusion and legal complications. If you are unsure how to proceed or have concerns, consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney can provide peace of mind and help safeguard your legacy.
Whether you need to account for new family dynamics, financial shifts, or
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603-894-4141 | 978-969-0331
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