Douglass & Runger - February 2021

Strawberry Kissed Almond Butter Muffins

Don’t Go for DIY WHY AN ATTORNEY IS YOUR BEST OPTION FOR ESTATE PLANNING With the advent of the internet and Google, information is right at our fingertips. You can learn about ancient Thai cooking methods from your apartment in Memphis or master the latest viral dance without ever leaving your living room. The digital world has made our lives easier than ever, but it’s also introduced new problems, like cyberbullying and misinformation.

Enjoy this Valentine’s Day-themed muffin with your Valentine or treat yourself! INGREDIENTS • 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed • 3/4 cup natural creamy almond butter (can substitute creamy peanut butter) • 2 large eggs • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey) • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup oat flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup strawberry fruit spread, divided (we recommend Bonne Maman INTENSE)

The law is not immune to such misinformation.

There are many templated websites that advertise “do-it-yourself” (DIY) estate planning or contract documents. The creators of these sites advertise ease of access and creation. “All you have to do is input your information and outline your wishes, and you have a verified legal document that’s binding in a court of law!” Seems simple, right?

It’s actually not!

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and spray with nonstick cooking spray. 3. In a large bowl, mix bananas, almond butter, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. 4. Stir in oat flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. 5. Evenly divide batter into liners. Add 1 tsp strawberry fruit spread to the top of each muffin. 6. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the spread into the batter. 7. Bake for 22–27 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. 8. Transfer muffins to wire rack to cool and enjoy!

Like every state, Tennessee has very strict statutory requirements regarding the execution and wording of documents that make legal documents, particularly estate plans, valid in the courts. If these requirements are not met, the will, directive, or any other document pertaining to your estate plan is invalid. Furthermore, without the expertise or background in estate planning law, it’s extremely difficult to completely understand all of the nuances that go into estate planning. DIY estate planning has formulated “fill-in-the-blank” documents that may not actually serve the purpose you need. When you hire an attorney to guide you through the estate planning process, you gain a few key advantages. First, you have an expert who is well-versed in your state’s laws and requirements. They can ensure the wording and statutory requirements are met when the documents are executed. Additionally, our clients execute their estate planning documents at our office, which ensures that any “witnessing” or “notarization” requirements are correctly fulfilled. What’s more, you’re protected at Douglass & Runger. While our office shredding policy is typically to shred case files after seven years for identity and privacy protection, we never shred estate planning documents. We keep the copies of your estate plan both digitally and on paper to ensure disgruntled parties cannot have a reasonable argument for contesting your will or estate or in the event you misplace the original estate planning document. When it comes to estate planning, the internet is not a useful tool for many people. Instead, rely on our team to draft an estate plan that fits your wishes best. Call our team today to learn more and visit DouglassRunger.com for more information on all our legal offerings.

Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com

INSPIRATION “You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.” –Audrey Hepburn

901-388-5805 • 3

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