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Notes From The Field
May 2025
818-369-7900 | 435-216-4444 | FieldLawPC.com
For many, holidays like Mother’s Day are filled with joy and gratitude. It’s a time intentionally set aside to celebrate the immeasurable love, labor, and care mothers provide to their families and communities. From breakfast in bed to heartfelt notes and family gatherings, these celebrations offer a beautiful opportunity to say “thank you” to the women who have shaped our lives. But amidst the flowers and festivities, it’s important to remember that not everyone experiences this day with joy. For some, Mother’s Day brings with it a complex mix of emotions — grief, heartache, longing, or even anxiety. These feelings are often quietly carried, overshadowed by the prevailing cheer. And yet, they are no less valid or deserving of space. Grief on Mother’s Day can take many forms. It may be the silent ache of infertility, the devastating loss of a child, or the pain of a mother who has passed away. Others may carry the emotional weight of a strained, complicated, or even harmful relationship with their mother. Whatever the source, the feelings that surface during this time deserve recognition — not to be pushed aside in an effort to keep up appearances or maintain holiday cheer. Over the years, I’ve shared thoughts about navigating loss and offered tools for supporting both your own emotional journey and that of others. As we approach this Mother’s Day, I’d like to invite you to slow down and center yourself. Take a few quiet moments to ask, How am I really feeling about this day? What emotions or memories are rising to the surface? Is there grief here I’ve been ignoring? There are no wrong answers — only an opportunity to check in with yourself. This act of self-awareness isn’t just grounding; it can also guide how you choose to show up, both for yourself and for others. If, after reflection, you find yourself filled with peace, joy, or celebration — that’s a beautiful thing. But don’t stop there. Ask yourself: Who in my circle might be having a harder time this year? Honoring the Full Spectrum of Mother’s Day
Who could use a little extra kindness or care? Some of the most nurturing people I know have a remarkable ability to sense when others are hurting — and they show up with the exact kind of love that person needs. You don’t need to be a mother to embody this kind of compassion. We all have the capacity to offer empathy, presence, and grace to others in meaningful ways. At our firm, Family is more than just a core value — it’s a principle we live by. We believe family isn’t just defined by biology but by connection, care, and community. The people we choose to walk through life with — those who support, uplift, and stand by us — are family, too. And when we walk through grief or hardship surrounded by that kind of love, the load becomes a little lighter. I am personally grateful to know and work alongside so many incredible mothers. They are the quiet strength and steady presence that holds so much of our world together. Their contributions often go unseen — but their impact is undeniable. If you are fortunate enough to have mothers in your life — whether that’s your own mother, your partner, a close friend, or a mentor — I encourage you to let them know how much they are appreciated. Not just on Mother’s Day, but every day. Their work, love, and presence are worth celebrating long after the holiday ends.
Wishing you a thoughtful, grounded, and heartfelt Mother’s Day.
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GRADUATION SEASON An Important Legal Milestone for Your Young Adult
As the school year winds down, high school seniors across the country eagerly anticipate graduation and the newfound independence that follows. For parents and guardians, this is often a time of mixed emotions — pride in their child’s accomplishments and apprehension about what lies ahead. While your graduate may be focused on college, entering the workforce, or taking a gap year, one important topic often gets overlooked: What happens if they are incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves? Once a child turns 18, they are legally considered an adult. This means parents and guardians no longer have the automatic right to
Fortunately, this can be avoided with a few simple legal documents. A Property Power of Attorney allows your young adult to appoint someone they trust to manage financial matters if they
become unable to do so themselves. An Advance Health Care Directive enables them to name a health care agent and specify their medical wishes should they become incapacitated.
Creating these documents is a straightforward process but one that
provides immense peace of mind for both young adults and their families. It ensures that in a crisis, the people who love them most are legally empowered to help.
As you prepare for this exciting new chapter, consider giving your graduate the gift of legal protection. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment to create these essential documents, contact our office today. We’re here to help you and your loved ones feel confident and secure in the transition to adulthood.
make medical or financial decisions on their behalf or access their information in an emergency. If your adult child were to be hospitalized or face a serious medical event, you could be required to go through a lengthy and stressful legal process — often involving probate court — to obtain decision-making authority.
BEYOND THE WILL DO YOU NEED A HEALTH CARE PROXY?
It can be difficult to think about, but imagine being rushed to the hospital after a sudden accident. You’re unconscious and unable to speak. Do you know who will make critical decisions on your behalf? This is the role of a surrogate decision-maker. If you haven’t created a health care power of attorney naming a health care proxy, default surrogate decision-making will come into play. Most of the time, your next of kin will fill this role. State statutes vary, but the order of priority typically starts with a person’s spouse or domestic partner. From there, it moves to adult children, parents, and siblings. Some states also authorize close friends with default surrogate decision- making powers when others with higher priority are unavailable. Preparing for the Unexpected The process for granting decision-making powers in critical health care situations
is well thought out but imperfect. What happens when there are complex family dynamics or an estranged relative is legally first in line to make decisions? What about family members who can’t agree? Real-life situations can get complicated fast. Fortunately, default surrogate decision- makers must consider the known values and wishes of the person they represent. Health care professionals must also follow these wishes, which they don’t always know. This is why planning is essential — so your wishes are understood and respected. Avoiding Confusion and Uncertainty If you have preferences about medical treatments, don’t keep them a secret. Discussing them with your closest friends and family members is always advisable so everyone understands and is on the same page. Designating a health care proxy takes things a step further. You can choose
anyone as long as they are competent and at least 18 years old. Many people also choose an alternative surrogate to make decisions if their primary choice is unavailable. The designation document must be signed in the presence of two adult witnesses, although requirements may vary by state. Reviewing designations every few years and after major life events will keep them current. As with all long-term plans, taking a few steps now will give you peace of mind and ensure your wishes are clear. In the case of surrogate decision-making, planning also ensures your voice is heard even when you can’t speak for yourself.
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FROM BATTLEFIELDS TO BACKGROUND BEATS
TAKE A BREAK
The Surprising Military Origins of Muzak
BLOOM CINCO DERBY EMERALD GEMINI GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL MOTHER ROSES TEACHER VETERANS
Ever found yourself humming along to an elevator tune on the way up to the 10th floor? Musak is background music no one asked for but (almost) everyone appreciates. It’s the soundtrack of elevators, shopping malls, and office buildings. But its origins aren’t in retail or corporate spaces. Instead, the story begins with a high-ranking U.S. Army officer whose fascination with communication technology affected more than just military strategy. The Mind Behind the Innovation General George Owen Squier built a career that bridged military and scientific innovation. Born in 1865, he was a trained electrical engineer whose expertise shaped early military aviation and communication systems. Squier’s work in communications didn’t stop at improving battlefield
coordination. He constantly searched for new ways to make information travel faster and more efficiently. During World War I, he led the U.S. Army’s Signal Corps, focusing on radio transmissions, telegraph signals, and a technique called
multiplexing, which allowed multiple messages to share a single wire. Squier’s advancements streamlined military operations and had an even broader impact. His research in signal transmission laid the groundwork for innovations that later extended into everyday life. Military Signals to Background Music Squier saw an opportunity to create a system where music could be transmitted over electrical lines, allowing people to listen to tunes without needing a radio. In 1922, he founded Wired Radio and later rebranded the company Muzak — a name inspired by the popularity of Kodak. Initially, Muzak focused on bringing music into homes, but the company later shifted gears to find a niche in commercial spaces. Businesses quickly realized that carefully curated background music could enhance productivity, ease tension in public spaces, and subtly guide customer behavior. A Lasting Legacy Squier may have been a high-ranking Army officer, but his vision went beyond the military. His pioneering work in telecommunications influenced modern streaming, workplace productivity, and even the psychology of sound. What started as an experiment in transmitting music through power lines became a global phenomenon that still shapes how we hear the world today.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Honoring the Full Spectrum of Mother’s Day
Graduation Season Is an Important Legal Milestone Don’t Leave Medical Decisions to Chance
Upcoming Events Meet the General Behind Elevator Music
Top Budget Apps to Take Control of Your Finances
BUDGET SMARTER, NOT HARDER The Best Budget Apps to Keep Your Finances in Check
YNAB: For Serious Budgeters YNAB (You Need a Budget) is ideal for those who want complete control over their finances. Using a zero-based budgeting system — income minus spending and savings should equal zero every month — this app ensures every dollar has a purpose before you spend it. Unlike traditional apps that focus on past transactions, YNAB helps users break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle by planning ahead. You can sync bank accounts, credit cards, and loans and access the app across multiple devices. Honeydue: For Couples Honeydue is for couples looking to manage their finances together. Partners can link their bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments while choosing how much financial information to share. The app automatically categorizes expenses, sets spending limits, and sends alerts when
Budgeting isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s vital if you want to reach your financial goals. Whether trying to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, saving for a dream vacation, or keeping yourself from impulse-buying, the right app can make all the difference. Thankfully, budgeting apps have come a long way, and in 2025, these top picks will help you take control of your money.
nearing a budget cap. It even includes a chat feature for discussing transactions. Best of all, it’s completely free. PocketGuard: For Overspenders If you tend to overspend, PocketGuard is an excellent solution. The app tracks your bills, savings goals, and spending habits to show how much money you have left for daily expenses. The “In My Pocket” feature helps prevent overspending by giving you a real-time look at available funds. Alerts notify you when you’re approaching or exceeding your limits. Take Control of Your Finances Whether you need a structured system like YNAB or an app to rein in spending like PocketGuard, there’s an option for everyone. Choose the app that fits your needs and start making smarter financial decisions today.
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