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KC Quarterly Q3 2025
The Back-to-School Checklist You Didn’t Know You Needed Backpacks, Binders, and ... a Will?
As back-to-school season kicks into high gear, parents and grandparents everywhere are checking off supply lists, organizing carpool schedules, and snapping first-day photos. But amid the rush of backpacks and lunchboxes, there’s one important task most people forget, one that has nothing to do with school but everything to do with protecting your family: creating or updating your estate plan. If you’re a parent with young kids, let me be clear: You need a will. I know it may sound solemn, and maybe even a little uncomfortable, but this isn’t about doom and gloom. It’s about peace of mind. A will gives you the power to name guardians, the people you trust to raise your children if something ever happens to you. Without it, a judge who doesn’t know your family could end up making that decision. And while no one wants to imagine that scenario, responsible planning now can spare your loved ones from unimaginable stress later. But here’s where it gets really interesting and where Florida law throws in a twist that even many attorneys overlook. If you have minor children and you and your spouse pass away, your primary residence automatically passes to your children outright. That’s not optional. It’s not
negotiable. It’s baked right into the Florida Constitution. You could write in your will that your children inherit the home at age 25 or 30, but guess what? That part of your will would be completely invalid under Florida law. So, what does that mean? It means if something happened to my wife and me tomorrow, our 8-year-old son would legally own our home, with no trustee, no delay, and no safety net. Sounds absurd, right? That’s because it is. The good news is that we never turn a blind eye to these small but life-changing details. Our team will often recommend an Irrevocable Residence Trust. This powerful tool lets you control when and how your children inherit your home. It’s not something many estate planning attorneys offer, but we do, because we believe your plan should actually do what you want it to. This trust can be the difference between a smooth transition and a legal mess your kids don’t need. And while we’re talking about kids, if you’ve got one heading off to college or just turned 18, there’s another piece of the puzzle to think about. The moment your child becomes a legal adult, you lose access to their medical records, financial information, and decision-making
authority, even if they’re still living under your roof. That’s why every college-aged child should have a power of attorney and a health care directive in place. It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference if an emergency ever arises. So, as you’re buying notebooks and packing lunches, take a moment to plan for something even more important: your family’s future. If you’ve already done your own planning, this is the perfect time to share this newsletter with your adult children who are raising your grandkids. They may think they’re too busy to think about estate planning. But a gentle nudge (from you) and a conversation with us (from a friendly face) might be just what they need. We’re here when you’re ready. If you have questions about setting up a will, creating a trust, or helping your college- aged child get the right documents in place, give us a call. Let’s make this school year one where you check off the most meaningful box of all: peace of mind.
–Josh Crawford
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SUN-BELIEVABLE! The Science Behind Our Favorite Star
The sun is very hot. Learning that the sun is hot is not a groundbreaking discovery; even our youngest children understand this concept, but many people don’t realize just how hot the sun is. At its core, the sun burns at 27,000,000 F. The surface is much cooler, sitting at 10,000 F. For reference, lava erupting from a volcano will only reach around 2,200 F at its hottest. The sun’s surface burns so hot that you could boil diamonds on it!
That big ball of fire in the sky plays a significant role in our lives. Most of us don’t give the sun a second thought unless it gets in our eyes when driving or we need to apply sunscreen before going outside. Without the sun, our planet would be plunged into darkness and frigid temperatures, making life impossible for us, plants, and all the animals that call Earth home.
In honor of Sun Day on Sept. 21, let’s explore three lesser- known facts about the star at the center of our solar system.
We’re learning more every day. Many details about the sun remain unknown. Astrophysicists have spent decades trying to predict and better understand solar storms, which disperse plasma across the solar system, often disrupting energy grids and spacecraft. In recent
The sun won’t extinguish itself anytime soon. Thanks to science fiction, some people believe that once the sun uses up its energy, it will dim or explode and end all life in our solar system. However, that’s not a real concern. First, you must consider the age and lifespan of our sun. It’s already been around for 4.5 billion years, and scientists predict it will survive for another 6.5 billion. When that time comes, the sun will grow to a red giant, consuming Mercury, Venus, and potentially Earth before becoming a white dwarf. Thankfully, none of us will be around to experience that phenomenon.
years, NASA has made a dedicated effort to learn more. They sent the
Parker Solar Probe to the sun, where it studies solar wind and the corona from within 4 million miles of the star’s surface. Ideally, this information will make predicting future solar storms and space weather events easier.
Where Good Beer Meets a Great Cause OUR ATTORNEY ANDREW SMITH HELPS POUR PURPOSE INTO EVERY PINT
If you enjoy crisp craft beer, mouthwatering food, live music, and supporting a good cause, clear your schedule for Saturday, Nov. 1. The Treasure Coast Brew Fest is back at Stuart Memorial Park from 1–5 p.m., and it promises to be the highlight of the fall. In 2024, the Brew Fest raised an incredible $29,000 for three impactful nonprofits: We Do Good, Angler Action Foundation, and the Florida Brewers Guild. These organizations are doing vital work, from empowering veterans and single parents to protecting Florida’s waters and supporting the local craft beer community. This year, with your help, we’re aiming even higher. For $45, your ticket unlocks an afternoon of unlimited sampling from over 200 beers crafted by more than 50 breweries.
Whether you’re into refreshing lagers, bold stouts, or hop-heavy IPAs, you’ll find something worth savoring. But the event offers far more than just beer. You’ll enjoy delicious fare from a variety of local food trucks, upbeat live music to set the mood, and outdoor games to keep things lively. The atmosphere is relaxed, inclusive, and family-friendly, so feel free to bring the kids. Guests who won’t be sampling can attend at no cost, making it an easy outing for the whole crew. One of the people working behind the scenes to make Brew Fest such a success is our very own attorney, Andrew Smith. Andrew isn’t just a trusted legal advisor; he’s also a passionate homebrewer and longtime member of the local brewing community. Every year, he and his homebrew club help organize the event,
combining his love for craft beer with his commitment to community service.
If you attend (and we hope you do), keep an eye out for Andrew. He’s always happy to chat about brewing techniques, favorite hops, and the incredible effort it takes to bring an event like this to life. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his dedication to both law and local causes is something we’re proud to support. So, come for the beer, stay for the atmosphere, and leave knowing you’ve helped make a difference. With your support, the 2025 Treasure Coast Brew Fest could be the most impactful yet. You can visit TCBrewFest.com to learn more. We’ll see you there!
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HELP US WRITE THE NEXT CHAPTER This Labor Day, We’re Not Just Looking Back, We’re Looking Ahead
As Labor Day approaches, we’re reflecting on the incredible team that makes this firm more than just a place of work; it’s a place of purpose. Every client who walks through our doors brings a unique story, and it’s our people who make sure those stories are honored through thoughtful, compassionate planning. We’re proud of the trust our clients place in us, and we’re proud of the tight-knit team that has earned it. Right now, our legal team is small but mighty: just two attorneys, Joshua Crawford and Andrew Smith, supported by three talented paralegals and a stellar receptionist. Together, we’ve helped countless Florida families craft wills, set up trusts, and plan confidently for the future. But as our community grows, so does the need for our services, and that’s why we’re ready for the next chapter.
plans for individuals and families at all stages of life.
We view this next step not just as growth but as a commitment to our clients, our community, and the mission that’s guided us from the beginning. Expanding our team allows us to keep providing responsive, hands-on support while building on the foundation of care and professionalism that’s always defined our work.
If you’re an attorney who feels called to this kind of work or if you know someone who is, we’d love to start a conversation.
We’re officially looking to add a third attorney to our team.
As we move into the final stretch of the year, we’re filled with gratitude for our clients, for the trust they place in us, and for the team that makes it all possible. Here’s to a season of continued growth, meaningful work, and new beginnings.
This is a huge moment for us. We’re not just expanding; we’re evolving. We’re looking for someone who shares our commitment to client care, values clarity and kindness in communication, and wants to help families find peace of mind through estate planning. The new attorney will help expand our capacity to develop wills, trusts, and comprehensive estate
If you’d like to learn more about the position, feel free to reach out to our office at 772-398-0720. We’d be happy to connect.
Almond Butter Skillet Blondies
Inspired by TheViewFromGreatIsland.com
Ingredients •
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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3/4 cup packed brown sugar
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 tsp salt
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2/3 cup almond butter
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1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
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2 large eggs
Directions 1. Set oven to 350 F. Butter a 10-inch cast iron skillet. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugars, and almond butter until smooth and creamy. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. 3. Stir in flour and salt, and then fold in the chocolate chips. 4. Spread the batter evenly into the skillet, and bake for about 25–28 minutes, until the edges begin to set and turn golden brown. 5. Allow to cool, slice, and enjoy!
Take a Break
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2100 SE Hillmoor Dr., Ste. 105 Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Also Serving Vero Beach 772-398-0720 • KulasLaw.com
Inside pg. 1
Before the School Bell Rings, Let’s Talk About Guardianship
pg. 2
Amazing Facts About the Sun
Tap Into Something Bigger at the 2025 Treasure Coast Brew Fest
pg. 3
The Next Chapter of Our Story Needs a New Voice
Almond Butter Skillet Blondies
pg. 4
Beards Were a Victorian Health Hack
SMOG, SOOT, AND STUBBLE
Step aside, antibiotics! In the smog- choked streets of 1850s London, where chimney smoke clung to every surface and a “fog” could linger for months, doctors championed a fuzzy solution. The prescription? Grow a beard. Not just any beard, but big, bushy, chest- brushing beards that could rival a lion’s mane. Their advice made it seem like thick, woolly beards were a frontline defense against disease. As London’s population surged past the one million mark in the mid-1800s, so did its coal consumption. Residents warmed their homes and powered the city with coal, releasing dense plumes of smoke that clung to the damp air. These weren’t your average winter mists. In 1873, one thick smog event blanketed the city, contributing to hundreds of bronchitis-related deaths. Another hung around for four months in 1879, plunging London into darkness. Victorian physicians, caught between outdated theories and the dawn of germ science, believed thick beards could filter the
noxious air swirling through the city. With coal smoke saturating the sky and mysterious illnesses lurking in every cough, they saw the beard as a barrier and a natural air purifier, trapping invisible enemies before they reached the throat or lungs. Public speakers were even told their beards would soothe strained vocal cords! Men were reassured that their whiskers could keep sore throats at bay. But here’s the ironic twist in this follicular fairy tale. Modern research paints a less noble picture of the beard. According to dermatologists and ecologists, those bodacious beards trap bacteria, food particles, and even play host to tiny squatters (aka ectoparasites). What the Victorians hailed as a filter functioned more like a germ motel! So, while the beard boom of the 1800s was well-intentioned, it might be best remembered as a moment when style, “science,” and smog collided and the beard won (if only temporarily).
How Bountiful Beards Became Victorian Air Purifiers
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