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Trust Matters SEPTEMBER 2025
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The Truth About Estate Plans
Creating One Is Just the Start
Every October, National Estate Plan Awareness Week comes around, and I find myself thinking the same thing. Most people already know they need an estate plan. They’ve heard it from a lawyer, financial advisor, or maybe even a concerned relative. It’s not some hidden secret. It’s just easy to put off. When people finally do get their plan done, they usually feel a real sense of relief. I hear it all the time: “Wow, I didn’t realize how much that was weighing on me.” That kind of reaction is common. But as great as that relief feels, it can be misleading. Most people put their plan in place when life is good. They’re healthy, and the idea of actually using the plan feels far away. The truth is that once it’s created, an estate plan might sit untouched for 10, 20, even 30 years. And if you never review it during that time, it can create major headaches down the road. I’ve seen it many times. A couple sets up a trust and tweaks it once or twice. Then, years later, one spouse passes away, and the surviving spouse has to deal with outdated tax rules, extra accounting, and steps that don’t even apply anymore. It’s stressful, costly, and completely avoidable. That’s why just having a plan isn’t enough. You need to update it continually. At our firm, we check in once a year. It’s a quick meeting and a simple checklist we follow to review what’s changed in your life, in the law, and in the tax code. This one short visit can make a huge difference. Like you, we grow and update behind the scenes with new strategies, better language, and smarter tools. So, when we sit down with clients, we bring the best of what we’ve learned, not just what was true years ago when they first signed the paperwork. That’s the idea behind our Trust Care program. For a small annual fee, clients get those yearly reviews and updates. No rule says “review every 12 months,” but that rhythm has worked well in nearly two decades of practice. It keeps plans current and families protected.
If you haven’t started yet, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When we first meet, I usually ask people three quick questions: Who should be in charge if something happens to you? Who should make medical decisions for you? And who gets your stuff? That’s it. You don’t need to agonize. Your answers to those questions are enough to create a plan that works. Once that’s in place, we can always make changes, but getting something down — something legal and signed — gives you peace of mind now and more space to think through the details later.
So, this October, whether you dust off an old plan or start from scratch, take the next step. If you want a little extra
guidance, keep an eye on your inbox. We always have online classes coming up, and each one covers a different piece of the estate planning puzzle. They’re free and easy to join. As always, we’re here when you’re ready.
-Francisco Sirvent
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The Power of Early Estate Planning Starting your estate planning early might not sound like the most exciting thing, but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. Whether you’re in your 30s and just bought your first home, in your 40s raising kids, or in your 50s thinking about retirement, having a solid estate plan gives you and your loved ones a priceless gift: peace of mind. Control Over Your Wishes One of the most significant advantages of early estate planning is control. You have the opportunity to decide exactly how your assets will be distributed, who will care for your children if something happens to you, and who will make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Without a plan, those decisions could be left to the courts, and the outcome might not reflect what you would have wanted. Protection for Your Loved Ones If you have young children, planning early is especially important. A well-crafted estate plan allows you to name a guardian for your kids, create trusts to manage their inheritance responsibly, and ensure your family is cared for no matter what happens. Even if your estate isn’t large, the structure and guidance you leave behind can make a huge difference. Probate Hassle Avoidance Another key benefit of early estate planning is avoiding probate, a time-consuming, public, and expensive legal process. Strategies like creating a revocable living trust can keep your estate out of “Whether you’re in your 30s and just bought your first home, in your 40s raising kids, or in your 50s thinking about retirement, having a solid estate plan gives you and your loved ones a priceless gift ...” Secure Your Future Today
probate court and ensure a smoother transition of assets to your beneficiaries. Starting early allows you time to structure your plan wisely and avoid future headaches. Adaptation to Life Changes The earlier you start, the more flexibility you have. Life doesn’t stand still — marriages, divorces, new children or grandchildren, job changes, and new properties can all affect your estate. Beginning early gives you a solid foundation you can tweak as needed, instead of scrambling to build something from scratch during a crisis. Tax Minimization While not everyone faces estate taxes, for those who do, early planning can help minimize them. A financial and legal advisor can help structure gifts, trusts, and charitable donations in ways that preserve more of your wealth for your loved ones instead of the IRS. And even for smaller estates, planning ahead helps with income and capital gains tax implications that often get overlooked. Family Conflict Avoidance When a loved one passes without a clear plan, confusion and differing expectations can lead to arguments or legal battles between family members. By outlining your wishes clearly and legally, you minimize misunderstandings and help ensure a smoother, more unified transition. Peace of Mind Ultimately, the most significant advantage is peace of mind. Knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones will be cared for, and your legacy will be preserved brings a sense of comfort that’s difficult to put a price tag on.
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Can You Put Your Pet’s Bowl in the Dishwasher?
TAKE A BREAK
APPLES ASTER COFFEE CONSTITUTION FOLIAGE GRANDPARENTS LABOR LUNCHBOX PIRATE SAPPHIRE VIRGO WAFFLES
W H A
If your pet is practically a family member, you likely care a lot about what goes into their food bowl. But here’s a question many pet owners forget to ask: “How clean is that bowl, really?” And more importantly, “Can you just toss it in the dishwasher?”
The short answer is yes, most pet bowls can be safely washed in the dishwasher — and they probably should.
According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), pet bowls are among the germiest items in the home, often ranking alongside kitchen sponges and bathroom faucets. When left unwashed, pet bowls can become breeding grounds for bacteria like MRSA, E. coli, and salmonella, which can pose health risks to pets and families. That’s where your dishwasher comes in. Modern dishwashers can handle more than dinner plates — they reach high enough temperatures to sanitize pet bowls and kill harmful bacteria effectively. Just check the bottom of the bowl or the manufacturer’s instructions for a dishwasher-safe symbol, especially for plastic bowls, which can warp or degrade in high heat. If you still use a plastic pet bowl, consider finding a new one. Veterinarians and pet care experts recommend stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Not only are they more durable and hygienic, but they’re also far less likely to harbor bacteria in scratches or porous surfaces. If you’re hand-washing your pet’s bowl, use hot, soapy water, and scrub every part of the bowl. The FDA recommends cleaning pet bowls after each use and even more frequently if you feed wet or raw food. If your pet eats from their bowl multiple times a day, consider having a second clean set on hand so a fresh one is always available. So, if your pet’s bowl is dishwasher-safe, go ahead and give it a spin — preferably on the top rack. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping your furry friends healthy and safe.
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Ingredients
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large,
• 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Estate Planning’s Biggest Blind Spot
2
Get Ahead of Life’s Surprises With a Rock-Solid Estate Plan
3
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Yes, You Should Be Washing Your Pet’s Bowl Every Day
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Legacy Lessons From Michael Crichton
Estate Planning Lessons From a Literary Legend EVEN MICHAEL CRICHTON GOT IT WRONG
Michael Crichton was a literary giant — the mind behind “Jurassic Park,” “The Andromeda Strain,” and “ER.” But despite his brilliance, he wasn’t immune to estate planning complications. When Crichton passed away in 2008 at 66, he left behind a complex situation that serves as a cautionary story for anyone hoping to leave a smooth legacy.
Crichton’s estate was valued in the tens of millions, but we can all learn from his story. Here are four key takeaways.
Keep your documents up to date. Life changes with marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Your estate plan should reflect your current reality. Review it at least every 3–5 years, or immediately after a significant life event. Plan for future children and grandchildren. Even if you’re not expecting, it’s wise to include language that accounts for future descendants. This can avoid costly court battles and ensure your intentions are honored. Communicate with your family. Unspoken assumptions can lead to conflict. Being clear with your loved ones and your estate planning attorney can prevent confusion down the line. Work with an experienced estate planning professional. Crichton had a will and trust, but they weren’t airtight. A qualified estate planner can help ensure your documents are legally sound and flexible enough for life’s surprises.
Crichton had a will and trust in place, but they were outdated. Most notably, his documents did not provide for any future children. At the time of his death, his fifth wife was pregnant — a fact not reflected in his estate plan. As a result, there was a legal dispute over whether the unborn child, John Michael Todd Crichton, should be considered a beneficiary. Crichton’s adult daughter from a previous marriage argued that the baby should not inherit, citing the language in the will. A court battle followed, and eventually, a judge ruled that the son could inherit from the estate — but not without litigation and unnecessary stress for the family.
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