Take a look at our May newsletter!
May 2025
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Elder Law and the Human Spirit LESSONS LEARNED
FROM LIFE’S LATER YEARS
Nursing homes have taught me more about law — and life — than classrooms ever could.
in areas of law that can break a person’s heart, but I also have the privilege of interacting with people who show me everything the human spirit is capable of. The lessons I’ve learned through these experiences have been in my thoughts lately, especially as May is Older Americans Month. I’m thankful to have spent time with and learned from many extraordinary older folks who’ve helped shape my perspectives as a lawyer, husband, father, and friend. The greatest takeaway from my years in practice is that although people’s minds may decline, their hearts rarely stop soaring. It’s not the day-to-day hustle and bustle that defines who we are; it’s how well we face our obstacles without losing sight of the truth that love, family, and legacy are what’s truly important. In the spirit of returning the care and compassion our elderly friends and loved ones show us, I’ll conclude with some practical advice: Be open to discussing estate planning, end-of-life decisions, and other critical matters early on. Don’t ever think potential issues will go away on their own. The longer you wait, the more complicated your situation will become. Do what you can today to ensure your loved ones will be taken care of legally and medically
As an estate planning and elder law attorney, I devote a lot of time to securing the needs of the elderly. When I started my firm, I wanted it to be a place clients could visit to feel heard, supported, and understood. I’m proud of who we are and our work, and we’re always considering ways to protect anyone who comes here. Naturally, working to address the many complex family matters that come through our door takes patience, empathy, and a desire to make things better for everyone who depends on us. It also requires adaptability to work with clients who are not in good circumstances. In many cases, clients contact me when they’re facing end-of-life decisions or seeking guidance on a loved one’s behalf. These requests often lead me to visit folks in nursing homes or be surrounded by family members overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. These situations can be highly emotional and require the sharpest focus possible for me to keep moving toward a possible conclusion. Although my days can be difficult sometimes, I wouldn’t want to spend them any other way. Yes, many cases I handle involve people preparing to take their final steps, but they also entail some of the heaviest outpourings of love I’ve ever witnessed. I’ve seen people face the end with strength, dignity, and a desire to leave something of value to those who will live on in their absence. Even if they know their time is short, they want to live as long as possible and do their best in this world before their time comes. I’ve had clients in dire medical situations shift the focus from themselves and discuss ways to ensure their loved ones will be okay. I’ve seen others face their demise with contentment, knowing their lives mattered, and they’ve set a foundation for the people they care about to succeed. I work
— and be sure to set these things in place for yourself as well. You can’t plan in crisis mode.
Happy Older Americans Month to those who have enriched my life beyond words. Your examples of how to live will never fade from my heart.
–Horacio Sosa
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Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Are You Making One?
Putting together an estate plan is like writing the final chapter of your book, and you don’t want to make your book a horror story. Avoiding common estate planning mistakes will ensure your family isn’t confused, stressed, or surprised when it comes time to fulfill your final wishes. Forgetting to Keep Your Plans Fresh Life changes quickly. Marriage and divorce, births, and property sales are just a few events that can affect your estate plan. It’s easy to forget to account for these changes, but the result won’t be easy for your family to forget. Imagine leaving all your property to a former spouse because you
DIY estate plan. But like many people who go the do-it-yourself route, her situation didn’t work out well. Remember, you’re not a lawyer, and
mistakes are easy to make when you use online tools for help. Instead of trying to save a few pennies, talk to a lawyer and get your plan right. Naming the Wrong Executor
The executor of your will has an important job. They handle paperwork, settle debts, and ensure assets go to the right people. People often base their choice of executor on family connections only, but you must also consider qualifications. For instance, your eldest child might be a logical choice. But what if they live thousands of miles away and haven’t managed their finances well? It could mean delays, mistakes, and a major headache for everyone involved. The best move is to choose a reliable and organized executor, even if they’re not a family member. What story will you leave behind? Keeping your plans updated, seeking professional help, and making careful decisions will ensure it’s the one you want.
never updated your will. This might sound crazy, but it happens. If you created your estate plan years ago and never updated it, refresh it now. Creating a DIY Disaster It’s easy to be attracted to a DIY solution. They’re convenient and appear affordable, and who wouldn’t want to save time and a few bucks? Even Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” had a
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
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Inspired by TheKitchn.com
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.
Ingredients
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• 3 oz Parmesan cheese • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• Salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 large eggs
Directions 1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
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954-532-9447 www.SosaLegal.com 2924 Davie Rd., Ste. 102 Davie, FL 33314 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Care During the Final Chapter
Estate Planning Pitfalls You Need to Know
Don’t Leave Medical Decisions to Chance
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
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Meet the General Behind Elevator Music
Top Budget Apps to Take Control of Your Finances
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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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