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Build It, Protect It, Preserve It.
740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
October/November 2025
Protect What Matters YOUR FUTURE, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR PLAN
Estate planning is one of those things that most people don’t think about until they come face-to-face with a situation that involves it. Maybe they became ill and were worried about their family’s future, or had to experience probate after a parent passed away. While these circumstances call our attention to the importance of estate planning, the simple truth is that everyone, regardless of age, health status, or income level, should have an estate plan. National Estate Planning Awareness Week takes place Oct. 20–26, giving us the perfect opportunity to learn about the need for estate planning, create a plan to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and update our existing documents to ensure they still reflect our wishes. “The simple truth is that everyone, regardless of age, health status, or income level, should have an estate plan.” Over the years, I’ve heard many misconceptions, myths, and false information about estate planning. Some people get wild ideas about what you need and what you don’t, but I’ve always believed in the concept of education. When
I built my firm, I decided to put education first to help my clients make informed decisions about their estate plan and future. The years have passed, and I’m still here trying to educate as many people as possible about estate planning! Throughout National Estate Planning Awareness Week, I’m hosting incredible events to help you create or update your plan! For starters, I will have complimentary estate planning reviews during the week. They will be 30-minute sessions where I either review your plan if you already have one, or go through the highlights of what you may need if you don’t have a plan. We’ll discuss the four critical documents everyone needs and how to create a plan that works for you and your loved ones if the unthinkable happens. We will also have a free probate and estate planning seminar that week. This will be a weeklong event, with different discussions daily to provide you with as much information as possible. It’s all about giving you access to make the best decisions for your unique needs. I’m also considering bringing in financial planners to talk with you to fortify your efforts! Scan the QR code above to sign up for our upcoming events! In addition to our seminars and events, we will have limited-time promotions if you or your loved ones need to create or update
your estate plan. We’re offering $500 off our trust-building plans and a family discount for anyone referred to our
business by one of our clients. Our clients will also get an added bonus for referring friends and family! As a final reminder, we offer a three-year plan review for any client who has built a trust or will-based plan with us. This means we’ll bring you back in after three years have passed to ensure your plan still reflects your desires. If you have any new life changes, we’ll ensure your plan reflects them. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive!
I hope to see you at an upcoming seminar or review!
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ople to Thank
Move, Make, and Mingle FINDING YOUR PEOPLE STARTS WITH DOING WHAT YOU LOVE As life enters a new chapter, many find themselves craving meaningful activities and meaningful connections. Making new friends doesn’t always come as easily as it once did, but shared interests can offer a natural way to meet others. Engaging hobbies offer more than just something to do; they offer a way to belong. Recreational sports like golf, pickleball, or bowling bring people together through lighthearted competition and camaraderie. These games are less about winning and more about showing up, staying active, and enjoying a few laughs along the way. Community theater offers a behind-the-scenes magic all its own. You don’t have to be on stage to be part of the show. Directing, costume design, set building, and ushering are all wonderful ways to get involved and meet like-minded people. Volunteering is another powerful way to connect. Whether you’re walking shelter dogs, preparing meals, or mentoring a young person, shared service often sparks lasting friendships built on purpose and compassion.
WHEN BLOOD ISN’T ENOUGH
REMOVING AN ESTRANGED CHILD FROM YOUR WILL
When our kids are young, they rely on us for everything. They need us to cook their meals, help them get dressed, and encourage them to be the best version of themselves, but as they age, they strive for independence. This can lead to rocky relationships between parents and children, since parents have to navigate personality and interest changes, new relationships, and difficult situations. While most kids manage this phase of life well, some cut their parents off. You can text, call, email, or send letters, but you may fail to receive a response from your child. You may even consider cutting them out as you look toward the future and devise your estate plan. Is this petty? Or are you just protecting yourself? Nobody wants to imagine a life where they are completely estranged from their child, but it still happens, even after people make every last effort to save the relationship. After so much effort, you feel like giving up. You may have other children who remained close to you, or even have a relationship with your estranged child’s children. Your child has already shown they crave financial and self- independence, so are you acting unethically by removing them from your will or trust? Not at all! Remember that you have complete control over your estate plan. You are not obligated to leave anything to an estranged child. The only exception is if your children are still minors or legally depend on you. However, if you fail to create an estate plan, everything will be subject to your state’s intestacy laws. This could mean your estranged child will get an equal share. If you create an estate plan that fails to mention an estranged child, they may feel compelled to contest or dispute your will and other documents. They may lie and claim the estrangement was false or based on a misconception. To avoid this, you must be very clear when putting together your documents. You need to remove any uncertainty from the situation, ensuring perfect clarity about who receives what. You are not being petty by removing an estranged child from your estate plan. You are simply protecting yourself, your assets, and your loved ones.
If you enjoy music and movement, dance classes offer both. Whether ballroom, swing, or line dancing, these settings make it easy to meet new people while staying energized. And group fitness classes like water aerobics, tai chi, or walking groups combine health and community in one uplifting routine.
Love working with your hands? Craft clubs bring together quilters, knitters, painters, and other creatives to swap stories and skills. Even amateur or ham radio can be surprisingly social, offering a way to connect across town or the world without ever leaving home.
Building new friendships may take intention, but these hobbies make it easy and delightful.
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PETTY OR PROTECTED? Why Leaving Out Stepchildren Isn’t Wrong
Life is a journey; you never know where it will take you or where you’ll end up. You may have finished your college education, got married, raised kids, and expected to enjoy your golden years alongside your other half. However, tragedy can strike unexpectedly at any time. Your spouse could fall ill and pass away, leaving you unsure
This is a tricky situation because you don’t want to cause friction in your new relationship, but at the same time, you might not believe your stepchildren or new spouse are entitled to any of your assets.
You may own a home you raised your kids in and want them to inherit, or have a bank account that could set your kids and their families up for success when you pass. You don’t have to change your plans just because you started another chapter of your life.
how to proceed. As time passes, you put yourself back out there and meet someone new. They’re a widow or divorcee with kids of their own. You spend more and more time together until you decide to take the leap and get married.
Don’t let a new marriage rewrite your legacy. If you’re worried about your estate plan
Marriage is a key moment in your life that requires a review of your estate plan. You may want to
causing conflict, the best thing you can do is have a conversation with your loved ones. This is not an opportunity for them to pitch to you about why they should be included. This is your chance to explain your end-of-life wishes so everyone can be on the same page. In most cases, they will be extremely understanding!
leave some of your assets to your new spouse, and some may even want to leave something to their new stepchildren. However, blending a family can be complicated and lead to mixed emotions from everyone involved. What if you don’t plan to leave anything for your stepchildren or your new spouse’s family? Would that be petty, or are you simply protecting your family?
Extra-Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by TheCookieRookie.com
INGREDIENTS • Olive oil •
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13‑inch baking pan with olive oil and set aside. 2. Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. 3. Set out three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the eggs to the second bowl. Mix panko, Parmesan, and ranch seasoning mix in the third bowl. 4. For coating, dip seasoned chicken breasts in flour, coating both sides. Then, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs and, finally, the panko mixture. 5. Place each coated chicken breast in the prepared baking dish. 6. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. 7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165 F and is golden brown.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3/4 cup flour 2 large eggs, beaten 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 oz ranch seasoning, store- bought (1 packet) or homemade
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CANDY GOURD HAUNTING LEAVES
LIBRA MARIGOLD MOON OPAL
PUMPKIN SOUP TEACHERS TOUCHDOWN 3 740-314-4829
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Cooking spray
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
352 Frank Layman Blvd. • Wintersville, OH 43953 740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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It’s National Estate Planning Awareness Week!
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Protecting Your Legacy When Family Bonds Break The Difference Between Wills and Trusts Don’t Let a New Marriage Rewrite Your Legacy Extra-Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets Take a Break
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Reel in More Fish This Autumn
Target Shallow Waters As temperatures drop, baitfish like shad move into the backs of creeks and embayments. Predatory fish such as bass and crappie follow, making these areas hotspots. Focus your efforts on these shallow zones to increase your catch rate. Experiment With Depths Fall turnover can scatter fish throughout various depths. Don’t hesitate to try different depths until you locate active fish. Using a fish finder can help you identify these productive zones. Fish Throughout the Day Unlike summer, when fish are most active during dawn and dusk, fall fish feed more consistently throughout the day. This allows for flexible fishing schedules without the need for early starts. Focus on Structure Fish gravitate toward structures like submerged wood and rocky banks during fall. These areas provide shelter and
warmth, and targeting them can lead to successful catches.
AUTUMN ANGLING Where, When, and How to Hook Fish This Fall
Match the Catch In fall, baitfish grow larger. Adjust your lure size and color to mimic the prevalent forage in your fishing area. This increases the likelihood of enticing bites. Explore Stocked Waters Many lakes and streams are stocked with trout and catfish in the fall. These fish are often eager to bite, providing excellent opportunities for anglers. Utilize Live Bait Live bait can be particularly effective in cooler temperatures. Minnows, nightcrawlers, and shad can more effectively entice sluggish fish than artificial lures. Monitor Water Conditions Fall often brings changes in water levels due to drawdowns. Stay informed about these conditions, as they influence fish locations and behavior.
As cooler temperatures, golden leaves, and holidays roll in, fall is one of the best-kept secrets in fishing. While many pack up their rods after summer, savvy anglers know autumn is when the real magic happens. Fish feed aggressively as they prepare for winter, and the crowds of people enjoying the water have thinned out. A few tweaks can level up your fishing game this season, whether you’re chasing bass, crappie, or trout.
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