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Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. JULY/AUGUST 2025
And the Responsibilities That Keep It Standing THIS 4TH OF JULY, CELEBRATE THE FREEDOM YOU’VE BUILT
This time of year, right around the Fourth of July, most of us start thinking about barbecues, fireworks, and celebrations. But beyond the patriotism, it holds meaning for us as individuals. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on personal independence and its ever-present companion, responsibility. Do you remember being a kid and daydreaming about everything you’d do once you were finally an adult? “When I grow up, I’m going to stay up all night, eat candy for dinner, and play video games whenever I want!” I sometimes catch my kids starting to do this — imagining freedom without boundaries. But when we grow up, we quickly discover that independence comes with a price tag — figuratively and literally.
doesn’t pay itself. Want to keep your job? You have to show up and put in the effort. Want to take care of your family? That takes thoughtful planning and preparation, especially for the unexpected. This balance between freedom and responsibility becomes even more critical when discussing estate planning. It’s easy to focus on the freedom we enjoy now — building a life, career, home, and family. But what happens if we don’t take responsibility for what we leave behind? What if we don’t make a plan? Suddenly, our loved ones are left sifting through a mess we didn’t clean up while navigating legal tangles, financial confusion, and unanswered questions at the worst possible time. And that’s not what independence is about. True independence means owning our responsibilities, even when they’re not fun or flashy. It means taking the time to plan, to protect what we’ve built, and to ensure the people we care about are taken care of. When we teach our kids about independence, we might laugh at their ideas of endless video games and candy buffets. But we also know they’re seeing just one side of the equation. As adults, it’s our job to model the full picture and show that independence is powerful and beautiful, but it’s also earned, maintained, and safeguarded through responsibility.
“True independence means owning our responsibilities, even when they’re not fun or flashy.”
So, this Independence Day, while you’re celebrating with fireworks and family, take a moment to appreciate your independence — and the responsibilities that
Suddenly, nobody stops us from staying up all night, but we still have to be functional at work the next day. We can eat candy for dinner, but we’ll also need to schedule a dentist appointment. Freedom is fun — until it isn’t. That’s because independence and responsibility are two sides of the same coin. You can’t fully enjoy one without embracing the other. It’s a lesson we all eventually learn, that real freedom isn’t about doing whatever you want, whenever you want. It’s about having the maturity to handle the consequences of your choices. You want the lights to stay on? That electric bill
support it. Think about what you’ve built, whom you love, and how you can make sure your freedom today creates security for tomorrow. Freedom without responsibility is just wishful thinking — but when they work together, that’s where the real magic happens.
WWW.SHOUPLEGAL.COM | 1 –Andrea Shoup
We’ve all experienced bouts of bad mood and even occasional depression. While difficult to go through, it can be equally challenging to see someone we care about hurting and not know how to help. The main thing to remember is that providing support isn’t about fixing things; it’s about showing up in meaningful ways. Skip the pep talks and listen. For many of us, our initial instinct is to rush to lift our loved one’s spirits and help them break out of a bad mood. However, offering them space and a calm ear is often the best thing we can do. Friendly company can be comforting even if they’re not ready to talk. Just be sure they don’t feel pressure to do or say anything. This might mean bingeing a favorite TV show together or just being with one another in the same room. Focus on small gestures. Along with providing company, you can support your loved one with simple gestures — a phone call, handwritten note, or warm meal. These acts remind them that someone cares and that they are not alone. Continuing to show up for your friend even after the rest of the world has moved on can have an even greater impact. There’s no specific script to follow, but small efforts all add up and may matter more than you’ll ever know. If you have a friend or family member going through a hard time, validating their experience and being present for them can be all they need. While they may not remember what you said, they won’t forget you showed up and stayed when they needed you most. Being There for Someone Who’s Struggling Kindness That Lasts
MEET ZOE
FROM RECEPTIONIST TO PROBATE LEADER AND FUTURE LAWYER
We’d love to introduce Zoe, a rising star in the legal community! For about a year and a half, Zoe was one of our probate assistants, but that title only scratches the surface. Not only did she handle a significant portion of our active probate cases, but she also played a key role in supporting and overseeing the overall department. With around 60 active cases moving through the probate process, Zoe personally drafted all the court forms and key documents for about a third of them. She ensured everything is accurate and ready for attorney review before it heads to court. She also assisted other probate assistants with their cases and offered guidance and support across the board.
team member. By May, she was promoted to estate planning assistant, and just a few months later, she took on the challenge of leading our probate department solo. With such success, it’s no surprise she’ll be starting law school this August at California Western School of Law in San Diego, the same law school our founder, Andrea, attended! While she’s considering a future in the law field, Zoe is particularly interested in probate litigation, criminal law, and civil rights. Her experience here has given her a front-row seat to probate and the legal system. Outside of work, Zoe is all about sunshine, travel, and staying active. Born and raised in California, she feels most at home near water, especially the beach! She recently visited Europe for the first time
and now, with Paris and Belgium crossed off her list, Italy is up next! A lifelong athlete, Zoe now enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends. Zoe, we wish you all the best as you attend law school and look forward to seeing you achieve greatness! Cheers!
Zoe joined Shoup Legal in January 2024 as our receptionist and quickly proved herself a standout
Plan today for peace
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Headed on Vacation? Make Sure Your Estate Plan Isn’t on Hold During summer, it’s easy to focus on the fun — booking flights, packing bags, and planning activities. But amid the excitement, one critical question is: Are your personal affairs in order before you head out of town? This time of year is a good time to secure your assets, protect your family, and finalize your estate plan. While it might not be as thrilling as choosing excursions or dinner spots, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make before hitting the road or catching a flight. Protect what matters most. We take precautions before traveling, such as locking doors, arranging pet care, and purchasing travel insurance. However, many overlook the importance of planning for the unexpected in other areas of life. A solid estate plan ensures your loved ones are protected and informed if something unforeseen happens while you’re away. This includes documents like a will or trust, a durable power of attorney, a health care directive, and updated beneficiary designations. These essentials ensure your wishes are honored and your family isn’t left in a difficult or confusing situation during an already stressful time. Make time for a quick check-in. It’s great if you already have an estate plan, but when was the last time you reviewed it? Vacation time is a natural opportunity to revisit and update your plan. Have you experienced any changes in your family, finances, or relationships? Are the people you’ve named as decision-makers still the right fit?
CHEESY TOMATO-BASIL STUFFED CHICKEN Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
Ingredients •
4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup basil pesto
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided 2 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar Chili flakes, to taste 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves Salt and pepper, to taste
• •
• • • • • •
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
•
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
Even minor updates can make a big difference in ensuring your documents accurately reflect your current intentions.
Remember, peace of mind starts with planning. It’s easy to delay estate planning because it feels complicated or distant, but your future (and your family’s security) is worth protecting. By preparing now, you’re giving yourself the freedom to fully enjoy your vacation with confidence and peace of mind.
So, before you zip up your suitcase and set your out-of-office reply, ask yourself: Am I truly protected?
Because the best way to relax is knowing everything back home is taken care of.
TAKE A BREAK
e of mind tomorrow.
WWW.SHOUPLEGAL.COM | 3
Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. 39755 Date St., Ste. 203 | Murrieta, CA 92563 (951) 445-4114 | www.shouplegal.com
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1 | Real Independence Includes a Plan for What Comes After 2 | The Art of Quiet Kindness 2 | A Rising Star at Shoup Legal 3 | Before You Travel, Protect What Matters Most 3 | Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken 4 | Create Holiday Traditions That Last Inside This Issue
Create Meaningful Holiday Memories With Your Kids TRADITIONS START HERE
Festive national holidays offer a great opportunity to strengthen family ties and traditions. While most people regard the end-of-year holidays as prime time for family get-togethers, you can make great memories in any season — including the Fourth of July! To foster traditions your loved ones will enjoy, start when your children are young. Repeat your chosen rituals year after year, but stay flexible enough to update them to suit your kids’ developmental stages. Emphasize Live Action Activities that immerse your children in sights, sounds, smells, and live action can be the most memorable. Community Fourth of July parades offer a great opportunity to socialize with neighbors and friends of all ages. To make memories, don’t just watch the parade — encourage your kids to join it!
Midsummer is a great time to participate in light- hearted three-legged races, an egg toss, and sack races. As kids age, consider holding a Fourth of July Family Bowl for an annual game of soccer, softball, or touch football. At day’s end, fireworks offer a chance to gather in a lawn chair or on a blanket in the grass and enjoy some favorite snacks. Capitalize on Family Foibles Think about traditions that evoke some quirk or twist unique to your family. If your kids
immigrants’ story “An American Tail,” or darker stories, such as “Born on the Fourth of July,” the 1989 film on a Vietnam vet’s struggles after the war. Whatever your preference, watching a beloved movie together as a family can reinforce shared values. For maximum fun, ban cellphones and make lots of popcorn. Make It Matter Decorating your house and yard with flags, red- white-and-blue bunting, and patriotic pinwheels can help children get into
love water balloons, a red, white, and blue water balloon fight can leave them laughing.
the spirit. To create a tangible memoir, take photos of the
fun and print them for an album or deposit them in a “Fourth of July Memory Jar.” When you pull them out next year, those images will spark plenty of laughs!
Your family’s favorite films about patriotism or national identity may include fantasy tales, such as the animated 1986
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