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T his L abor D ay , I’ m G rateful for the T eam T hat M akes I t A ll P ossible
SEPTEMBER 2025
Nearly every successful business owner and leader understands the importance of hiring employees who are passionate about their roles and believe in the company’s values. While some very small businesses can survive as a one-man show, the vast majority depend on the hard work, dedication, and skillsets of their teams. In September, we get a special opportunity to show our appreciation for those who work alongside us and help our businesses grow on Labor Day. Before Greg and I started this firm, I had the privilege of working at larger firms, which gave me a greater perspective of how different law firms operate. I worked for some incredible bosses who taught me a lot while also being kind and generous with their time and knowledge. However, I also saw the other side of the mountain. I experienced attorneys who were an absolute nightmare to work for. I knew I wouldn’t follow that example when I branched out on my own. When we first started this firm, we decided that one of our primary goals was to hire kind, compassionate individuals. To put it simply, you don’t need to be mean to be good at your job. We made an effort to foster a culture of positivity and teamwork anyone can feel as soon as they walk through our doors. Creating that culture starts with hiring the right people. If I’m interviewing someone and I get the sense they feel a role or job in the firm is below them, they aren’t the right fit. We all have to pitch in and help out. I’ll even jump in and clean out the trash or wipe up the kitchen if
needed. It might not be my primary role, but that doesn’t mean the responsibility should fall to one of my employees. It’s a team effort!
At the end of the day, what we do at our firm is difficult. We help members of our community through challenging situations, navigating judges, emotions, and more. While we can’t control everything related to a case, we can control what happens in our firm. Through a positive and supportive culture, we can do more for our clients. It has taken many years, but I can comfortably say that we have an A+ team at our firm. Regardless of their roles, everybody is equally valued, and I hope they can see that. We have many team players who try their best for their clients and coworkers. I feel very fortunate these individuals have chosen to work with us. Everyone does their job, from our receptionists to our attorneys. Our fabulous leadership team oversees each department, and all the elements work in harmony. This Labor Day, I want to express my appreciation for my team. It’s a wonderful group of people who make each workday a joy! Thank you for all you do!
TO PUT IT SIMPLY, YOU DON’T NEED TO BE MEAN TO BE GOOD AT YOUR JOB.”
- Esther Vayman
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‘Y es D ay ’ M agic LET YOUR KIDS RUN THE SHOW (WITH A FEW RULES!)
START WITH CLEAR GUIDELINES. Before the big day, sit down as a family and lay out the ground rules. Think of them as your Yes Day boundaries — they keep things fun and manageable. Common ones include: • The requests must be safe. • Everything must stay within budget. • All activities need to happen locally (or within a certain radius). • Everyone has to participate (no solo fun unless it’s reasonable). This sets the tone for creative, collaborative planning while avoiding unreasonable asks like “Let’s fly to Paris!” LET THE KIDS TAKE THE LEAD. One of the best parts of a Yes Day is watching your kids light up as they brainstorm what they want to do. Encourage them to write down a list of ideas in advance. You might be surprised — many kids don’t ask for wild, expensive things. They just want uninterrupted time with their parents, whether it’s building a fort, going to the park, or baking cookies together.
KEEP IT SIMPLE AND SATISFYING. A successful Yes Day doesn’t have to break the bank or wear everyone out. The joy comes from the freedom to choose and the feeling of being heard. You can cap the day with a movie marathon, a backyard campout, or letting your kids pick dinner (yes, even if it’s cereal and snacks). MAKE IT A TRADITION. Yes Days are more than a treat; they’re a relationship builder. When kids feel seen and empowered, it deepens trust and creates moments you’ll all remember. So, go ahead! Pick a day, set some ground rules, and get ready to say “yes” to the joy that only comes when you let go.
Imagine a day when your kids get to call the shots. Ice cream for breakfast? Sure. Pajamas all day? Why not. That’s the magic of a “Yes Day” — a full 24 hours where the answer to (almost) every request is a “YES!” It’s a chance to say goodbye to the daily “No, no, no!” and “Maybe later” and embrace spontaneity, laughter, and connection. But let’s be real: Without a few guidelines, a Yes Day would spiral into pure chaos. That’s why setting a few ground rules ahead of time can turn this fun tradition into a memory- making success for everyone.
H ow ‘Y ear ’ s S upport ’ P uts F amilies F irst DEBT AFTER DEATH?
while in extreme debt? Not necessarily, thanks to an idea called Year’s Support.
petitioner’s economic standard of living. If a creditor felt the amount was too high, they could object or challenge the petition. A person must follow specific rules to receive a Year’s Support. First, they must file the petition within two years of the individual’s death. If a minor child is filing the petition, they must do it before their 18th birthday. They will also need to identify all the estate’s creditors, heirs, and beneficiaries, including their names and addresses. To file the petition, all you need to do is gather essential documents, such as the individual’s death certificate and estate planning documents, and submit your petition to the probate court. If you want to make the process easier and remove the risk of making a mistake, working with a lawyer is your best move. Give us a call today if you have any questions or need assistance!
When a loved one passes away, creditors are usually paid out of the estate before heirs or beneficiaries get their share. However, a Year’s Support can push the spouse or minor children to the front of the line, ensuring they receive enough to maintain their quality of life for the following year. It can come into play during specific situations, such as insolvent estates, small estates, missing wills, and the omission of a spouse in an estate plan. Before 1998, those petitioning for a Year’s Support would receive the same amount, regardless of the estate size or other specifics. They would receive $1,600, which isn’t much to live on, especially if you have kids at home. Thankfully, that set amount is no longer a thing. The court will determine the amount based on evidence relating to the
We’ve spent years building a life with our spouse and children, and we want to make sure they have everything they need to carry on with the same quality of life if something happens to us. But what happens if the estate value is lower than anticipated, and probate costs are looming? Will you be out of luck if your spouse passes away
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WHAT TV SERIES/ MOVIES ARE THE BEST TO WATCH DURING THE
Amanda D. “Hocus Pocus” Amanda H. “Lost Boys” and “Beetlejuice” Brooke College Football Maggie AMC Fearfest Ashlyn “Coraline” Natasha “Pride and Prejudice” Gianna “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”
Jennifer “Harry Potter” Abby “Practical Magic” Sara “The Shining” Stephanie “Harry Potter” Mari “Twilight” Abigayle “Over the Garden Wall” Grace “Downton Abbey”
“I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FIRM! THEY LISTEN, THEY APPRECIATE YOUR TIME, AND GIVE YOU ASTONISHING ADVICE FOR WHATEVER IT IS YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. FRIENDLY, EXPERIENCED, WARM, WELCOMING, AND AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO WORK WITH!” RAVE REVI EWS
AUTUMN SEASON?
T urkey and H ummus C ollard W raps W ith C oconut C urry S auce Inspired by ReclaimingYesterday.com
ingredients Sauce: • 1/2 cup organic full-fat coconut milk • 1/4 cup almond butter • 2 tsp red curry paste • 3 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
Wraps: • 4 large collard green leaves • 1/2 cup hummus, divided • 3/4 lb sliced turkey • 1/2 carrots, grated • 1/4 bell pepper, sliced thinly • 1 zucchini, sliced thinly • 1/2 avocado, sliced • 1/4 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
BRAIN BREAK
• 1 tsp honey • Pinch of salt
directions 1. Mix all sauce ingredients until smooth.
2. Prepare collard leaves by cutting the stems off and trimming the thick vein that runs down the center of the leaf so that it lies flat. 3. Blanch collard leaves by dipping them into hot water, then immediately into cold water. 4. Dry leaves and lay flat, spreading 1–2 tbsp of hummus onto the center of each 5. Add several turkey slices and sliced veggies. 6. Fold the right and left leaf sides in toward each other. Roll the collard leaf tight and tuck in the edges. Secure with two toothpicks, slice down the center, and serve with sauce for dipping.
APPLES ASTER COFFEE CONSTITUTION FOLIAGE GRANDPARENTS
LABOR LUNCHBOX PIRATE SAPPHIRE VIRGO WAFFLES
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BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL FIRM IS A TEAM WORTH CELEBRATING
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LET THE KIDS TAKE OVER (SORT OF)
THE PROBATE LOOPHOLE CREDITORS HOPE YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT
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QUESTION AND ANSWERS
TURKEY AND HUMMUS COLLARD WRAPS WITH COCONUT CURRY SAUCE
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THE FRENCH CITY THAT HAS IT ALL (AND THEN SOME)
B ordeaux I s F rance ’ s B est -K ept S ecret MOVE OVER, PARIS
When you hear about people taking trips to France, your mind likely conjures images of the Eiffel Tower, delicious high-end French cuisine, and a view of the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum. However, there’s much more to France than the scenic beauty and decadent flavors found along the streets of Paris. If you want to experience the best of France, you must spend time in Bordeaux. While we often refer to Napa Valley and Sonoma County in California as wine country, Bordeaux is the original wine region. Its history with wine dates back over 2,000 years, and you can still experience the area’s love of wine today. Le Bar à Vin and Le Bistro du Fromager are beautifully decorated wine bars that will leave you stunned, unlike anything you can experience stateside. And if you want to take it up a notch, you can visit La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s interactive
wine museum, and enjoy a glass under a chandelier made from a thousand bottles.
Even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s plenty to enjoy in Bordeaux. Those interested in fashion or shopping will love walking down Rue Sainte Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrianized shopping street. If that’s too crowded for your liking, you can enjoy shopping in the historic Chartrons district. As you walk through the city, you’ll surely see towers that look straight out of a fairytale or Disney movie. If you’re visiting during the first Sunday of any month, you’ll get to hear the Grosse Cloche belfry ring its 250-year-old bell! For adventurers, just 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux is Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, also famous for paragliding.
you disappointed. The Musée des Beaux-Arts and the contemporary art museum CAPC are both worth a visit, and your trip won’t be complete until you stop by the awe-inspiring Monument aux Girondins, a free-flowing fountain over a beautiful bronze sculpture. If a European vacation is on your bucket list, consider visiting Bordeaux when you go. It might just be the highlight of your entire trip!
Now, it wouldn’t be a visit to France without taking in some art, and Bordeaux won’t leave
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