Check out our February newsletter!
February 2024
603-894-4141 | 978-969-0331 | LegacyCareLaw.com
The True Meaning of Legacy in Estate Planning PRESERVING PRECIOUS MEMORIES AND LOVING TIES
these reverential feelings someone may have about the legacy of a loved one. So, one reason to plan is to leave a true legacy uncomplicated by the snapshot of financial snafus that happened at the end of life.” No two families are identical. Countless unique memories, quirky sayings, and loving ties make up a single family, all of which deserve to be preserved. Estate mishaps are one of the strongest ways to lose sight of a legacy, and that’s where we come in. I want to thank David for writing these inspiring words, for being part of the Legacy Care family, and for holding to such incredibly high standards.
As you may know, my staff isn’t just my team. We are a close-knit family. Witnessing the personal and professional growth of each member, whether within our firm or on diverse career paths, is a source of continuous gratitude for me. Attorney David Haughton became a valued member of our firm family in 2010, just after being sworn in as an attorney, and contributed significantly to our team for eight years. Many of you may recall his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and service to our clients. While his career journey led him to the role of Team Lead in Advanced Planning at Commonwealth Financial Network, our friendship persisted. We maintain regular contact, and I couldn’t be prouder of all he’s accomplished. Dave’s deep understanding of estate planning as a tool to preemptively address challenges that might compromise the preservation of family legacies, memories, and unbreakable bonds truly sets him apart. He recently wrote a short piece on the importance of estate planning. It reaffirms that he embodies our collective passion for assisting families in this profound way. “When I think of legacy, I think of ‘home again, home again, joggity- jiggity,’ Yuck Yucks, and Ocean State Bob-a-lop … Huh? “The first is what my dad said anytime he started the car as we headed home from a trip — something I now say. The second (through very odd circumstances)
is what my dad came to call Dunkin’ Donuts — which we all also came to internally adopt. The last (as a Cape family) is what my family, to this day, calls Ocean State Job Lot because I couldn’t say it right when I was a toddler. “I routinely discuss monetary estate planning issues related to mitigating taxes and costs, and I should — because that’s my job. But, I’m thinking, rarely does someone buy something and think, ‘That reminded me of Mom and Dad because they left me that money.’ “No — legacy is not the monetary wealth you leave. A true legacy is the impressions you leave that affect how a person carries themself through life. It’s the lessons, values, and imprints left in the trail of a person’s life. “Here’s why estate planning matters in this equation: Messing up an estate plan in a way that causes stress, costs, or (god forbid) litigation can complicate
David Haughton
LegacyCareLaw.com 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Celebrate Love With Your Pet VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS FOR FURRY FRIENDS
Heartfelt Homemade Delights Homemade and health-focused treats are the way to go for pets on this day of love. Bake heart-shaped biscuits for your dogs with nutrient-rich ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, or oats. Making little tuna or salmon treats into tiny heart- shaped cakes will be irresistible for cats. These treats are not just delicious but also healthy, ensuring your pets enjoy Valentine’s Day safely. Personalized Gifts and Quality Time Adding a personalized touch to your pet’s Valentine’s Day can make it even more special. Consider a new collar with a personalized name tag or a new fluffy bed or blanket for dogs! Are their toys ratty and chewed up? A new ball or squeaky toy will make their day! If you live in a colder region, a warm sweater for smaller furry friends is a way to show your love. For cats, a new scratching
post (or an upgrade) rubbed with catnip will be a hit. Cats also love laser lights, so this gift will not disappoint, providing hours of entertainment. And after all the activity? Try a new pet brush and a gentle grooming session to help your furry friends relax and feel loved. But above all, the most cherished gift you can offer is your time. Dedicate this day to enjoy a long walk, an extended play session, or simply some quiet cuddle time. These moments of undivided attention and affection are invaluable, reinforcing the loving bond you share with your pet. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate all family members, including the furry ones, in our expressions of love. Our pets, always there for us with unconditional affection, certainly deserve a place in this day of love and joy. Happy Valentine’s Day to all pet lovers and their beloved companions!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we feel love in the air, not just for humans but also for our cherished pets. It’s the perfect opportunity to show our four- legged family members how much they mean to us. Imagine the excitement and anticipation in their eyes (and the wagging tails) as they receive a special treat made with pure love. Here are a few fun ideas to get you thinking.
In the competitive world of high school athletics, where every second counts and victories are often measured in milliseconds, an incident at the Neenah Cross Country Invitational in Wisconsin reminds us of a fundamental but often forgotten aspect of sports: good sportsmanship. On this race day, amid the blur of sprinting figures and cheering crowds, a moment of true sportsmanship unfolded. Two runners from Stevens Point Area Senior High, Cooper Erickson and Ethan Olds, encountered a fellow competitor, Seppi Camilli, in distress. Camilli had collapsed, his strength waning just shy of the finish line. Erickson and Olds chose empathy over rivalry in a split-second decision that would resonate far beyond the race track. They paused their own race to help Camilli cross the finish line. This act, simple in its execution but profound in its implication, speaks volumes about the values ingrained in these young athletes. It’s a vivid reminder that the essence of sports isn’t solely found in the glory of winning but also in the moments of shared humanity. In extending their hands to a competitor in need, Erickson and Olds demonstrated that real victory lies in lifting each other up, even amidst fierce competition. Beyond the Finish Line Compassion at the Neenah Invitational
This incident is a beacon for young athletes and a reminder for coaches, parents, and spectators alike. It underscores the importance of nurturing not only physical strength and skill in our young athletes but also the values of kindness, teamwork, and respect for others. As Erickson and Olds demonstrated, sometimes the most enduring triumphs on the sports field are those of the heart. The coaches and spectators at the Neenah Invitational witnessed more than a race that day; they witnessed a powerful lesson in character and humanity. In a world where headlines often speak of division and conflict, stories like this inspire us to look beyond the finish line and see the broader horizon of human kindness and fellowship. The spirit of sportsmanship, as shown by these young athletes, is a testament to the true essence of competitive sports — a celebration of shared humanity alongside physical prowess.
603-894-4141 | 978-969-0331 2
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
HISTORY OF PREGNANCY TESTING FROM SEEDS TO SCIENCE
The Middle Ages saw a curious amalgamation of superstition and the beginnings of scientific inquiry. “Piss prophets” examined urine for its color and clarity, practices that were precursors to today’s urinalysis. A significant advancement came in the 20th century with the discovery of the hormone hCG. This breakthrough led to the first reliable home pregnancy tests in the 1960s, marking a dramatic shift from rudimentary ancient methods and offering greater accuracy and privacy. This journey from ancient seed tests to sophisticated modern diagnostics illustrates the evolution in our understanding of the human body. Those early tests laid the groundwork for the reliable techniques we use today, inspiring us to continue improving our medical knowledge and practices.
From ancient times, human ingenuity has been pivotal in unraveling medical mysteries, and pregnancy testing is a particularly fascinating example. In Egypt, around 1350 BCE, pregnancy testing blended mysticism and early science. Women would urinate on wheat and barley seeds, an intriguing method that modern research has shown to be surprisingly accurate, with a 70% success rate. If barley grew, it indicated a male child; wheat signified a female. Across different cultures, unique approaches emerged. The Greeks, influenced by Hippocrates, developed diagnostic theories based on the four bodily humors. In India, ancient Ayurvedic texts detailed pulse examination techniques for various conditions, including pregnancy, showcasing remarkable observational abilities and a deep understanding of the human body.
LegacyCareLaw.com 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
9 Red Roof Lane, Salem, NH 03079 603-894-4141 978-969-0331 LegacyCareLaw.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
David’s Inspiring Words on the Importance of Estate Planning
Valentine’s Day Pet Pampering
When Compassion Trumps Competition
3
Estate Planning Seminar Dates
Seeds, Science, and Surprises in Medicine
4
Lessons From Hoffman’s Estate
Beyond the Stage PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN’S ESTATE OVERSIGHT
The situation raised significant questions about how Hoffman’s daughters figured into the estate since they were born after the will’s creation. Thankfully, New York law, like many other states, offers protection for children in this situation, provided there’s no explicit intent to exclude them. Hoffman’s choice not to marry O’Donnell further complicated matters, leading to a substantial estate tax burden. Unmarried, Hoffman’s estate faced a staggering tax rate of up to 40% federally and 16% in New York State, culminating in a potential $14 million tax bill from his $35 million estate. Marital status plays a crucial role in estate tax liabilities, something entrepreneurs with significant assets should note.
The unexpected demise of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman at just 46 shocked the world and brought to light the intricacies of estate planning. His passing left behind a substantial estate worth over $35 million, primarily bequeathed to his long-term partner, Marianne O’Donnell. A glaring issue with Hoffman’s will was its outdated status, failing to encompass his entire family. Drafted in 2004, it only acknowledged his son, Cooper, with daughters Tallulah and Willa, born after that, absent from the document. This oversight necessitated a complex navigation through New York’s probate system, showcasing the need for everyone to update their will regularly.
Photo: Georges Biard
Hoffman’s case exemplifies why proactive and continuous estate planning matters. Regular updates to one’s estate plan can significantly ease the burden on your loved ones during times of grief. It’s a stark reminder to meticulously manage and regularly revise your estate plans, especially for entrepreneurs overseeing considerable assets. It ensures your final wishes are honored, and your loved ones are provided for.
4
603-894-4141 | 978-969-0331
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator