DOES YOUR ESTATE PLAN NEED AN UPDATE?
Your estate plan isn’t something you can “set and forget.” It’s a living, breathing document that needs to be updated regularly. Without proper maintenance and care, it’s easy for your plan to become imperfect and even ineffective! If you aren’t already in the habit of updating your plan regularly, it’s probably time to review it. It’s important to update your plan if … 1. It has been sitting in a drawer for a year or more . We recommend reviewing your estate plan annually on a significant date, like your birthday, anniversary, or New Year’s Day. Maybe in the last year, you’ve had a falling out with the sister you named as your power of attorney, or a loved one you named as a beneficiary has passed away. In either of those cases, it’s time for an update. 2. You’ve had a child, your child has become an adult, or you’ve become a grandparent since creating your documents . All of these scenarios could require changes to your estate plan. You may want to add your new child or grandchild as a beneficiary and adjust your child’s inheritance now that they’ve turned 18. 5 Important Times to Review Your Plan
3. You’ve gotten married or divorced since creating your documents. In this case, you may want to cut your ex- spouse out of your plan and/or address your new spouse’s claims on your assets. 4. Your financial status has changed since creating your documents. Did you inherit a windfall from your great uncle or put a large chunk of your savings into a new business venture? Your estate plan needs to reflect these changes. 5. It has been more than 3–5 years since you met with an estate planning lawyer. Changes to your life aren’t the only thing that can affect your estate plan. Changes in the law can also impact how valid and enforceable your documents are. Your lawyer can tell you about these changes and update your plan accordingly. If your estate plan needs an update, call our team today at 718-698-2200. We’ll review your plan, make sure it’s up to legal snuff, and update it for your current goals and needs.
... CONTINUED FROM COVER
APPLE CRANBERRY CRISP MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
As a paralegal with Merlino & Gonzalez, I thought it was enlightening to see the first few steps of the home-buying process, which usually happen before a client calls our office to start the legal process. Making an offer, scheduling an inspection, and dealing with the behind-the-scenes back- and-forth are some things I’ve never experienced professionally. I know our clients pay close attention to their deals. If they’re waiting to hear back on a step in the buying process, they’ll call or email our firm throughout the day. Being on the other side of the fence now, I totally understand where they’re coming from! The buying process is both stressful and exciting, and when you’re waiting for an answer from your realtor, inspector, lender, management company, or anyone else for that matter, sometimes two hours can feel like two weeks. I found myself doing the same thing, reaching out to John, Ken, and our team regularly to check on how things were progressing. As first time home buyers, it was comforting to know we were, without a doubt, in good hands. Our experience with the firm was seamless. From our first question and throughout the entire process up to the closing and beyond, the team took care of us and gave us great advice. The immediate attention Tom and I were given and the way we were treated like family, is the same attention our office gives to all of our clients. It was incredibly special to experience this personal and professional journey together. As a paralegal and now a client of Merlino & Gonzalez, I am so proud and honored to be a part of this amazing team! -Stephanie DiAngelo & Tom Walsh
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
If you’re feeling old-fashioned, treat yourself to this warm and bubbly dish. Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a classic apple recipe.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup butter, cold • Vanilla ice cream (optional)
• 3 cups peeled and chopped tart apples • 1 1/2 cups cranberries • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. 3. Grease an 8-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. 4. In a small bowl, mix flour and the remaining brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the fruit. 5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
3
718-698-2200
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator