SPRING 2020
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Your Estate Plan Is Unique Just Like You and Your Family
attorneys don’t want to spend the time required to set the perfect plan in place; they just want to fit you in one of the four or five options they’ve already made. I’ve had many people come into my office with plans from previous attorneys that weren’t a good match at all. I always ask my clients about their situation, their goals, and what’s important to them. Usually, we find out that the box they were put into doesn’t do what they want it to, or they don’t understand what it does. It makes my skin crawl when someone tells me they don’t remember how their plan works or why they did it. They just did it because the attorney told them it was the right thing to do. This is why trying to fit someone into a pre- made plan isn’t just silly, it’s downright absurd. This is also why we do the opposite at my firm. We value the “counselor” aspect of “attorney and counselor at law.” I want to work with you to create a plan that is the most beneficial to you. Even when someone comes into our office thinking they know what they want, I want to make sure they know how the plan will be executed in real life. We advise people on different ideas, offer new approaches, and let them know why something will or won’t work with their plan. One thing I see often is that an idea or concept of a plan may sound nice on paper, but it ultimately doesn’t hold up when we try to incorporate it into reality.
One of the things I’ve come across a lot in my office is people wondering why creating an estate plan is such an in-depth process and why it takes longer than a quick phone call. These do-it-yourself websites make estate planning seem as simple as going to the grocery store and picking your favorite plan off of the shelf. To do things right, creating your plan will take more than 20 minutes because my goal is to build the perfect estate plan for you and your family, not to place you in a box. My family is different from your family, and your family is different from the last family who came into my office. No one is the same as another person, and I make sure to create a plan tailored to each individual’s needs. Sadly, in my industry, you see a lot of what I call “assembly line estate planning.” I’ve seen many instances where other attorneys simply place individuals into whichever of the lawyer’s prepackaged plans is the closest to the needs of their client. Think of creating an estate plan like buying a house versus building a house. It really is a matter of asking yourself this question: Would you rather have someone tell you which house they could squeeze you into, or would you want them to say, “Tell me everything on your wish list, and we will build it from the ground up.” A lot of people are done a disservice when they’re placed in these predetermined plans that essentially fit them into a box. Many
I’ve had people come into my office after learning of their neighbors or family members’ plans and say, “I want what they have.”Or, they’ve looked something up online and come in with a certain idea in mind, which, sadly, doesn’t fit in with what their goals actually are. Maybe the article they read didn’t explain one part of a trust particularly well, or their neighbor has a certain plan that works for them but not for anyone else. Or, they don’t realize there’s an even better option for them. It’s because of that process, the process of discovering the best fit for each individual, that creating an estate plan takes more time than some people realize. If we want to make sure you have the most benefits from your plan, then we have to go through it. I have to ask quite a few questions, and it may even take another meeting or two to get it right and ensure you get what’s perfect for your loved ones, assets, and everything else after you’re gone. It’s not always just putting you in door No. 1 or door No. 3 — that’s never good enough. It’s about finding what’s best for you.
We do our absolute best to give your family our undivided attention when we are working with you. In order to provide the best service and highest quality work to your family, Mr. Rosenbauer does not answer incoming calls, emails, or walk-ins while he is meeting with your family or drafting your estate plan (excluding emergencies). However, we do our best to respond to phone calls and emails promptly. If you need to visit or speak with Mr. Rosenbauer regarding your estate, please call the office to schedule an appointment or a phone conference. That way, we can reserve your spot on our calendar and make sure you receive the attention that you deserve. Communication Policy
-Nick Ro senbauer
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THE PROS AND CONS OF BUYING A HOME IN A 55-PLUS COMMUNITY
Depending on your wants and needs, buying a home in a 55-plus community might be a financially savvy way to set yourself up for retirement. But is it the right decision for you? Here are a few financial pros and cons associated with moving into one of these neighborhoods. PRO: THE HOMES ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. Oftentimes, 55-plus communities provide maintenance services, including housekeeping and landscaping. Also, it’s likely that only a handful of people have occupied the home since it was built, so buying in a 55-plus community means you’ll get a property in excellent condition with less wear and tear. CON: YOU’LL HAVE TO PAY A MONTHLY FEE. Unfortunately, all the great stuff doesn’t come free. Usually, you’ll have to pay an extra monthly bill, similar to a homeowners association fee, to live in a 55-plus community. Some communities include all maintenance and amenities in the monthly rent or mortgage (some even cover utility bills), but make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered before you sign a contract! PRO: AMENITIES ARE INCLUDED. Most 55-plus communities include amenities like exercise classes and educational programs for their residents. They also invite community
organizations and leaders to speak about local issues or upcoming elections. Some even have a clubhouse or dining hall for social gatherings. Save money by taking advantage of these programs instead of paying for a gymmembership or a course at the local community college. CON: IT’S A LIMITED BUYER’S AND RENTER’S MARKET. Most people who buy in a 55-plus community plan to retire there. If this is your original intention but your plans change down the road, you might have a harder time selling your home here than you would in a community that is open to people of all ages. Make sure to budget for those potential holding costs and plan accordingly.
Regardless of where you decide to buy, be sure to consult an experienced real estate agent and a financial planner. Here’s to living out your golden years in comfort and convenience! THE $60,000 HEISTYOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF Crimeless Theft in Cyberspace
Because of the risk-reward nature of the game, many players unite in huge factions for safety and to pool their resources. One of these groups, Circle of Two or CO2, was the target of the 2017 attack. Within a matter of hours, CO2’s bank accounts were drained and the space stations holding their fleets of ships were sold to their enemies. It was clear from the beginning: This was an inside job. The thief was CO2’s own head diplomat, a player called “The Judge.” For years he’d worked his way through the alliance’s ranks, only to use the access he eventually gained to rob it blind. But greed may not have been his only motivation. He’d had public disagreements with CO2’s leader called Gigx, and a rival faction was able to capitalize on this internal conflict. During an in-person EVE Online summit held in Iceland, representatives from The GoonSwarm Federation convinced The Judge to leave CO2 and commit the single largest robbery in gaming history on his way out. In the real world, The Judge’s actions were completely legal — currently, international law doesn’t treat such virtual objects as personal property. But this perception may be changing. As in-game purchases become more widespread in video games, legal lines have blurred, causing an increasing number of lawmakers to rethink what constitutes “ownership” in the digital age. But, for now at least, it seems like a good time to be a space pirate.
In 2017, sometime between Sept. 11 and 12, a total of $60,000 worth of digital assets were stolen from people around the world. The conspirators didn’t hide their identities, and they faced no criminal charges. As it turns out, there are no laws against stealing spaceships in a video game — even if they’re worth thousands of real-world dollars. EVE Online is a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) that was launched in 2003, and it was on this game that the theft occurred. This science-fiction game is all about spacefaring, but one notable feature of the game is that it allows players to purchase in-game assets with real money. This attracts players who can spend large sums on the game, with some of the game’s largest spaceships costing $9,000. But one thing to note in EVE Online is that no matter how much you pay, once you lose an asset, it’s gone forever.
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TAKE A BREAK
When cats are orphaned as kittens, they don’t get the chance to develop all the skills needed to become successful cats. Just like human children, kittens need older role models too. The most famous cat role model had a rough start in life but became an inspiration for kittens and humans alike. His name was Grandpa Mason, and during the last years of his life, he stepped up and gave love, care, and guidance to the orphaned kittens that lived with him. The Canadian animal rescue group TinyKittens rescued Grandpa Mason in 2016 from a property that was scheduled to be bulldozed. The poor feral tabby was suffering from many health problems, including severe dental issues, a badly injured paw, and advanced kidney disease. Since TinyKittens is a no-kill rescue organization, euthanization was out of the question. Given his health conditions, veterinarians predicted the battle- scarred Grandpa Mason didn’t have long to live, so TinyKittens’ founder, Shelly Roche, took him in and provided him with a comfortable place to sleep, plenty of food, and time to relax in the last months of his life. Grandpa Mason had a hard time adjusting to domestic life and would often shy away from being petted. In an interview with The Dodo, Roche described him as “an elderly gentleman [who] lived his whole life a certain way, and then, all of a sudden, [was] forced to live completely differently.” After Grandpa Mason grew accustomed to his home, Roche took in several foster kittens, and those new roommates completely altered Grandpa Mason’s behavior. Roche expected him to hiss, swat, or growl at the kittens when they invaded his space, but he didn’t. Instead, he allowed them to crawl all over him and appeared to enjoy it when they licked his ear. Suddenly a playful, affectionate, and gentle personality came out of Grandpa Mason as he played with, bathed, taught, and cared for the orphaned kittens that Roche welcomed into her home. Potentially due to the kittens’ influence, Grandpa Mason surpassed his prognosis by more than two years. During the last few years of his life, Grandpa Mason passed on important lessons and good manners to the kittens he looked after and adored, as a true grandfather should. He passed last September, but he spent his last night in his ultimate happy place: snuggling in his bed surrounded by kittens. THE STORY OF GRANDPA MASON How a Feral Cat Came to Care for Orphaned Kittens
STICKY AND SWEET PORK ‘RIBS’
Inspired by Bon Appétit
Whether you’re celebrating your mom or those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, there’s no better recipe to grill up than these delectable country-style pork ribs.
Ingredients
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1/2 cup chili oil
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2 heads garlic, cloves separated
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1/3 cup oyster sauce
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3 thumbs ginger, chopped
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1/3 cup toasted sesame oil
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1 cup hoisin sauce
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5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, flattened
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3/4 cup fish sauce
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2/3 cup honey
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3/4 cup brown sugar
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2/3 cup rice wine
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1 tbsp molasses
Directions
1. In a blender, purée garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice wine, chili oil, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil until smooth. 2. Reserve and chill 1 1/2 cups for later use. 3. In a bag, add the remaining mixture and pork shoulder. Marinate for at least 8 hours. 4. Using a convection plate on the grill, cook pork until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 140–145 F. 5. In a large saucepan, simmer brown sugar, molasses, and reserved marinade for 6–8 minutes. 6. Baste the pork with the brown sugar glaze for 2 minutes before serving.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
It’s Not About Fitting You Into a Box
Is a 55-Plus Community Right for You? A $60,000 Robbery With No Jail Time
2
Sticky and Sweet Pork ‘Ribs’ The Best Grandfather a Kitten Could Have
3
4
Technology Saves the Day
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCHWITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHILE FOLLOWING SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES
SPRUCE UP EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES.
Get in touch with other parents to set up virtual play dates over video chats for your kids. They can even watch a movie or TV show together.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging communities across the U.S. to practice social distancing. While this will help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, it also means that social interactions will be minimal. In addition to impeding many industries and businesses, this has significant impacts on families and friends who can no longer visit each other in person. Luckily, the technology we have today allows us to stay in touch while still practicing social responsibility.
Hopping on the phone or your laptop to video chat is a great way to reach out and catch up with loved ones. While folding laundry or doing other mundane chores, give a friend or your parents a call to idly chat; it can make your tedious tasks much more enjoyable. Video calls are also beneficial if, for example, you’re missing out on your daily workouts with a friend. Hop on a video chat to practice yoga, cardio, or other simple exercise routines together.
HOST A MOVIE NIGHT.
Speaking of movies, Netflix developed a unique way for people to watch movies and shows together: Netflix Party. If you have a desktop or laptop with a Chrome browser, visit NetflixParty. com to download the application. Once downloaded, open the movie or TV series you’d like to watch, create or join a “party,” then relax and enjoy the show while chatting with friends. These are only a few examples of how we can stay in touch during these concerning times. Talk with your family and friends and see what other creative ideas you can come up with together. Even though you may be apart from loved ones right now, virtual communication has never been easier or more plentiful.
LET YOUR KIDS CHAT WITH FRIENDS.
Kids can benefit from video chatting by staying in touch with their friends while school and other activities are canceled. Letting your kids connect to social media is a pretty big step, so consider signing themup for Yoursphere or Kidzworld, kid- friendly networks that let them keep in touch with their friends while you canmonitor their activity.
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New Policies Regarding COVID-19
As of the date I am writing this article (early April), the COVID-19 crisis is continuing to rock the local community. Many businesses have been forced to close down, and people have had to deal with “stay at home” orders. Because of the nature and importance of our work, The Rosenbauer Law Office, LLC has remained open (as an exempt and essential business) to continue to serve our clients. We are committed to serving our clients and assisting them with protecting their families. As a response to the current crisis, we have implemented new, stricter policies regarding
cleaning, sanitation, and social distancing within our office. We have also decided not to shake hands or offer beverages to our clients until further notice, and we are limiting the number of in-person meetings each day. We are offering consultations and other meetings over the phone or internet (via videoconferencing) when possible. Our hope is that, by the time you are reading this, things will have returned to normal. Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information. However, we will continue to put the health and safety of our staff and our clients at the top of our priority list. For those who do not yet have a complete estate plan to protect themselves, please call our office at 513-463-6789 or visit our website at CincinnatiEstatePlan.com so that we can assist you in protecting yourself and your family.
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As a response to the current crisis, we have implemented new, stricter policies regarding cleaning, sanitation, and social distancing within our office.
New Online Scheduling Options
We are doing our best to make communication easier with our clients. As a response to the frustrations of playing “phone tag” and the increase of calls from the general public asking questions
been a number of changes to how the probate process is handled. Most notably, many of our local probate courts are no longer accepting walk-ins or in-person meetings. This is important because many of the steps within the probate process require paperwork and other documentation to be hand-delivered to the probate clerk’s office. This has caused confusion, chaos, and lengthy delays for all phases of the probate case. Second, as a safety precaution, many probate offices have required all incoming mail be placed in quarantine for a minimum of two weeks before being opened. This has caused even longer delays for all paperwork and forms that are normally submitted through ordinary mail. Also, since courts are no longer accepting walk-in paperwork, even more paperwork is being processed through the mail. This is causing many judges to issue citations for paperwork being late (or missing), even though it is sitting in the mailroom under quarantine! If you are involved in a probate case right now, then please know that we are doing everything we can to help expedite the process and guide our clients through these uncertain times. If you have a question regarding your case, then please reach out to attorney Nick Rosenbauer at 513-463-6789 .
about how to make sure their loved ones are protected, we have added a new tool to make it easier to speak with your attorney. We have added a new button on our website to schedule a call with attorney Nick Rosenbauer that links directly to Nick’s calendar. You can pick the day and time that is most convenient for you, and it will immediately block that time off on Nick’s calendar. That way, we can make sure your questions are answered without interruptions during your scheduled call. Please visit our website today to arrange for a time to talk with attorney Nick Rosenbauer.
An Update From Our Probate Practice
Many of our clients know that we do our very best to help our clients minimize and/or avoid the lengthy, expensive, tedious probate process as much as humanly possible. This is one of the most important concerns many of our clients have when they come into our office. No one likes the government getting involved in family business after someone passes away. Obviously, as a part of our practice, we do handle probates for families that need help. As the COVID-19 crisis impacts our community, there have
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