Check out our September newsletter!
September 2025
SosaLegal.com 954-532-9447
The spirit behind certain holidays should never be confined to a single date on the calendar. In case you were unaware, Sept. 5 was the International Day of Charity. Although the actual day has passed, nothing prevents us from being as charitable as we can be all year round — especially with another holiday season right around the corner. On a personal note, this most recent International Day of Charity prompted me to consider two special projects I’d like to tell you about. As I’ve shared in past newsletters, we lost our oldest son, Matias, to suicide in 2018. Since that time, I’ve thought long and hard about ways to channel the loss and grief we’ve felt into something positive and helpful. Most recently, I’ve been researching how to create a charitable foundation to help prevent suicide worldwide by helping those with depression and suicidal ideation receive the Grief and Giving A Journey of the Heart
this idea is still in the early planning stages, but I’m excited to see where it takes me. Until then, my family will follow our regular tradition of donating clothing to the VA — just a small way for us to give back to our community. From my experience, being charitable helps you as much as it does the recipient of your kindness. Empathy is one of the greatest gifts we can share with others, and helping those less fortunate or struggling with serious life issues helps us build a more loving world. We all experience some level of pain or loss in life, but being a source of comfort and support for people in need can be what we need to rise above our struggles and add positivity to someone else’s challenging situation. With everyday life getting busier, it won’t be long before we blink and another holiday season is here. As joyous as that time of year is, it can also be very lonely for many people — especially if they miss someone dear to them. If you dread being alone this season, consider joining community activities that help others. There are always people out there who need company or to hear a few kind words. Getting involved in a local charity organization will connect you with other caring people and give you a
necessary support. Ultimately, I want the foundation to work to convince people that it’s worth staying in this world. Hopefully, its creation will inspire others who have lost a loved one in this way to get involved. Foundations aren’t formed overnight, and I’m still conceptualizing how this will take shape. That said, I’ve already decided on the name: the “Tea” Foundation. Because some people had difficulty pronouncing Matias’s name, they often called him Tea. I like the idea of Tea living on.
Starting a foundation is uncharted territory for me, and I want to ensure we do everything correctly. I will keep you posted on its progress, and I welcome and appreciate any thoughts or ideas you may have on making the “Tea” Foundation a success. On a related note, I’m also considering establishing a charity devoted to building schools and providing other needed services in places like Africa and Haiti. Again,
greater sense of purpose and joy in knowing you’re doing something good for someone. I can’t think of a more beautiful gift to give. –Horacio Sosa
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 988lifeline.org
SosaLegal.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
The Power of Early Estate Planning Starting your estate planning early might not sound like the most exciting thing, but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. Whether you’re in your 30s and just bought your first home, in your 40s raising kids, or in your 50s thinking about retirement, having a solid estate plan gives you and your loved ones a priceless gift: peace of mind. Control Over Your Wishes One of the most significant advantages of early estate planning is control. You have the opportunity to decide exactly how your assets will be distributed, who will care for your children if something happens to you, and who will make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Without a plan, those decisions could be left to the courts, and the outcome might not reflect what you would have wanted. Protection for Your Loved Ones If you have young children, planning early is especially important. A well-crafted estate plan allows you to name a guardian for your kids, create trusts to manage their inheritance responsibly, and ensure your family is cared for no matter what happens. Even if your estate isn’t large, the structure and guidance you leave behind can make a huge difference. Probate Hassle Avoidance Another key benefit of early estate planning is avoiding probate, a time-consuming, public, and expensive legal process. Strategies like creating a revocable living trust can keep your estate out of “Whether you’re in your 30s and just bought your first home, in your 40s raising kids, or in your 50s thinking about retirement, having a solid estate plan gives you and your loved ones a priceless gift ...” Secure Your Future Today
probate court and ensure a smoother transition of assets to your beneficiaries. Starting early allows you time to structure your plan wisely and avoid future headaches. Adaptation to Life Changes The earlier you start, the more flexibility you have. Life doesn’t stand still — marriages, divorces, new children or grandchildren, job changes, and new properties can all affect your estate. Beginning early gives you a solid foundation you can tweak as needed, instead of scrambling to build something from scratch during a crisis. Tax Minimization While not everyone faces estate taxes, for those who do, early planning can help minimize them. A financial and legal advisor can help structure gifts, trusts, and charitable donations in ways that preserve more of your wealth for your loved ones instead of the IRS. And even for smaller estates, planning ahead helps with income and capital gains tax implications that often get overlooked. Family Conflict Avoidance When a loved one passes without a clear plan, confusion and differing expectations can lead to arguments or legal battles between family members. By outlining your wishes clearly and legally, you minimize misunderstandings and help ensure a smoother, more unified transition. Peace of Mind Ultimately, the most significant advantage is peace of mind. Knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones will be cared for, and your legacy will be preserved brings a sense of comfort that’s difficult to put a price tag on.
2 | 954-532-9447
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
Can You Put Your Pet’s Bowl in the Dishwasher?
TAKE A BREAK
APPLES ASTER COFFEE CONSTITUTION FOLIAGE GRANDPARENTS LABOR LUNCHBOX PIRATE SAPPHIRE VIRGO WAFFLES
W H A
If your pet is practically a family member, you likely care a lot about what goes into their food bowl. But here’s a question many pet owners forget to ask: “How clean is that bowl, really?” And more importantly, “Can you just toss it in the dishwasher?”
The short answer is yes, most pet bowls can be safely washed in the dishwasher — and they probably should.
According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), pet bowls are among the germiest items in the home, often ranking alongside kitchen sponges and bathroom faucets. When left unwashed, pet bowls can become breeding grounds for bacteria like MRSA, E. coli, and salmonella, which can pose health risks to pets and families. That’s where your dishwasher comes in. Modern dishwashers can handle more than dinner plates — they reach high enough temperatures to sanitize pet bowls and kill harmful bacteria effectively. Just check the bottom of the bowl or the manufacturer’s instructions for a dishwasher-safe symbol, especially for plastic bowls, which can warp or degrade in high heat. If you still use a plastic pet bowl, consider finding a new one. Veterinarians and pet care experts recommend stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Not only are they more durable and hygienic, but they’re also far less likely to harbor bacteria in scratches or porous surfaces. If you’re hand-washing your pet’s bowl, use hot, soapy water, and scrub every part of the bowl. The FDA recommends cleaning pet bowls after each use and even more frequently if you feed wet or raw food. If your pet eats from their bowl multiple times a day, consider having a second clean set on hand so a fresh one is always available. So, if your pet’s bowl is dishwasher-safe, go ahead and give it a spin — preferably on the top rack. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping your furry friends healthy and safe.
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Ingredients
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large,
• 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
SosaLegal.com | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn
954-532-9447 SosaLegal.com 2924 Davie Rd., Ste. 102 Davie, FL 33314 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Legacies of Love
2
Get Ahead of Life’s Surprises With a Rock-Solid Estate Plan
3
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Yes, You Should Be Washing Your Pet’s Bowl Every Day
4
Legacy Lessons From Michael Crichton
Estate Planning Lessons From a Literary Legend EVEN MICHAEL CRICHTON GOT IT WRONG
Michael Crichton was a literary giant — the mind behind “Jurassic Park,” “The Andromeda Strain,” and “ER.” But despite his brilliance, he wasn’t immune to estate planning complications. When Crichton passed away in 2008 at 66, he left behind a complex situation that serves as a cautionary story for anyone hoping to leave a smooth legacy.
Crichton’s estate was valued in the tens of millions, but we can all learn from his story. Here are four key takeaways.
Keep your documents up to date. Life changes with marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Your estate plan should reflect your current reality. Review it at least every 3–5 years, or immediately after a significant life event. Plan for future children and grandchildren. Even if you’re not expecting, it’s wise to include language that accounts for future descendants. This can avoid costly court battles and ensure your intentions are honored. Communicate with your family. Unspoken assumptions can lead to conflict. Being clear with your loved ones and your estate planning attorney can prevent confusion down the line. Work with an experienced estate planning professional. Crichton had a will and trust, but they weren’t airtight. A qualified estate planner can help ensure your documents are legally sound and flexible enough for life’s surprises.
Crichton had a will and trust in place, but they were outdated. Most notably, his documents did not provide for any future children. At the time of his death, his fifth wife was pregnant — a fact not reflected in his estate plan. As a result, there was a legal dispute over whether the unborn child, John Michael Todd Crichton, should be considered a beneficiary. Crichton’s adult daughter from a previous marriage argued that the baby should not inherit, citing the language in the will. A court battle followed, and eventually, a judge ruled that the son could inherit from the estate — but not without litigation and unnecessary stress for the family.
4 | 954-532-9447
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator