Sheppard Law Firm - May 2021

Sheppard Law Firm - May 2021

Newsletter Title

t To theMoms Who InfluencedMy Life

Their wedding will be an opportunity to snap a great photo of Gabi, Patti, and Patti’s mother, Rhoda — three generations in one photo! While other people may make “monster-in-law” jokes, I can’t relate. I liken Rhoda to the CEO of her family. She’s their matriarch, and she leads with kindness and respect. Rhoda has treated me like a son for many years, and I’m so fortunate to have a mother-in-law like her. (Likewise, Patti’s grandmother, Molly — or GG, as the great-grandchildren called her — always treated me like a grandson, too. I was really lucky to marry into this family!) Her daughter, Patti, is no different. She’s a dietician by trade, but she did stay home with our three girls when they were younger. Who they are today can largely be attributed to her mothering. Patti was a disciplinarian when she needed to be, but she did an amazing job of teaching those girls how to be confident and hard-working. (We were very proud when each of our daughters graduated summa cum laude from Fort Myers High School.) Patti was and continues to be a wonderful mom. Unfortunately, I lost my mother five years ago, when she was just 74 years old. Mom battled leukemia for 14 years and had two successful transplants — one bone marrow and one stem cell. Sadly, when she came out of remission about four years after the stem cell transplant, she didn’t have many options. Mom passed away about 18 months later. I’ll always remember Mom as being tough as nails, even in the difficult moments. She had a big heart, and I always wish I could give her one more hug or talk to her just one more time. If your parents are still alive, I would encourage you to tell them just how much they mean to you. That’s one reason why Gabi’s wedding is so special. I know Mom would have loved to be there, and I’m sad she can’t be. But the opportunity to see Gabi, Patti, and Rhoda together, while welcoming another son into the family, is a memory I can’t wait to experience.

I have had the privilege to know and love multiple caring, knowledgeable mothers. From my own mother, who gave me my keen sense of business, to Patti, who was instrumental in our daughters becoming the competent, strong women they are today, to my mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law, who became like my own family as soon as I started dating Patti, I’m honored to know each one of these women.

Craig and his mom

As we anxiously await July 2022, when my eldest daughter, Gabi, and her fiance, Benji, will get married, I can’t help but think of how lucky it is that my three daughters grew up with these women as role models.

We were so excited when Benji proposed to Gabi on a mountain in New Jersey in 2020. He had called Patti and me to ask for our permission, and we couldn’t

Gabi and Benji

have been happier to say yes. Benji has practically been part of the family for

years. He and Gabi met when they were both undergraduate students at Brandeis University more than six years ago.

Patti and I had hoped to be there when Benji proposed, but the pandemic made

Patti and girls, hiking this trail since they were small

that impossible. Regardless, we are thrilled for the two of them,

Patti and her mother

Happy Mother’s Day.

–Craig Hersch

and we’re counting down the days to their wedding. It may be the start of a different, bittersweet stage in life, but it’s already fun.

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MAY 2021

How to Live to 99 Betty White’s Secrets of Longevity Beloved “Golden Girls” actress Betty White is still enjoying her golden years. The famed actress celebrated her 99th birthday this January. While she told People magazine that she’s “blessed no stranger to hard work. As she told Parade in 2018, “I just love to work, so I’ll keep working until they stop asking.”

Exercise Your Mind In addition to her busy work schedule, what keeps Betty White sharp? Crossword puzzles! She told Katie Couric in an interview, “I’m addicted. An admitted addict. I just can’t put ’em down.” Find a Cause White is a lifelong animal lover. She calls her golden retriever, Pontiac, “the star of the house.” While pet ownership itself comes with proven health benefits, White has channeled her love for animals in bigger causes. She’s been a trustee and board member of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association for over 40 years and has done work to help protect endangered species in the wild. Funds raised from White’s official fan club, Bet’s Pets, all go to support animal charities. Embrace Your Vices White told Parade she loves vodka and hot dogs “probably in that order,” which just goes to show that you don’t have to forgo your treats to live to 99.

with good health, so turning 99 is no different than turning 98,” she also had a few tips for folks looking to make it to their centennial birthday. Keep Laughing “Don’t take yourself too seriously,” White says. “You can lie to others — not that I would — but you cannot lie to yourself.” White has undoubtedly provided many laughs to viewers over the years, but she’s not just playing it up for the camera. Laughter is part of what keeps her young. Be Optimistic White says a good sense of humor also helps her keep a good attitude and look for the positive rather than “dwelling on the downside.” Avoiding negativity also gives her energy. “It takes up too much energy being negative,” she told People magazine. Stay Busy With nearly eight decades of acting under her belt, six Emmys on her shelf, and over 120 screen credits to her name, White is

y t o G o ?

Your Guide to Closing Your Florida Home for the Summer

While 2020 was anything but normal, we were delighted that some of our northern friends still chose to venture to Florida to escape northern winters. That’s what makes this upcoming season so bittersweet. We’re excited for summer, but we will miss having more locals around town! Before you go, don’t forget to practice some essential home maintenance to protect your Florida home while you’re away this summer. Limit Moisture Exposure As the humidity and moisture levels rise this season, our homes are susceptible to mold, mildew, and damage. Prevent this by examining the outside of your home for any signs of cracks or holes, and repair these as needed. Additionally, keep your home’s temperature hovering at 80 degrees F and keep the humidifier on to circulate the air. This will lower the cost of your energy bill and protect your home from locking moisture inside of it. Shut Everything Down Summertime is the rainy season in Florida. In fact, the National Weather Service reports that Floridians experience anywhere 2 floridaestateplanning.com

from 80–110 days of thunderstorms every year! While moisture can be a big issue, power surges can cause major damage. Prevent this by unplugging all unnecessary appliances, like the TV, telephones, lamps, the toaster, fans, garage door openers, and more. Furthermore, suspend or transfer any subscriptions like lawn maintenance, cable, or mail service. Make One Final Sweep Just before you hit the road, complete last-minute tasks to fully close your home. Turn off the water heater and water to prevent moisture buildup and close all of your curtains or blinds to protect against sun exposure. Then, empty your refrigerator entirely, unplug it, and leave the door open with a towel underneath it to catch any leaks. This will also save you money on energy while protecting your fridge and home from damage. And as you leave, secure all of your patio furniture in a garage or shed. Bonus: Landscapers and pest control experts have the knowledge you may need to protect the exterior of your home, while a house sitter can regularly monitor your house for damage.

See you next year!

What to Do With the Black Sheep Black sheep aren’t uncommon, and in his 2020 “Sanibel Island Sun” column, “What to Do With the Black Sheep Beneficiary,” Attorney Craig Hersch outlines his take on this potentially awkward scenario. You can read the full version of Craig’s column — which features more advice — at FloridaEstatePlanning.com. Commonly, my clients express a desire to name all of their children to act as successor trustee, personal representative (executor), and health care surrogate. When you have children who don’t get along, this could be a huge mistake. Keep in mind that a parent falling critically ill or even dying may Attorney Craig Hersch Offers Insight Into an Uncomfortable — Yet Common — Concern

has the manpower to deal with the daily issues that arise. What to do about our second issue — the black sheep who has estranged themselves from the family? The answer is that it depends! If you feel that the adult child should receive some portion of the estate, from an administrative standpoint, a fixed dollar amount is easier to deal with than a percentage of the estate. If you feel that you would rather disinherit the black sheep beneficiary, it is always best to simply do this. Even bequeathing a small amount gives the beneficiary legal rights that they otherwise would not have had. Black sheep beneficiaries are never easy. Nevertheless, when they exist, it’s always a good idea to limit the damage that they can do within any administration.

create an emotionally charged situation. Add into the situation that many crucial decisions must be made, and you have a recipe for disaster. One potential solution is to name a corporate trustee or co-trustee with one of the children. Having a bank or trust company serving as trustee adds a layer

Most families have black sheep. You know what I’m talking about. There might be three siblings, but one of them doesn’t play well with the other two. A parent may love all of their children equally and want to treat all the same in the estate plan. But is this wise? Another issue is what to do about the black sheep who estranged themselves from everyone in

of assurance that the trust terms are adhered to and that no trustee is improperly taking assets for their personal benefit. Another option is to engage a good estate attorney who is versed in the various duties and laws associated with administering an estate and who

the family, including the parents. Should the parents continue to include that beneficiary in the estate plan?

Easy & Healthy Green Rice

Inspired by 101Cookbooks.com

This rice recipe is perfect for getting your kids to eat their greens without realizing it!

INGREDIENTS:

•

1 cup tightly packed spinach leaves

•

1/2 cup yellow onions, finely diced

•

1 cup tightly packed kale leaves, stems removed 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock 2 tbsp full-fat coconut milk

• • • •

1/2 cup green peppers, diced 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

•

1 cup long-grain white rice

• •

1 tsp kosher salt

DIRECTIONS: 1. In a blender, purée spinach and kale with vegetable stock, coconut milk, and salt. Set aside. 2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions and peppers in olive oil until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. 3. Stir in rice and cook and toast for 1–2 minutes before adding the blended mixture. Increase heat to bring to a boil. 4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until liquid has evaporated, 15–20 minutes. 5. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

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INSIDE this issue

9100 College Pointe Court Fort Myers, FL 33919 (239) 265-9779

Craig Honors His Mom, Wife, and Other Mothers Who Have Impacted Him..............1 99-Year-Old Betty White’s Secrets of Longevity...............................................2 3 Reminders for Closing Your Florida Home This Summer. ............................................2 Craig Hersch Offers Advice About Black Sheep Beneficiaries. ..................................3

Green Rice Recipe......................................3

Brighten Up Your Space With These May Flowers!..............................................4

The best compliments we receive are your referrals. When you refer us to your loved ones, we do all we can to exceed expectations.

B r i The Most Beautiful May Flowers for Your Home or Office

You can also freshen up the room with sweet peas , which have a wonderfully mild

The April showers came and went, so now we get to enjoy May flowers! You might not buy flowers for yourself often, but it’s totally worth treating yourself and your visitors, all while supporting your local florist! To start off, anemones are the most mythological May plant around because of two famous Greek myths surrounding these jewel-toned flowers. Anemones are said to have sprung from blood shed by the death of Aphrodite’s lover, Adonis. The ancient Greeks also believed that the god of the west wind favored anemones — hence their second name, the windflower. Attach them as pops of color to any bouquet for a classic, romantic, or modern arrangement, or mix them with roses and trailing greenery for a more boho look. Carnations are also fantastic flowers to display in May. Some people may see carnations as a cheap flower, but, when used en masse, they can have a truly breathtaking effect in a room. Try using natural-colored carnations to create a fresh, contemporary space.

perfume. They come with an enormous range of colors — one of the biggest ranges in the flora kingdom, in fact! Delicate, ruffled, and feminine, sweet peas are sure to delight anyone who sees them. Lastly, although tulips or orchids would be classic choices for your arrangement, consider surprising your visitors with lilies of the valley . These beautiful, peaceful little blooms only grow in white, which is often seen as the color of renewal and innocence, and they wear it well! Their adorable little bell-like flowers will be sure to put a smile on your face. We hope you will consider these gorgeous flowers for your space this year. A small purchase at your local small businesses can make a big difference, just like how a few flowers can make a big difference in your home!

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