Soto Law Group - April 2022

Soto Law Group - April 2022

Soto’s Chronicles

APRIL 2022

R. DeDe Soto

Protecting your most valuable asset — your family

FROM THE DESK OF

DeDe Soto

Earth Day is coming up this month on April 22, and to be honest, our planet is in pretty rough shape. In 2021 alone, we had a crazy ice storm in Texas, tornadoes ripping through Kentucky, and even a December wildfire in Colorado! Temperatures are rising in the oceans, and there are about 3 billion fewer birds today than there were in 1970 (Can you believe that?). These facts and figures are enough to make anyone feel down in the dumps. But sometimes, a piece of good news comes to my attention that turns my whole outlook around. That’s exactly what happened right before I sat down to write this newsletter. It turns out scientists are doing something crazy to try and save the oceans: They’re using a type of in vitro fertilization (IVF) to bring coral reefs back to life! According to Time magazine, the idea hit Australian professor Peter Harrison while he was scuba diving in the 1980s, and he made it his mission to repopulate the dying Great Barrier Reef. He came up with a four-step process. IVF for … Coral Reefs? The Crazy Idea That Just Might Save the Oceans

Clarity is Prosperity Prosperity often refers to success in terms of wealth. But prosperity can also refer to having a life full of deep and loving relationships and experiences. Combined, that prosperity can live on through generations if you provide clarity of your wishes and desires through your Estate Plan. When it comes to protecting your family and your legacy, having a clear and concise Estate Plan is essential to ensure that your loved ones are cared for and receive the assets that you wish. Precise language is critical in wills, trusts and other estate planning documents to protect their inheritance and avoid litigation, creditors and probate. Clarity in estate planning can ensure that your legacy is passed on for generations. The Soto Law Group can help you create your estate plan as an expression of your love for your family and loved ones for generations to come.

First, his team scoops up coral spawn from around the reef, then they mix the spawn of multiple coral colonies together. After that, they add

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that spawn to sectioned pools that float near the reefs and let it grow safely into larvae. Finally, they merge the pools and let the larvae float down to the “depleted” reefs below with their fingers crossed that it will flourish into new corals. Here’s my favorite part. According to Time, “Scientists have also begun using AI-enabled robots called LarvalBots, which work like an ‘underwater crop duster,’ to deliver larvae.” How wild is that? The whole IVF process sounds pretty sci-fi, but in 2016, Harrison’s team successfully used it to create “coral babies” off the coast of Australia. Today, coral IVF has actually helped repopulate reefs in the Philippines! It’s amazing news for anyone who loves to visit the ocean, eat seafood, and especially go scuba diving. I know one fun scientific solution won’t solve climate change (if we don’t address the causes of ocean acidification, these new reefs will end up bleached just like the old ones), but reading about Harrison and his mission really inspired me. I love that when he was faced with this huge challenge of reefs dying all around him, he didn’t shrug and say, “Well, that’s too big of a problem for me to fix.” Instead, he buckled down on chasing what seemed like a crazy idea — and actually made it work.

This kind of tenacity can serve you in any area of your life. Over the years, I’ve used it to get ahead in business, hang on to friends, and solve problems with coworkers. Even when something seems impossible, there’s always an innovative solution if you’re persistent and work together. Next time you doubt that, just think about Harrison and the coral reefs.

April Fools’ Day Gone Wrong

3 PRANKS THAT SEVERELY BACKFIRED

April 1, aka April Fools’ Day, is when people love to pull pranks on one another. But if they’re not careful, pranks can end with a court case or jail time. Let’s take a look at a few April Fools’ pranks that have brutally backfired.

contest, and when she went to pick up her brand-new car, the DJ came out with a remote control toy car. They then went on air and laughed about how they fooled everyone. Castillo hired an attorney and sued the radio station for $60,000 — the cost of a new Hummer. Practical Joke at Work Creates a Law Glenn Howlett was a services manager at London City Hall in London, Ontario, Canada. In 2004, he decided to take a vacation to relax and not think about work. His colleagues decided to tell him that a major project he was working on was due earlier than Howlett expected. So, he made his vacation short and decided to return to work to finish his project. He became

Navistar Plant Shutdown In April 2021, Pamela Sisco texted her sister about an active shooter at Navistar Plant in Clark County. Her sister was frightened, and she called the authorities to let them know about the situation. The plant shut down after hearing about the incident because they thought it was a real threat. When officers were at the scene, they charged Sisco with inducing panic and disrupting public services. This is a fifth-degree felony in Ohio, and she was sentenced to a year in prison. Radio Contest Gone Wrong KBDS (103.9 FM) is a radio station in California that

so stressed out that he began having heart palpitations and collapsed. Afterward, he sued his now former employer for damages. As a result, the city passed a law prohibiting practical jokes within workplaces.

held a contest in 2005. They told their listeners they could win a new Hummer if they tracked the number of miles of two Hummers as they drove around town. Shannan Castillo won the

As you plan your pranks for April Fools’ Day, remember not to go too far with your jokes. Make them lighthearted and fun so everyone can laugh about them in the future.

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Should Your Company Be on Patreon? 3 Things to Know About This Popular Funding Platform

If you have a favorite artist, are dedicated to a YouTube channel, or listen to a lot of podcasts, you’ve probably heard of Patreon. But what exactly is the platform — and how can you leverage it for your business? What Is Patreon? Patreon is an online funding tool that allows businesses and individuals to offer their supporters tiered monthly memberships in exchange for exclusive perks like behind-the- scenes clips, extra content, and one-on-one time with creators.

to support your whole business. Your Patreon supporters will chip in on a monthly basis, making your creative process easier financially. This is a great way to explore your favorite parts of your business, strengthen relationships with clients, and grow your marketing toolkit. 3. Patreon makes giving back easier. If you run a nonprofit on the side or want to launch a giveback program within your company, Patreon might be the platform you need. It’s more interactive than Kickstarter or other crowdfunding options, and the bonus content you provide will get supporters really invested in your vision. If you go this route, launch your Patreon early so you have the support you need to fund the nonprofit approval process and startup phase. To Patreon, or Not to Patreon Ultimately, only you can decide if Patreon is a good fit for your company and your goals. To learn more about the platform, how it works, and the business it supports, visit Patreon.com. In particular, we recommend clicking on the article “Is Patreon Right for Your Business?” on the home page. It will show you the ropes!

3 Things to Know

1. Patreon isn’t just for artists anymore . Patreon started as a platform where artists and other creatives could get financial support from their fans, but in the last few years, it has expanded dramatically. Now, all kinds of small businesses including newspapers, event venues, and nonprofits are funded in part by Patreon members. 2. You can monetize your side projects and passions. Does your company have a podcast or YouTube channel? If so, you could put that passion project on Patreon rather than asking people

One-Pan Chicken Tacos

Take a Break!

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch pieces • 2 tbsp garlic powder • 2 tbsp cumin • 2 tbsp chipotle powder

• Canola oil (for frying) • Corn tortillas • Grated cheddar cheese • Pico de gallo and guacamole salsa (to taste)

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, garlic powder, cumin, and chipotle powder. Mix until the chicken is coated. 2. In a frying pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken mixture. Cook on medium heat for 5–8 minutes. 3. Remove the chicken from the pan, and add the corn tortillas (avoid overlapping) so they soak up the juices. Flip the tortillas and repeat. Then, add chicken and grated cheddar to each tortilla and fold it over the filling — in the pan. 4. Cook the tacos for 3 minutes per side until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. 5. Top with pico and guacamole salsa, and serve!

“The key to success is to focus on goals, not obstacles.”

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of DeDe Soto PAGE 1 A Crazy Idea to Save the Oceans PAGE 1 Major April Fools’ Day Fails PAGE 2 The Business Perks of Patreon PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 One-Pan Chicken Tacos PAGE 3 A Heroic Dog Saves Her Owner PAGE 4

On Jan. 3, 2022, New Hampshire State Police responded to a call about a lone dog wandering around on the interstate near Veterans Memorial Bridge. When they got there, the pup — a Shiloh shepherd named Tinsley — led the officers on what seemed to be a wild goose chase. She Saved Her Human!

MEET TINSLEY, A CAR CRASH SURVIVOR

“This was almost like a real-life Lassie situation,” one lieutenant told CNN. “It’s really quite remarkable. This dog definitely saved their lives. I don’t think they would have survived the night given the temperatures.”

Tinsley is a real hero on four legs, just like Lassie, a

“When Trooper Sandberg and the Lebanon police officers attempted to get close to the canine, it continued to run northbound on Interstate 89, crossing into Vermont,” the police department wrote in a Facebook post. “A short time later, Trooper Sandberg and the Lebanon police officers located a damaged section of guardrail near the Interstate 91 and Interstate 89 junction.” It turns out Tinsley had a destination in mind: an upside-down pickup truck that had crashed through that very guardrail.

fictional pup who saved two little boys from dying of hypothermia in the snow. Fortunately, Tinsley’s grateful owner, Cam, made a full recovery. He also knows just how special his pup is.

“She gets spoiled all the time,” he told the WPTZ news station. “She’ll get some venison, probably [a] burger tonight, and probably some back scratches with it.”

Tinsley is not the only dog who has saved a human from the cold. In the winter of 2017, a rescue pooch named Peanut saved the life of a 3-year-old girl in Michigan who had wandered away from home, and a golden retriever named Kelsey saved her owner after he slipped in the snow and broke his neck. She kept him warm for 19 hours and barked until help came. To read the full story of Tinsley’s roadside rescue, visit CNN.com and search “real-life Lassie.”

The truck had rolled off the highway, and the people who were inside — including Tinsley’s owner, Cam Laundry — were on the ground, badly hurt and hypothermic! Thanks to Tinsley’s bravery, the cops called an ambulance that rushed them to the hospital.

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5 Essential Estate Planning Documents Everyone Needs

There are five essential documents you need to have in place to ensure that your family and assets are taken care of if you become incapacitated or when you pass. They are the means to making your intentions clear and to ease the process of how your family will receive your assets. By having these five documents in place, you will have peace of mind knowing you’ve taken the right steps to plan for tomorrow.

A last Will and Testament is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you start thinking about estate planning. This is the document that describes who you want to give your assets to when you pass and helps ensure that your assets are distributed correctly when the time comes. One thing to note is that a will is public information that is filed at the County Clerk’s office and does not avoid Probate!

A Trust is more than just a document. It is a legal entity created to hold assets on behalf of those who you want to have your assets, also called beneficiaries. Think of it as your Treasure Chest. You decide how and when beneficiaries receive the assets. Trusts are private documents that protect your assets from creditors, irresponsible and unworthy relatives and costly probate!

A Power of Attorney allows you to designate a person or institution to manage your property, finances, investments or medical care if you are unable to do so yourself. Due to the great responsibility that comes with being a POA, only appoint someone you really trust and make sure they know your wishes and preferences. Beware of people who appear very interested in handling your finances and want to be your new “best friend.”

A Health Care Directive is a written statement that provides instructions regarding your medical wishes and decisions. In addition, you’ll want to include HIPAA authorization. HIPAA is a federal law that protects the privacy of all your medical information and allows doctors to share your medical information only with those you designate.

A Guardianship Nomination is a legal document that determines who you designate to raise your children if the unthinkable should happen to you. In the absence of this document, a judge could appoint someone you never intended to raise of your children or manage their inheritance.

Want to ​ learn more? Visit our website at www.thesotoloawgroup.com ​ or call to setup a consultation at 888-735-7686