A Cat's Tale - DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A.

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September / October 2017When you need help, showing you and your family the way.Injury Law Estate Planning Elder Law Real Estate & Association Law Litigation ProbateConnie, Gene, Fuzzy andRep in the screen roomThis was a very pleasant experience. Duringthis process, Rep made sure we had all theinformation we needed.” As part of theirestate plan update, they created provisionsin their estate to contribute to their favoritecat charity, Second Chance for Strays inClearwater. So not only do they generouslycare for these cute creatures during theirlifetime, but they also took steps to continueto care for other cats after they have passed.A Cat’s TaleConnie and Gene havebeen rescuing cats intheir Pinellas Park homefor nearly 36 years.They currently care for 10 inside cats and8 outside cats, having created cat paradiseon their back porch with bountifultoys and cat trees.Connie reflecting on one ofher favorite rescues, Stormy,who lived to 24 years oldRep with Smokey at theSPCA Tampa Bay VeterinaryCenter for his check-upConnie and Gene wantedto make some changesto their estate plan, andsince their previous lawyer(Meni Kanner) retired, theycame to see attorney RepDeLoach. According toConnie and Gene, “In ourfirst meeting with Rep, heexplained the ins and outs.Coincidentally, at the time of theconsultation, Rep and his wife Simone hadbeen contemplating if they should take inthe stray cat they had been feeding in theirback alley for nearly a year. They were notsure if it was feral, but Connie said, “if heapproaches you, he is definitely a formerhouse cat that has been abandoned andneeds a good home.” She said “a feral catwill not let you get within 15 feet of it.”Because of the encouragement and insightsfrom Connie and Gene, Rep and Simonerecently adopted “Smokey” and introducedhim into their household. They have twoSiamese mix cats they adopted from SPCATampa Bay 10 years ago. All is goingwell with the transition and Smokey hasbrought so much added joy to their lives.They now have a better understanding ofthe enjoyment and fulfillment that Connieand Gene have with their rescues.Rep always says that one of the great joysof his job is meeting clients and learningof their passions, their backgrounds, andtheir life experiences. And sometimeswhile he is advising his clients on legalsolutions, it’s his clients that providehim with meaningful advice as well.If you have ever thought of providing foryour animals or a charity in your estateplan, please let Rep know. He can help youupdate your will or create a “Pet Trust” toprovide for your beloved animal(s). Heunderstands that for many people, your petis also a cherished member of the family.

When you need help.Practical Estate &Charitable PlanningAs part of the SPCA Tampa Bay’s Professional AdvisoryCommittee, attorney Rep DeLoach presented to 65professional advisors on the “Basics of Medicaid and VABenefits for Long-term Care.” The attendees includedfellow attorneys and professionals in areas such as banking,accounting, and financial planning. Rep is both BoardCertified in Elder Law and Veterans Benefits Accredited.This professional seminar qualified for continuingeducation credits. Rep is pictured with Michael J. Faehner,J.D., LL.M (Tax); Jack M. Rosenkranz, J.D., Elder CareAttorney; and John F. Ralph Jr., C.P.A., and current SPCABoard President. Dennis R. DeLoach Jr. is a former SPCAboard member and following in his father’s footsteps, Repis also a former board member and Vice President.Healthy, Wealthy & Wise ExpoMayor Leslie Waters, Chamber’s Gretchen Gallagher, andDHC’s Gloria Centonze and Ashleigh FisichellaHosted by the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, DHC participatedin the “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Expo” on Friday, August 25 atSeminole Garden Apartments. This free event featured around60 local businesses that fall in the “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise”categories. Attorney Rep DeLoach and his team were there to speakwith over 750 attendees about making “wise” decisions regardingelder care, estate planning and asset protection planning.Paul R. CavonisInjury Law and Trial Attorney 250,000Our client was vacationing at a beachresort when she fell down the stairsin her room. We aggressively pursuedthe case in litigation and deposednumerous employees. This thoroughinvestigation revealed defects inConfidential Settlement: Fall Down Stairsthe carpet and a light switch at the topof the stairs, all of which contributed tothe fall. Based on this clear evidence ofliability, the defendant decided to settlethe case rather than take the risk of goingto trial. This case proves that a thoroughinvestigation is critical to the successfulresolution of any case. Consider usfor your injury case and let us put ourinvestigation skills to work for you.

Proudly serving our community since 1976.September / October 2017Dennis R. DeLoach Jr.Probate, Real Estate and Trust AttorneyFAQs: Separate Writings in Your Estate PlanAs part of your last will and testament,Florida law permits the use of a“separate writing” to dispose ofcertain items of personal property.Why use a separate writing?A separate writing is best used to ensurethat certain tangible items go to certainpeople. Otherwise, your heirs may argueover who receives what. This allows youto make small changes to your estateplan without going to your attorney todispose of items of personal property.How is one used?If your will authorizes a separate writing,you can create a list of certain property tobe distributed to named beneficiaries. Thewriting must be signed and dated but it is notnecessary for it to be witnessed or notarized.You should describe each item with clarity.What is covered with a separate writing?Your separate writing covers antiques,furniture, jewelry and more, but specificallyexcludes gifts of cash, stocks, and bonds.If you think your heirs may argueover the property, or if you promiseda specific item to a specific person,you would write it down on a separatesheet, which is then legally binding.Where should I keep theseparate writing?Keep it attached to your will or inyour estate binder so that your heirswill easily find it upon your death.Please call me or attend one of RepDeLoach’s estate planning seminars ifyou have any questions about separatewritings in your estate plan.Tammy TolsmaTammy Tolsma is a dedicated estateplanning paralegal to Rep DeLoach whohas worn several different hats over thepast 12 years. “With a great sense of humorand excellent attention to detail, Tammyis always willing to go the extra mile forour clients,” exclaimed Rep. “Not a daygoes by that I am not happy to have her aspart of our team.” Please meet Tammy:What is your hometown?Hopkinsville, KY (interestingly, thecenter of the recent solar eclipse).What is your favorite movie? Why?I love movies so this is a hard one butI choose The Princess Bride. AnytimeI feel down or I get sick, this moviecheers me right up. I practically havethe entire movie memorized!What is your favorite book? Why?The Mists of Avalon by Marion ZimmerBradley. I have always been fascinatedby the legend of King Arthur. Thisparticular work of fiction is written fromthe perspective of the women, which isoften overlooked, and honestly, moreinteresting to me—for obvious reasons.Tammy Tolsma and Rep DeLoachWhere is your favorite destinationin the world? Why?I love to be in nature. I love the beach,mountains, and I have a fascination withtrees—old trees in particular. I find thatI feel peaceful anywhere on the planetwhere I can be in one of these settings.What do you like to do to relax?I love to watch sunsets! Something abouttoes in the sand and the sound of the waves.What skill or talent would you like tohave that you don’t have? Why?I would love to be able to play the ukulele. Ilove the relaxing sound of this instrument.What is something people wouldbe surprised to learn about you?That I used to play guitar and sing in a rockband called Backyard Dreams. We playedlocal bars and weddings from time to time.Do you have any pets?Yes, my sweet cats: Sadie (17) and Max (7).What values are important to you?I believe in treating people the wayyou want to be treated, which for meis with honesty and integrity. So, thatis what I try to put out in the world.hoping it will come back to me!

DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A.8640 Seminole BoulevardSeminole, Florida 33772dhclaw.com727-308-5441 888-397-5571#DHCkooziePhoto ContestShare your kooziepics by sending tosimone@dhclaw.com andyou could win a 50 giftcertificate to Target. We’ll postyour photo to our Facebookpage. The photo with the most“Likes” wins! We’ll announcethe winner on October 3. Ifyou have any questions, pleasecontact Simone DeLoachat 727-308-5441 or visitdhclaw.com/DHCkoozieto learn more.To update your address preferences, add friends or family to our mailing list, or to be removed,please call Simone DeLoach at 727-308-5441 or email her at simone@dhclaw.com.DHC Law ScholarshipsDo you know a high school senior at either Seminole or LargoHigh School who is aspiring to be an attorney? If so, they should applyfor the DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A. Law Scholarship through thePinellas Education Foundation. Attorney Rep DeLoach graduated fromSeminole High School in 1992 and attorney Joe Murphy graduated fromLargo High School in 2003. In honor of their local alma maters, thesetwo scholarships were created to provide financial support for a youngperson that has a desire to pursue a career in law. The deadline to applyis January 19, 2018. To learn more, visit dhclaw.com/scholarship.Attorney Joe Murphy at Largo High School withKristine Slayton, a Largo High School teacherand National Honor Society Co-Sponsor.Published for informational purposes only and no legal advice isintended. Each case is different and prospective clients may notobtain the same or similar results. You are invited to discuss yourlegal questions with any of our attorneys. 2017 by DeLoach,Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A. All rights reserved. No part of this newslettermay be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without writtenpermission of the author. Printed in the United States of America.

How to Qualify for MedicaidTuesday, September 5, 5:30 p.m. Income/Asset Rules Common Myths Crisis ManagementEstate Planning EssentialsTuesday, September 19, 5:30 p.m. Wills v. Trusts Advance Directives Asset ProtectionHow to Qualify for MedicaidTuesday, October 3, 5:30 p.m.(see September 5)Karen’s Old FashionedApple Upside Down CakeReal estate paralegal to Peter Hofstra,Karen Snyder, loves to bake—luckyus! This classic autumn recipe usessimple ingredients to create a deliciousdessert that everyone will love.Apple Layer 6apples peeled, cored and cutinto thick wedges cup butter cup light brown sugar 3 tbsp water 1 tsp ground cinnamonCake LayerEstate Planning EssentialsTuesday, October 17, 5:30 p.m.(see September 19)How to Qualify for MedicaidWednesday, November 1, 5:30 p.m.(see September 5)Our educational seminars arefree and open to the public so wewelcome all friends and family.All seminars are presented byattorney Rep DeLoach in theDeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A.Law Library. Seating is limitedso please RSVP to AshleighFisichella at 727-308-5441,ashleigh@dhclaw.com oronline at dhclaw.com. ½cup butter, softenedcup sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 cup milk ¾Apple Layer: Melt 1/3 cup butter ina non-stick pan. Add sugar, water andcinnamon. Cook over medium heat untilthe mixture gets foamy, add apples. Cookapples in the cinnamon/sugar syrup justuntil they begin to soften. Pour appleslices and syrup into prepared pan.Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350 .Grease a 9x9 baking dish or springformpan. In mixer, cream the softened butterand sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs(one at a time) beating well after each.Add vanilla. Sift together flour and bakingpowder. Add dry ingredients alternatelybeginning with the milk and ending withthe dry ingredients. Pour batter over theapples and then spread batter evenly. Bakefor 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpickinserted in center comes out clean.

DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A. 8640 Seminole Boulevard Seminole, Florida 33772 dhclaw.com 727-308-5441 888-397-5571 To update your address preferences, add friends or family to our mailing list, or to be removed, please call Simone DeLoach at 727-308-5441 or email her at simone@dhclaw.com. #DHCkoozie Photo Contest Share your koozie