Page 7 - Martin Downs Bulletin - November '19

Martin Downs, Page 7

LegaL taLK

The Word ‘Trust’ Brings to determine if a trust is “right” for them. (usually subject to restrictions), while simultaneously ensuring
When we meet with our clients, we often hear some
that the surviving spouse cannot direct that these assets pass
Several Images To Mind version of the following: “I’m not wealthy – why would I to their children upon his or her death at the expense of the
need a trust?” deceased spouse’s children. In this way, a trust can be used to
By Ryan C. Abernethy, This presumes that a “level of wealth” must be reached provide insurance that a client’s spouse and their children are
Associate Attorney and before this type of planning is appropriate. both provided for upon their death.
Counselor at Law On the contrary, one shouldn’t look at wealth solely in Trust planning is important when a client’s child isn’t mature
One is the “trust fund terms of “dollars and cents”; for estate planning purposes, enough to manage an inheritance should that client pass away
kid” stereotype portrayed in an individual should see his or her wealth – whatever the in the immediate future, or if a client wishes to have a child’s
movies or TV. level – as a legacy. inheritance pass to them in way that protects that inheritance from
Another is seeing We encourage clients to implement an estate plan that that child’s potential “creditors and predators” (for example, a
words like “revocable” ensures that their legacy passes to their heirs and beneficiaries creditor resulting from a car accident or debts from an ex-spouse).
or “irrevocable” while in a “smart way” – a time- and cost-efficient way that offers Trusts also serve as a means to avoid opening a probate
doing research or hearing protection from life’s “bumps in the road.” proceeding upon an individual’s death.
discussions involving Trust planning is critically important for “blended families” These are a few examples of instances in which trust planning
probate avoidance. when one or both spouses have children from prior relationships. is advantageous. Because individual goals vary, you should
Since a huge amount of information exists on this subject Here, a typical goal is to allow a surviving spouse the ability to discuss your personal estate planning goals and needs with a
(not all of it relevant), many people feel confused when trying use the deceased spouse’s assets upon that first spouse’s death qualified trust attorney to determine how this type of planning
may benefit you.

KiDs Corner

Could It Be Dyslexia?

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D.,
Licensed School
Psychologist
Dyslexia is a type of
reading learning disability
that affects one out of five
children. Julie brought her
7-year-old son in because
her instinct told her he was
behind in reading. The
classroom teacher told her he
was doing OK and there were
worse off students in her class. Julie did not want to settle
for OK and knew that her son’s struggles were real. While
he enjoyed when she read to him, he resisted, read slowly,
and became squirmy when it was his turn to read. The testing
showed he met the dyslexia criteria and she felt relieved to
have confirmation about what her motherly instinct told her.
She hired a specialized reading tutor and now her son is on
his way to overcoming his dyslexia.
Dyslexia is more than reversing letters and numbers.
The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia as,
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological
in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate
and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and
decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from
a deficit in the phonological component of language that
is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities
and the provision of effective classroom instruction.
Secondary consequences may include problems in reading
comprehension and reduced reading experience that can
impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
This means to test for dyslexia your child’s testing must
include a test of phonological processing. There is not one
definitive dyslexia test so your child needs to take a battery
of tests which includes reading real and made-up words,
reading speed, reading comprehension, spelling real and
made-up words, and many others.
Consider dyslexia testing if you believe your child has
Call Now for Your three or more warning signs. The younger your child is
AC TUNE-UP when you confirm dyslexia and start specialized reading
instruction, the better the outcome. We have offices in
Jupiter and Stuart so call us at (561) 625-4125 or visit
JimForgan.com.

Nov. 27

Dec. 2

673 SW Carter Avenue, Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34983 Dec. 3
www.millerscentralair.com

See answer in this paper.