Page 11 - HH_10_25

Legal Briefs“I Don’t Need a Will Because My Daughter Is Going to Split Everything.”OBy Kathleen Cassidy Goodman, PLLCne of the most common statements I hear in my office is, “My daughter knows how I wantthings distributed, and she is on all my accounts, so I don’t need a Will.” Similarly, parents with multiple children mistakenly believe that if they designate one child as the sole beneficiary on a bank account or life insurance policy, they will eliminate the need for a Will. This is a big mistake.People use this method and think that the child they have listed on the bank account will use the proceeds to pay for funeral and other final expenses. Then the distribute is directed to distribute the remaining balance equally among the other children. While you may trust your adult child to do the right thing, your child may not follow your desires for various reasons. Your empty threat that you “will come back and haunt them” may not be sufficiently frightening.The child you have named as your beneficiary is under NO legal obligation to use this money in the manner in which you had intended. There are a variety of reasons and justifications to not follow your instructions. Normally, it is not that he or she just gets greedy, keeps the money, and walks away without distributing any of the money to the siblings. Instead, the person’s spouse may intimidate them into keepingTipping - continued from page 105. Emotional Labor. Did they maintain empathy, positivity, and professionalism— even during busy or stressful periods? Graceful Strategies to Push BackIf you are tipping fatigued, there are polite ways to send a message without awkwardness:1. Express appreciation, then state your policy:“Thank you for the service—I’ve decided to tip only for full-service scenarios today.”2. Point out existing fees:“I see the service charge is already included, so I’ll skip the extra tip.”3. Be honest about budget:“I’m on a tight budget this week, but I really appreciate what you’ve done.”4. Offer constructive feedback:“The experience fell short expectations—if things improve, I’d be happy to tip next time.”5. Redirect praise:Leave a brief, handwritten note or an email to management highlighting what went well, so workers still get recognition even without monetary tips.Beyond the TransactionTo help restore tipping as a genuine token of appreciation rather than an obligatory line item, combine your personal criteria with collective action: Write publicOctober 11th, 2025 18207 Lake Shore Grey Forest, TX 78203 s11 am - 4 pmTreasures & TrinketsArt Supplies, Antiques, AccessoriesLot with 800 sq ft Art Studio (Best Offer)K Construction“For All Your Home Exterior Needs” 25+ Years of Customer ServicesGREY FOREST ESTATE SALE• Patio Covers• Decks• Custom Fencing • Fence Stain &Restoration• Painting• Fascia & Siding• Garage Remodeling • Room Additions• Steel Buildings• Windows & Doors • Insulation• Kitchen & Bathroom RemodelingWe Offer:Licensed & InsuredRoger Kretz Watch Me(210) 441-8441rogerkretz@yahoo.comOnEverything Must Go!What’s Its Current Value?• Insurance Appraisals• Appraised While You Wait & Watch • Fair Market Appraisals• Estate Appraisals• Over 35 Years of Jewelry ExperienceSchedule An Appointment!12274 Bandera Road, Ste. 236www.sanantoniojewelryappraisers.com210-316-8758of mythe money by saying, “If your parent wanted your siblings to have anything, they would have left it to them. They wanted you to have it.”Additionally, your designated beneficiary may feel justified in withholding your funds from their siblings. For instance, the designated child may be the person who cares for you, takes you to all your doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and checks in with you on a daily basis. His or her siblings may fail to send you a card or call you on your birthday, and never stop by to see you. In this case, he or she may feel justified in keeping their sibling’s share.This method may work to distribute your cash at your death, but if you don’t have a Will you still need to consider the other issues. How will your other assets be transferred? You need to consider transferring the house, any other real property, mineral interests, personal property, the car, the furniture, and jewelry.Kathleen Cassidy Goodman is an attorney in areas of estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and business law. She can be reached at her office in Helotes at (210) 949-1000 or for more information, visit www.bexarlaw.comreviews that highlight exceptional service. Support businesses that pay living wages and do not rely on tips to cover labor costs. Encourage payment-platform providers to offer a no-tip default or low-tip presets. By tipping only when service truly deserves it—and advocating for fair wage models— you realign tipping with its original purpose- --rewarding excellence.Ramsey suggests a clear line between authentic generosity and socially pressured giving. He believes tipping should come from a place of gratitude for genuine service— not from guilt. He criticizes the now-common practice where a fast-food cashier flips a screen toward the customer, prompting a tip before any real service is provided. He calls it a “manipulation” and “nickel-and-diming you to death.” His response? “You can flip that screen at me all you want. I’m not tipping.”October 2025www.heloteshighlights.com 11RegisteredGemologist Appraiser