Stellar 5 Legal

01/04/2026

For years I sat in the middle seat when I flew with my family because nobody else wanted to and isn’t that what moms do? I did it with colleagues and friends as well because early on I was the smallest person in the group and later in life it felt rude to insist when other people picked the better seats for themselves.

In 2025 I traveled alone a lot. I tried all the seats, took up my space, and I really liked it!

While I accomplished ZERO of my new year resolutions last year, the clarity and reward that came from trying (and building a foundation) has been more impactful than checking off a specific weight loss goal or reading exactly 25 books.

In 2026 I have no hard and fast resolutions.

Instead I have a commitment to myself to take the window seat, pick traveling companions who share my values, enjoy the view, and know that I don’t control the delays or the ETA, just how I respond to the bumps along the way.

Wishing you all a year of people and opportunities you are in alignment with, momentum in your personal and professional lives, and peace of mind in all you do.

Wheels up!

11/26/2025

When the girls were little I would threaten to get shirts made for them that said “Gratitude is My Attitude” because that’s learned behavior.

Our instincts are to dwell on what went wrong, where we fell short, what we’ve lost. While there is certainly a time and place for that reflection, it isn’t today.

Today I am grateful for the pressure that propels us to innovate

Today I am grateful for the loved ones we had in our lives for not nearly long enough. You will always be here in a million ways big and small.

Today I am grateful for recovery after an illness. I’m official back to full strength after six weeks today. I’ve never been happier to lift weights!

Today I am grateful for the family, friends and colleagues who are so generous, loyal, and compassionate that we no longer accept anything less.

So many of you have shown me by not just your words, but your actions, who I can be and I am eternally grateful to you and for you.

Today I am most grateful for one more Thanksgiving with the ones that mean the most to me.

My true partner in life, work and everything else, our beautiful daughters who don’t need those t-shirts anymore, their humility and gratitude for all that life has given them makes me prouder than any of their considerable accomplishments, and our son who forces me to slow down and reminds us daily of what real resilience looks like.

Wishing you and yours a blessed, restful holiday weekend.

11/11/2025

"Thank you for your service" doesn't really seem like enough does it?

On this Veteran's Day, I'm so proud to introduce you all to Ben Weakly, Director of Development for .

Our conversation explores the intersections of philanthropy, creativity, and community support.

Ben shares his journey from being an Army officer to discovering poetry as a means of healing and expression as well as the impact of funding cuts on nonprofit organizations like Mission Belonging.

We also touch on the nuances of charitable giving, tax implications, OBBBA, and the significance of legacy giving, emphasizing the personal connections that drive philanthropic efforts.

Finally, Ben highlights upcoming initiatives and research at Mission Belonging, showcasing the organization's commitment to reducing loneliness and improving mental health outcomes through community engagement.

Here's the link to the episode!

https://youtu.be/TtvSYSJkikU?si=GzrEMPM0H6x1T5xD

11/09/2025

“I feel like my wife is still with me because her instructions were so clear.”

My client’s simple statement took my breath away.

When we have our Saturday morning walk and breakfast meeting, my husband and I try to cover a lot of the topics that get missed during the week. We never have enough time to cover it all. While communication is great, a formal “love letter” or estate plan, is better.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get this done so you can focus on your avocado toast and college football rankings✌️✌️

09/23/2025

Talking about estate planning in a social context definitely feels awkward.

You feel like a modern-day Cassandra, fated to see the future but not be believed until it’s too late.

Until recently, that awkwardness stopped me from bringing up things that seemed so clear to me, but not to others.

A recent spate of loss in my own life changed my perspective. I wish I had shared a few things:

• The added complexity (and cost) when you don’t have a Will, not even a simple one;

• The benefits of a revocable trust, yes for the avoidance of probate but also for streamlining the process for your loved ones;

• The importance of updating beneficiary designations;

• You can maintain your privacy during life AND make sure your loved ones have the information they need after you are no longer here, it’s not all or nothing;

• Use LastPass, legacy contacts on your devices, or some other method for your executor to access information that they need;

• If you have specific desires for burial rites, pallbearers, or even readings, you can and should write these down.

As hard as it is for you to think about this now, imagine your loved ones having to do this in the crush of grief.

Things I see every day that I probably still won’t tell you if you don’t ask me:

• Your convenience account that’s really a joint account is probably going to be the source of a lot of pain and division among your children;

• Your relatives abroad are not going to distribute the real estate you inherited from your parents to your U.S. citizen children and they aren’t going to share the proceeds of sale with them either;

• Your business isn’t going to continue after your death unless you actively plan for it;

• Not making a plan, it does not mean that the worst will not happen.

Planning for the worst absolutely does not make it happen.

It means is that you have done everything in your power to protect your loved ones. The real value is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they are going to be ok.

What we do as estate planning and administration attorneys gives people comfort, strength, and empowerment during a difficult time. It is our last gift.

Why wouldn't I share that?

09/23/2025

Like a good love letter, a thoughtful estate plan puts your loved ones first. It speaks clearly when you cannot, and it is a deliberate act of love.

Doing it yourself may not get you the desired result, however. We can help with that.

Our plans are designed to be as unique as your situation so that your goals are met. Your voice, our legal skills.

And once you have taken this important step to protect your family and legacy, you'll have the peace of mind to NOT keep thinking about this. That's the real goal!

For more information, reach out to us here:

https://www.stellar5legal.com/contact

09/08/2025

Can I donate to a nonprofit and have them pass the funds off to an individual I'd like to help? Probably not. And here's why.

Real questions are the best source of inspiration. If you’re wondering about this, other people are too!

09/02/2025

08/22/2025

08/19/2025

06/19/2025

That’s a wrap for our first Healthcare Business Accelerator in partnership with .first and but it’s just the beginning for our healthcare roundtable