CNJ+ October 2024

The Unexpected Legacy of Al Capone: THE ORIGINS OF MILK EXPIRATION DATES By Nazli Mohideen In a twist that melds crime with public health, it is known that notori ous gangster Al Capone inadvertently influenced the way milk is sold to day. Known for his reign over Chicago’s criminal underworld during the Prohibition era, Capone’s legacy extends beyond his illicit activities to an unexpected contribution to modern consumer safe ty: the introduction of expiration dates on milk bottles. During the 1920s, Capone’s bootlegging operations were a significant fac tor in shaping various aspects of American life. Among his many criminal enterprises, Capone’s distribution of illegal alcohol led to unforeseen con sequences for the dairy industry. With the advent of Prohibition, Capone’s empire seized upon every opportunity to expand its illicit reach, including the realm of food distribution. As part of his criminal enterprise, Capone’s network involved itself in the distribution of dairy products, which were often handled in unsanitary con ditions. The gang’s control over these operations led to a series of health scandals involving spoiled and contaminated milk, which became a signif icant public health issue. The media coverage and public outcry over these milk-related incidents heightened awareness of the need for stricter food safety measures. After his niece became extremely ill from bad milk, the powerful gangster lobbied aggressively for expiration dates to be put on milk for the safety of children and pregnant women. In response to these health crises, public pressure mounted for improved regulation in food safety. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, dairy producers and regulators began to implement standards for milk handling and fresh ness. One of the key developments was the introduction of expiration dates on milk bottles, designed to ensure consumers were informed about the freshness of their dairy products and to prevent health risks associated with spoiled milk. Today, expiration dates on milk bottles are a standard feature, reflecting the ongoing commitment to consumer safety that arose from this dark chap ter in American history. While Capone’s criminal activities are well-docu mented, his indirect role in shaping food safety regulations demonstrates an unexpected facet of his influence on American society. As we reflect on Capone’s impact, it’s a reminder that history often inter twines with unexpected elements, sometimes in ways that contribute to the common good. The next time you check the date on your milk, remember that even the darkest figures of the past can leave behind legacies that serve to protect and benefit society.

When a Simple Will Really Isn’t Simple: The Dangers of DIY Estate Planning

Sometimes, something that looks simple or easy at first glance, can turn out to be quite complicated and much, much more difficult. Estate planning is one such thing. Search online, and you’ll find tons of online do-it-yourself estate planning services. On social media, you’re probably seeing ads for products such as Will & Trust, Legal Zoom, or Suze Orman’s estate planning kit. Such forms are typically inexpensive. Simple Wills, for example, are often priced under $100, and you can complete and print them out in a matter of minutes. There are hidden complications in do-it-yourself estate planning that will make things a lot LESS simple, for you, and for those you love. (Just read a few of the comments on a recent ad, pictured here!) This is one case in which something is not better than nothing, and here’s why: A False Sense of Security Creating a DIY Will online may lead you to believe that you no longer have to worry about estate planning. After all, you got it done, right?

Wills and increasingly non-traditional families, tens of thousands of families (and millions more to come) have learned the hard way that trying to handle estate planning alone cannot only fail to fulfill this purpose, but it can also make the court cases and conflicts far worse and more expensive. The Hidden Dangers of DIY Wills From the specific state you live in and the wording of the document, to the required formalities for how it must be signed and witnessed, there are numerous potential dangers involved with DIY Wills and other estate planning documents. Estate planning is most definitely not a one-size-fits-all deal. Even if you think you have a simple situation, if you have children, that’s almost never the case. The following scenarios are just a few of the most common complications that can result from attempting to go it alone with a DIY Will: • Improper execution: For a Will to be valid, it must be executed (i.e. signed and witnessed or notarized) following strict legal procedures. • Court challenges: Before the assets covered in a Will can be transferred to your heirs, the Will must go through the court process called probate. During probate, creditors, heirs, and other interested parties have the opportunity to contest your Will or make claims against your estate. Though Wills created with an attorney’s guidance can also be contested, DIY Wills are not only far more likely to be challenged, but the chances of those challenges being successful are much greater than if you have an attorney drafted Will. • Thinking a Will is enough: It is almost never the case that a Will alone is sufficient to handle all of your legal affairs. In the event of your incapacity, you would also need a health care directive and/ or a Living Will, plus a durable financial power of attorney. In the event of your death, a Will does nothing to keep your loved ones out of court. And if you have minor children, having “just a Will” could leave your kids’ at risk of being taken out of your home and into the care of strangers. Even if only temporarily, this can be a traumatic experience for your child. In many ways, DIY planning is the worst choice you can make for the people you love because you think you’ve got it covered when you most certainly do not. If you’ve yet to do any estate planning at all, have DIY documents you aren’t sure about, or if you have a plan created with another lawyer’s help but it hasn’t been updated or reviewed in more than a few years, you should meet with an experienced Estate Planning attorney. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your family will be kept out of court and out of conflict if something should happen to you. Contact us today to learn more.

Except that you didn’t. Because you’re not a legal expert, you understandably thought you “got it done” because you went online, printed a form, and had it notarized. But, you didn’t investigate what would actually happen with that document in place in the event of your incapacity or when you die. Unfortunately, in the end, what seemed like a bargain could end up costing your family more money and heartache than if you’d never gotten Unfortunately, because many people don’t understand that estate planning entails much more than just filling out legal forms, they end up making serious mistakes with DIY plans. Worst of all, these mistakes are only discovered when you become incapacitated or die, and it’s too late. Then it’s not bad for you, it’s bad for everyone else in your life. The primary purpose of Wills and other estate planning tools is to keep your family out of court and out of conflict in the event of your death or incapacity. With the growing popularity of DIY around to doing anything at all. It’s Not Just About Filling Forms

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CNJ+ | FORMERLY THE MILLSTONE TIMES

OCTOBER 2024