(Gaithersburg, MD) Delray, FL May 27, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “The Many Rewards Of Helping Others,” in which Ms. Felinton highlights the story of one client-turned-friend.

Mindy Felinton

Felinton writes, “The work I do as an elder care attorney is endlessly rewarding.” She continues adding, “I meet people all the time who come to my offices overwhelmed and confused – no, let me tell it like it is – they usually come to me feeling devastated. Many are dealing with severe illness of a spouse, the possible loss of their homes and no way of knowing how to manage the long-term health care needs of their loved ones.”

“Such was the case when Betty Strubel came to my office,” says Felinton. She goes on saying, “As very often happens, she was referred to me by the doctor treating her husband who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.”

As Felinton shares, “Betty was afraid she might have to lose her home and other assets in order to pay for her husband’s long-term care She had no idea how to access Medicaid nor did she know how to protect her existing assets.” Felinton adds, “Betty is like so many who come to me and, being able to help them untangle the fear and help them see that they will be able to keep their homes and pay for the care of their loved ones is so satisfying.”

Felinton continues, “My 30 years of experience helping people in similar situations means that I have the knowledge to help clients avoid the financial ruin associated with the high cost of long-term care.” She goes on to elaborate, “And, while in the past, Medicaid eligibility as regards long-term care was not difficult, there has been a steady drift towards more complex and restrictive rules. It is no longer as easy as reviewing one’s bank statements. There are a myriad of regulations involving look-back periods, resource limits, transfer penalties and waiting periods requiring extensive planning. I understand the process and the issues surrounding Medicaid eligibility and help my clients by implementing the planning and application process.”

According to Felinton, “Betty was so appreciative that I was able to unburden her and take these tasks off her plate. The sense of relief she felt was gratifying especially as she began to see light at the end of a previously very confusing tunnel.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/the-many-rewards-of-helping-others/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives.   She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others.  As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse.  As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available. She made a decision to focus her practice on Elder Law, Medicaid, Veterans’ benefits, and Estate Planning.  Thus she is able to guide her clients through those difficult and sometimes overwhelming processes.

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(Gaithersburg, MD) Delray, FL May 02, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “How Many Of The 41,155 People Who Died In The U.S. Of COVID19 Were Prepared.” Ms. Felinton’s best guess is that not many of those who died had their affairs in order. 

Mindy Felinton

Felinton writes, “While many of the 41,155 people who have died to date in the U.S. from COVID19 since early March were elderly, many of them were not.” She goes on to add, “How many of those dearly departed souls were prepared to take leave of this life, I cannot say. But, I’m willing to guess that many of them did not have wills, estate plans or any legal plans in place.” “As a result,” Felinton says, “once this pandemic dies down and the surviving loved ones are able to start sorting things out, they are more than likely going to be faced with a legal mess to untangle.”

“While life as we know it is disrupted, we don’t know exactly when we will be able to move about without being aware of social distancing again,” Felinton writes. She continues, “Until that time, caution is key. Even though you may be getting “cabin fever” or going “stir crazy” it’s better than the alternative. And while everyone is proposing all kinds of activities from learning how to play musical instruments or to speak a new language, I’d be more inclined to suggest taking steps to get legal plans filed.”

According to Felinton, “Having legal plans in place if you have minor children is integral. If you should get the virus and not recover do you know who will tend to your minor children’s needs? If you are a single parent, who will take care of your minor children? These are important decisions that must be made and it’s best to make them while you are healthy and of sound mind.”

Felinton writes, “This is also a time to focus on your elderly parents and loved ones. It’s a good time to suggest a review of their legal plans and to find out if they have designated a Financial Power of Attorney or a Health Care Power of Attorney. Many people who believe they don’t have much stuff or money, think they don’t need any legal planss. But most people have more things of value than they know.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/how-many-of-the-41155-people-whove-died-in-the-u-s-of-covid19-were-prepared/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives.   She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others.  As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse.  As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available. She made a decision to focus her practice on Elder Law, Medicaid, Veterans’ benefits, and Estate Planning.  Thus she is able to guide her clients through those difficult and sometimes overwhelming processes.

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It Will End But No One Knows When

While life as we know it is disrupted, we don’t know exactly when we will be able to move about without being aware of social distancing again. Until that time, caution is key. Even though you may be getting “cabin fever” or going “stir crazy” it’s better than the alternative. And while everyone is proposing all kinds of activities from learning how to play musical instruments or to speak a new language, I’d be more inclined to suggest taking steps to get legal plans filed.

Minor Children

Having legal plans in place if you have minor children is integral. If you should get the virus and not recover do you know who will tend to your minor children’s needs? If you are a single parent, who will take care of your minor children? These are important decisions that must be made and it’s best to make them while you are healthy and of sound mind.

Elderly Parents

This is also a time to focus on your elderly parents and loved ones. It’s a good time to suggest a review of their legal plans and to find out if they have designated a Financial Power of Attorney or a Health Care Power of Attorney. Many people who believe they don’t have much stuff or money, think they don’t need any legal plans. But most people have more things of value than they know. This is a time when unscrupulous family members could come out of the woodwork and start to take advantage of elderly relatives. It’s important to have legal plans in place to protect yourself or your elderly loved ones.

Health Care Workers And Grocery Store Workers

Are you a healthcare professional? You may be just starting out in your career and haven’t had a chance to think about your own mortality. But, the pandemic has changed that for so many healthcare workers. There has been an upsurge in online wills, however, you must understand that online wills may not provide the legal directives you need. It’s best to make a quick call to a reputable estate and asset protection attorney and/or an elder care attorney.

And what about those brave supermarket employees. The managers, the cashiers, the shelf stockers, everyone who works in a grocery store is putting their lives at risk during this pandemic. If you know someone who works in a supermarket and is over 18, you might want to check with them and encourage them to get some legal plans in place. As mentioned above, this is especially important for anyone who has minor children.

Don’t Take Chances

None of us knows if we will become a statistic during this global pandemic. While there is so little in our control right now, it may provide a sense of relief and security knowing that your loved ones’ needs are legally defined in the event anything should happen. We are helping clients get their legal plans drawn up via digital meetings. Give us a call and let us help you establish at least a small sense of peace.

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(Gaithersburg, MD) Delray, FL April 30, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “The COVID19 Death Toll Rises Among The Young.” Ms. Felinton shares information out of Mt. Sinai Hospital about strokes associated with COVID 19 killing younger adults.

Mindy Felinton

Felinton writes, “The devastating loss of life around the world due to COVID19 is unfathomable.” She continues, “In the U.S., to date there have been close to 1 million confirmed cases of COVID19. While the majority of those people have recovered, more than 54,000 people have died so far.”

“I can’t imagine the sadness and grief the loved ones are experiencing now,” Felinton says. She adds, “They cannot have a funeral or any kind of service to honor the lives of the dearly departed. The age of those who have lost their lives to this devastating virus range from a 6-week old infant to those in their 90s.”

“While it was initially thought that only older adults were susceptible,” Felinton writes adding, “that has been totally dismissed as younger, healthier people are being felled by this virus. In a WashingtonPost.com article about the number of strokes associated with COVID19, as seen at Mt. Sinai hospital  it was stated, “In a letter to be published in the New England Journal of Medicine next week, the Mount Sinai team details five case studies of young patients who had strokes at home from March 23 to April 7…The victims’ ages are 33, 37, 39 44 and 49, and they were all home when they began to experience sudden symptoms, including slurred speech, confusion, drooping on one side of the face and a dead feeling in one arm. One died, two are still hospitalized, one was released to rehabilitation, and one was released home to the care of his brother. Only one of the five, a 33-year-old woman, is able to speak.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/04/24/strokes-coronavirus-young-patients/?outputType=amp&fbclid=IwAR2qW2S6JEC0uwzQMfh5QhyU9pt5oAglZ0yVIQj38snf8tJ6RIwYlM5A8lw

According to Felinton, “Many of the younger adults suffering stroke symptoms are not going to the hospitals which are already overburdened. However, now that it’s clear that stroke symptoms are related to COVID19, it’s important to get to a hospital right away. According to the Mt. Sinai team as reported in the Washington Post article, “The most important thing for people to understand is that large strokes are very treatable.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/the-covid19-death-toll-rises-among-the-young/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives.   She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others.  As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse.  As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available. She made a decision to focus her practice on Elder Law, Medicaid, Veterans’ benefits, and Estate Planning.  Thus she is able to guide her clients through those difficult and sometimes overwhelming processes.

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(Gaithersburg, MD) Delray, FL April 29, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new blog on her law firm’s website entitled “Make Sure Your Will Is Legally Binding And Meets Your Specific State Requirements.” Ms. Felinton understands the frenzy leading to the desire to get a will and wants to help people make sure their wills are going to be legally binding in their state.

Felinton writes, “Unlike anything that we’ve seen in our lifetimes, the COVID19 pandemic is causing people of every age to suddenly realize their mortality. As a result,” she adds, “there has been a steep increase in the immediate demand for wills as well as estate plans.”

As Felinton points out, “Initially it was thought that only people over 50 and in particular those with pre-existing health issues were susceptible to intense symptoms and death. However, as the virus has been spreading there have been new discoveries.” She emphasizes, “One of the most revealing is that it seems to be causing strokes in younger, seemingly healthy adults.”

Felinton acknowledges, “Following the established protocols and taking great caution when you have to go out for food and other supplies along with self-quarantining is integral,” and she adds, “yet there are no guarantees. Getting your desires down in a legally-binding will and/or estate plan is without question, more important than ever.”

The entire blog can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/make-sure-your-will-is-legally-binding-and-meets-your-specific-state-requirements/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives.   She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others.  As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse.  As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available. She made a decision to focus her practice on Elder Law, Medicaid, Veterans’ benefits, and Estate Planning.  Thus she is able to guide her clients through those difficult and sometimes overwhelming processes.

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Initially it was thought that only people over 50 and in particular those with pre-existing health issues were susceptible to intense symptoms and death. However, as the virus has been spreading there have been new discoveries. One of the most revealing is that it seems to be causing strokes in younger, seemingly healthy adults.

The important point is that no one of any age is immune to this virus. I’ve read about young children who have died from this virus as well as hale and hearty men under the age of 40. According to CNN, “The new coronavirus appears to be causing sudden strokes in adults in their 30s and 40s who are not otherwise terribly ill.” https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/22/health/strokes-coronavirus-young-adults/index.html

Following the established protocols and taking great caution when you have to go out for food and other supplies along with self-quarantining is integral, yet there are no guarantees. Getting your desires down in a legally-binding will and/or estate plan is without question, more important than ever.

My firm is available to create wills, estate plans and trusts that are legally-binding and state specific. There may be online forms, however, if your online will is not what your state requires, then you won’t have documents that will hold up in court. Every state has separate requirements. Give us a call. Of course we all hope for the very best. And in the best of circumstances, having a will in place is always a good idea.

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Rockville, MD. April 24, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new blog on her law firm’s website entitled “A Greater Need For Getting Legal Documents Created And Filed.” Ms. Felinton recognizes there are more unknown factors than there are known.

As Felinton writes, “With COVID-19 spreading like wildfire around the globe and throughout the U.S. and striking down people of every age, there has never been a greater reminder of how important it is to get your affairs in order as soon as possible.” She emphasizes, “You simply never know what will happen.”

“Getting important legal documents in order during this historic pandemic,” says Felinton, “can provide peace of mind when any sense of peace is in short supply.” She continues adding, “The greatest sense of peace will come when this is all behind us and you will have accomplished the goal that you had been putting off. “

As Felinton points out, “No one knows how long shelter-in-place orders will be in effect. No one knows if they have the COVID-19 virus until they start having symptoms.” She goes on to say, “There are so many more things we don’t know about this virus than we do know. We do know that getting it doesn’t mean a death sentence in every circumstance. In fact far more people have survived it than have died. But that is little comfort when you consider the numbers.”

The entire blog can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/a-greater-need-for-getting-legal-documents-created-and-filed/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives. She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others. As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse. As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available.

Mindy assists families with Medicaid planning to help with the cost of nursing home care and with obtaining veteran’s benefits to make the cost of care more manageable.   She also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives.  Mindy is passionate about educating both other professionals and the public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits, Medicaid benefits,  and the use of trusts for the protection of assets.  She shares her experience and professional knowledge through free workshops, and as a frequent lecturer at State Bar Conferences.

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Rockville, MD., April 17, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “Definitely Not Business As Usual.” Ms. Felinton encourages practical and safe behaviors.

“Business as usual,”  Felinton writes, “is a saying that is quickly going by the wayside.” She continues, “It seems as though all the technological inventions and advancements have been preparing the world for this moment. Social media and online meeting tools make it possible for us to exercise ‘social distancing’ yet still see each other.”

As Felinton points out, “These tools are so important to businesses as well. My law firm is using digital meeting spaces on a daily basis. And, it seems as though until we flatten the curve of this virus, we will be using these tools for the foreseeable future.”

Felinton states, “My understanding is that we have passed the window of opportunity for containing COVID-19. We are now in what is being referred to as the ‘mitigation phase, which is defined as “the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.” This is why we are all being asked to stay put.”

She writes, “Those of us who can do our work from home are fortunate.” Felinton goes on to add, “There are many people who simply cannot. Their work depends on them being on location and interacting with people. That activity is being phased out and stopped except in the most necessary circumstances. Supermarkets must keep their doors open so we can have access to food. Doctors must still tend to people who are giving birth and having heart attacks and other illnesses besides COVID-19.” “But,” as Felinton reiterates, “for those who are healthy, staying home is the best way to stay healthy.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/definitely-not-business-as-usual/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives. She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others. As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse. As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available.

Mindy assists families with Medicaid planning to help with the cost of nursing home care and with obtaining veteran’s benefits to make the cost of care more manageable.   She also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives.  Mindy is passionate about educating both other professionals and the public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits, Medicaid benefits,  and the use of trusts for the protection of assets.  She shares her experience and professional knowledge through free workshops, and as a frequent lecturer at State Bar Conferences.

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Delray Beach, FL. April 8, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new blog on her law firm’s website entitled “Talk About A Spring Break.” Ms. Felinton encourages readers to get out into the nicer weather when and if they can.

Felinton exclaims quizzically, “Well, who on earth could have told us that the whole world would be going on Spring break this year?” She continues, “College kids aren’t the only ones, though it looks like they’ll be getting a break that may last all the way until the fall season. Just about every person of every age – with the exception of the extraordinary medical professionals working around the clock, grocery store employees and other service providers who cannot work from home – is being forced to take a break!”

“Without question we are experiencing unprecedented times,” Felinton says. She goes on to say, “It seems like Mother Earth decided to take a recess! What else could make the whole world stop? Certainly not anything less than a deadly virus.” As she points out, “Everyone is forced to stop and take notice. No human intervention can stop it. The only thing that seems to work is to stay away from others, so the virus has no one to spread to.”

“So, please,” writes Felinton, “keep yourself and your loved ones safe. That means following the directives of national and local authorities.” “In most places throughout the country,” she says, “that means staying home except for going out for food and/or medical supplies and/or going to the doctor and taking care of legal business that requires immediate attention.”

The entire blog can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/talk-about-a-spring-break/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives. She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others. As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse. As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available.

Mindy assists families with Medicaid planning to help with the cost of nursing home care and with obtaining veteran’s benefits to make the cost of care more manageable.   She also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives.  Mindy is passionate about educating both other professionals and the public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits, Medicaid benefits,  and the use of trusts for the protection of assets.  She shares her experience and professional knowledge through free workshops, and as a frequent lecturer at State Bar Conferences.

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Delray Beach, FL., April 2, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “We Didn’t See This Coming,” in which Ms. Felinton encourages those who do not have their end of life wishes legally documented to take action now.

Felinton states, “If anyone saw this global pandemic coming and didn’t alert the troops, well, shame on them!” She continues, “Things are changing on a daily basis. While the world is adjusting to previously unheard-of restrictions, everyone is trying to make sense of how to behave in the face of this invisible terrorist.”

As Felinton points out, “The mortality rate is high for people 60+ and, it’s even a greater threat if your health is already compromised.” She further adds, “So, whether you are in this highly vulnerable group or not, if you’ve been inspired into taking action to getting all of your affairs in order during whatever down time you may be experiencing, I can’t say that’s a bad thing. In fact, it seems like a great motivator to get something important accomplished.”

According to Felinton, “If you have even the slightest thought that you would like to get your end of life wishes down in writing so that your loved ones will know how to proceed in the event of your death, be it timely or untimely, do not procrastinate a moment longer.” She affirms, “If you don’t have legal directives, your loved ones are the ones who will suffer.”

“This is a great time to establish an estate and asset protection plan,” says Felinton, adding, “Given that we are not sure how this is going to play out, with the volatility of the stock market and the rapid spread of the coronavirus taking positive action in at least one direction might be just the distraction you need.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/we-didnt-see-this-coming/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives. She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others. As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse. As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available.

Mindy assists families with Medicaid planning to help with the cost of nursing home care and with obtaining veteran’s benefits to make the cost of care more manageable.   She also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives.  Mindy is passionate about educating both other professionals and the public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits, Medicaid benefits,  and the use of trusts for the protection of assets.  She shares her experience and professional knowledge through free workshops, and as a frequent lecturer at State Bar Conferences.

The post Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers Founder, Mindy Felinton Talks About How Everyone Got Blindsided By The Pandemic But That Positive Action Could Be A Great Distraction appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.