(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.

###

The post Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers Founder, Mindy Felinton Shares One Real Life Story That Illustrates How She Helps Clients Avoid Financial Ruin.   appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

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.

The post How Many Of The 41,155 People Who’ve Died In The U.S. Of COVID19 Were Prepared appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

(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.

###

The post Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers Founder, Mindy Felinton Talks About The Importance Of Having Legally Binding Wills That Will Hold Up In Court. appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

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.

The post Make Sure Your Will Is Legally Binding And Meets Your Specific State Requirements appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

(Gaithersburg, MD) Delray, FL April 25, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new blog on her law firm’s website entitled “The Difference Between Retirement Planning And Estate Planning.” Ms. Felinton explains that both are necessary.

Mindy Felinton

Felinton writes, “Most people understand the concept of retirement planning as it relates to the money you’ll have to live on after you reach a certain age and leave the work force. However,” she adds, “many more people are unaware of the importance of estate planning and fail to plan. Estate planning is about how you will be cared for in the event that you become incapacitated and how your estate will be handled when you die.” She continues, “When most people hear the term “estate plan” they think this is only for the very wealthy. Not so.”

According to Felinton, “Anyone who has worked throughout their life and has been funding a 401k plan, owns a home and other assets needs to have an estate plan. In fact, retirement planning should include a comprehensive estate plan.”

“In my experience as an Estate Planning & Asset Protection attorney,” says Felinton, “the biggest mistake I see people make over and over again is not taking advantage of the asset of time. Many people mistakenly believe they’ll have plenty of time for retirement planning once they buy a home, put children through college.” She goes on to point out how that line of reasoning leads to chronic procrastination.

The entire blog can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/the-difference-between-retirement-planning-and-estate-planning/ 

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.

###

The post Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers Founder, Mindy Felinton Explains Difference Between Retirement Plan And Estate Plan. appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Delray Beach, FL  November 7, 2019: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “Statistics Prove The Need To Plan For Long-Term Care.” Ms. Felinton encourages readers to take the statistics she offers to heart.

“Truth be told,” Felinton writes, “no one knows for certain whether they will need long-term care.” She continues, “However, planning as if you will need it is far better than assuming that you won’t need it.” She elaborates further, “I’ve been looking at some statistics that point to the importance of having a solid financial plan that includes provisions for long-term care. The great news is that if you don’t need long-term care, you’ll have more to give to your loved ones or you favorite charitable organization.”

Felinton says, “According to recent government statistics, “Someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services and support in their remaining years.” She adds, “The fact is that as many as one-third of today’s 65-year-olds may never need long-term care support, but 20 percent will need it for longer than 5 years. And, due to the fact that women typically outlive men, they will need care longer than men.”

“Let’s start by looking at who is providing the majority of long-term care in this country,” Felinton suggests. She goes on to say that, “According to caregiveraction.org, a tremendous amount of caregiving is being done for free by family members and friends. According to their research, “The value of the services family caregivers provide for “free,” when caring for older adults, is estimated to be $375 billion a year. That is almost twice as much as is actually spent on homecare and nursing home services combined ($158 billion).”

According to Felinton, “When a prospective client comes to me to consider establishing an estate and asset protection plan, I always include long-term health care planning in the equation. Most people tell me they do not want to be a burden on their children as they age.” She goes on to add, “However, a majority of people fail to plan appropriately for their prospective long-term health care needs.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/statistics-prove-the-need-to-plan-for-long-term-care/

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 Shares Some Powerful Statistics Proving The Need For Planning For Long-Term Care appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Delray Beach, FL October 23, 2019: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “Be Proactive To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Elder Abuse.” Ms. Felinton clearly wants to help the elderly avoid being taken advantage of by family members as well as strangers.

Felinton writes, “Few things make my heart hurt more than hearing about vulnerable older people being taken advantage of financially or being abused in any way.” She adds, “That’s why I have dedicated my practice to the area of elder care law for the past 30 years.”

“As an elder care attorney,” says Felinton, “I am able to help people who need someone on their side to help them create a solid plan to protect their assets through both short-term and long-term planning. I also help them obtain benefits to care for their loved ones.” She continues, “When people are proactive and put a solid asset protection plan in place while they are well and their minds are still sharp, chances of being taken advantage of financially are far less likely to happen.”

According to Felinton, “Unfortunately, for too many people, asset protection planning often begins as the result of a crisis. People may have the best intentions of putting a plan in place, but they typically wait until they are in the throes of a catastrophic illness or disability to suddenly realize they or their loved one may lose everything. So they scurry to put a plan in place.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/be-proactive-to-avoid-becoming-a-victim-of-elder-abuse/

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 Encourages Readers To Be Proactive And Put Asset Protection Plan In Place Sooner Rather Than Later appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Delray Beach, FL. October 15, 2019: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new blog on her law firm’s website entitled “Help Parents Avoid Becoming Scam Victims.” Ms. Felinton encourages adult children caring for parents to do what they can to protect them from scammers.

Felinton writes, “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are roughly “43.5 million unpaid caregivers of adults ages 65 and older in the U.S.” That means there are a lot of adult children caring for their parents in this country.”

“As an elder care attorney,” says Felinton, “my practice is focused on helping aging adults prepare for their elder years, which means helping to securely protect their assets. Very often I work with the adult children caregivers.” According to Felinton, “Even if your parents aren’t forthcoming about wanting or needing your help with their financial affairs yet, they may desperately need your help to avoid being victimized by the unscrupulous scammers that routinely target the elderly.”

As Felinton points out, “With the holidays coming, scammers ramp up their efforts and target the elderly with a vengeance. There are things you can do to help protect your parents, especially those who are not digitally savvy.”

“First and foremost you can safeguard their phones,” Felinton states. She continues adding, “Make sure your parents have a voicemail system and make sure all of your parent’s family and friends phone numbers are entered into their cell phone or answering machine so that incoming callers’ names are displayed.” She then says, “Also emphasize the importance of not answering any calls if there is not a name they recognize on the screen.”

The entire blog can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/help-parents-avoid-becoming-scam-victims/

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 Helps Adult Children Caretakers Protect Parents Against Scammers appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

DelrayBeach, FL September 23, 2019: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “Back To School: Time To Consider Appointing A Guardian For Your Children.” Ms. Felinton recognizes that the simultaneous or sequential death of both parents while children are minors is rare, but that planning for the eventuality is an act of love.

Felinton writes, “Each year, as the kids head back to school, I remind my clients about the importance of establishing an estate plan that includes the designation of a legal guardian for their minor children.” She continues adding, “Parents love imagining the future with their children, the graduation from middle school to high school, high school to university and …you know the sequence of events! But a subject most parents don’t like to consider is what would happen if both parents were to die suddenly or become incapacitated while the kids are still minors.”

“Yes,” Felinton acknowledges, “it is rare that both parents die simultaneously, but it does happen more often than you would think. And the whole idea of having a will and an estate plan is to cover all possibilities that would have an adverse effect on your family.”

According to Felinton, “Appointing a guardian is a subject you will want to discuss with your family as well as the potential appointee.” She elaborates, “Many people assume family members will step in and take care of their children. However, there are a multitude of factors to consider.” Among those factors, Felinton points out, “Many people have difficult family relationships. And often families are spread out across the country, even the world.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/back-to-school-time-to-consider-appointing-a-guardian-for-your-children/

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 Reminds Parents To Establish Guardianship For Children In The Event Of Worst-Case Scenario appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Delray Beach, FL , September 11, 2019: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “Every Adult Has The Right To Prepare For An Unexpected Medical Crisis,” in which Ms. Felinton makes readers aware of Advance Directive for Health Care forms.

Felinton points out that, “No one likes to think about the prospect of having to face a sudden, debilitating medical crisis.” She continues adding, “The very term ‘medical crisis’ implies the unexpected nature of such events.”

Felinton approaches the topic with her clients uniquely. She states, I suggest to my clients that they think about the prospect of a medical crisis in the same way you think of having an emergency fund in case you lose your job and have to cover expenses for the next 6 months or more.” She emphasizes, “It’s a necessity.”

Felinton then goes on to pose a serious of questions. She asks, “What would you want to happen if you were to become incapacitated?” She states, “Most people think, “That’s not going to happen to me!” But, what if it did? Who would you want to handle your affairs?” Then again she asks, “If you were incapacitated wouldn’t you want someone to know what your wishes are? For instance, do you want life support? Do you want to donate your organs or not?”

According to Felinton, “Every capable adult over the age of 18 has the basic right to make choices about their health care in the event of a tragedy. That means having the right to choose or refuse medical treatment.” She says, “You can establish your desires by filling out an Advance Directive for Health Care form. These forms can be found online. Once the form is signed and witnessed it is legal. The forms can be changed, just like a will can be.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/every-adult-has-the-right-to-prepare-for-an-unexpected-medical-crisis/

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 Tells Readers They Have A Right To Prepare For Unexpected Medical Crises appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.