Elder Care Attorney, Mindy Felinton writes about the importance of a Living Will in place even if it never has to come into play, explaining that without one, if tragedy were to strike the medical establishment and/or the courts would determine one’s fate.
Delray Beach, FL. March 17, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “Make Important Life And Decisions While In Your Right Mind.” Ms. Felinton encourages readers to take action immediately.
Felinton writes, “One of the things we humans have no control over is when we depart from this earthly plane.” She continues adding, “We never know if we will live healthily to a ripe old age or if we will meet with an accident or illness that will take our life or put us in a coma or vegetative state. We simply don’t know.”
According to Felinton, “While we don’t have control over what is likely to take us out of commission, we do have a bit of control over a few things related to whether or not we want to be kept alive if we do meet with an accident or other circumstance in which decision-making processes are no longer available.” She adds, “You can decide, while you are alive and of sound mind, whether you want to be kept alive or not should you meet with a tragic accident or illness.” That what makes the importance of a living will, especially significant.
“One of the services I provide my clients is that of creating a living will,” Felinton states, elaborating further, “A living will is a legal document that provides you and your family members with peace of mind, knowing that your medical care wishes at the end of life are clearly communicated.” She further adds, “Medical professionals and establishments are ethically and legally bound to do everything they can to keep you alive unless you have a legal document in place that instructs them otherwise. This is where a living will clearly communicates your life or death wishes.”
As Felinton explains, “Whether a living will is ever necessary in your life or not, you can only make this kind of decision while you are capable and clearly in your right mind.” She emphasizes, “It cannot be made if you are incapacitated. Your living will, also called an Advance Medical Directive, will describe to your health care providers, the procedures of treatment that you desire. It also allows you to designate a person you trust to make health care decisions on your behalf should you be incapacitated or be in a vegetative state.”
The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/make-important-life-and-decisions-while-in-your-right-mind/
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.