Novel setting

SOMETIMES RATIONAL COLDNESS IS PREFERABLE

by William R. Mumbauer - Attorney - www.flwillstrustsprobate.com

A reader asks: My attorney is in the process of preparing advanced directives for me. When I mentioned that I wanted each of my three daughters, two of whom I am very close to, to serve in succession as my health care surrogate and that I definitely wanted my partially estranged daughter listed last, my attorney responded by recommending that she be named first as my surrogate. Why would he say this? Response: In a word, human nature. Just as a doctor’s professional objectivity may be compromised by treating close family members, it may be difficult for your two more loving daughters to objectively make life and death medical decisions for you such as removing life support. Often, it is just easier to make judicious decisions regarding people we don’t have a close relationship with. Because of this, should you sustain a serious injury or illness, the odds are in your favor that your partially estranged daughter will make more rational medical decisions on your behalf then if she felt closer to you. Sometimes rational coldness is preferable.

Mr. Mumbauer, a 5th generation Floridian, has maintained a law practice in Brandon, Florida since 1980 with emphasis on estate planning. Mr. Mumbauer takes special pride in representing the senior community by maintaining a sensitive and practical approach to problem solving. Mr. Mumbauer is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar. Mr. Mumbauer is also a Mentor in probate law and has been qualified by the Second District Court of Appeal in Florida as an expert witness in matters involving the drafting of Wills. Mr. Mumbauer’s Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating among judges and lawyers for Legal Ability is High to Very High and his General Recommendation Rating is Very High. His articles are based on general principles of law and are not intended to apply to individual circumstances.

in one weekend. Dear Ms. Price, I’m 16 years old and have just moved to Florida from Minnesota. I just started my first job at a gift shop. It’s part-time and on the weekend because I still go to school. When I showed up for work on my first Saturday, they made me stay for eight hours with the same eight-hour schedule on Sunday. That’s 16 hours

I think that’s too many hours, and I want to quit. The only thing I like about my life here is going to the beach, and now I won’t be able to go as often as I’d like. The job is enjoyable. What do you think? Should I quit? -Beached in St. Pete

Dear “Beached,” I’m confused. You applied for a part-time job. And now you want to quit because you think 16 hours is cutting into your beach time? Did you clarify your hours of availability to your new employer? Did they give you a schedule in advance? Have you had a conversation with your new employer? You’re at an appropriate age to accept extra responsibilities as long as it doesn’t interfere with school. And you say it’s a pleasant environment. I am confident that you can make room for beach time. It’s all part of becoming an adult. -Ms. Price

Dear Ms. Price, I finally made a move to a downtown high-rise apartment building in St. Pete. I couldn’t be happier, with one exception: the sound from my next-door neighbor. They warned me that the walls were thin in this building, but I didn’t listen. I have Zoom meetings every day and talk to clients, and it’s embarrassing when they can hear my neighbor’s music, bass turned up to the max, yelling and dogs barking. I feel horrible. After all this time and hard work, my dream apartment is becoming a nightmare. What should I do? Drowned Out in Downtown

A Slice of Advicewith Ms. Price

To submit your questions, email advicemsprice@gmail.com.

Dear “Drowned”

My friend, I can empathize with this problem. I, too, have lived in a building with thin walls and noisy neighbors. I tried being understanding and wearing earbuds to drown out the music. However, you work from home and require quiet to work. The good news is that when you live in a high-rise apartment building, you can always call management to handle any of these issues. Explain in a calm and professional manner what you’re experiencing, and allow them to address the sound issue for you. Good luck.

-Ms. Price