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Divorce is never easy, even when the parties agree on most issues. As an alternative to protracted and possibly contentious litigation, mediation from services like DivorceAngels can offer an appealing alternative to court action. There are many advantages to going through divorce mediation, but it’s not for everybody.

What is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation is a series of negotiations between two or more parties. These sessions are facilitated in a neutral environment by an independent person who’s trained to help conflicting parties come to an agreement. Professional mediators must be licensed and certified as such and can be licensed attorneys, social workers or psychologists; sometimes, they’re all of the above.

Mediators are not a substitute for legal counsel, and a mediator can’t give legal advice even if they’re a practicing lawyer. Both parties should still seek the advice of family law attorneys, accountants and other professionals before signing a mediation agreement. However, agreements reached during mediation are legally binding.

What Are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation?

First of all, mediation is faster and much less expensive than divorce litigation. The average mediation requires from 3 – 5 sessions, and your divorce will be final within 18 months at the most. A divorce can take up to three years or more if the issues are complicated or there’s a lot of contention.

Mediation takes the process out of a judge’s hands and allows you and your spouse control the process and the results. It’s also confidential, where the details of a court case are public knowledge. These factors alone can make mediation a more attractive option, and it’s much less emotionally costly, especially when there are children involved.

Because the mediation takes place in a neutral setting, it allows the divorcing couple to focus more and find workable solutions. Mediators are trained to help people reach a middle ground in situations where there are property divisions involved, child or spousal support and custody or visitation agreements are needed. Mediation can also lead to more stability for both parties and their children post-divorce.

Going through meditation also helps even out power imbalances that can lead to inequity in court settings. In mediation, you have the final say instead of a judge, There’s no chance of a high-powered attorney grandstanding and complicating issues. In divorce actions where one partner has a higher profile or more financial power, the results tend to be more equitable.

How Mediation Works

Mediation is usually offered in weekly sessions that last between 1 – 2 hours, and can require as few as three sessions to reach an agreement. Obviously, the more complicated the issues, the longer it will take to resolve them.

The first mediation session is a chance for the mediator to get to know the couple and identify issues that each hopes to resolve. Then your mediator will work with both of you to draw up an agenda for the sessions and make a list of any necessary documentation necessary for future meetings. These could include financial documents, reports from child experts, psychologists or social workers and any other professionals who have information that’s relevant to the proceedings.

Mediation will continue until an agreement is reached on the most important issues and signed by both parties. There’s no need for you to go to court at all unless other issues arise that can’t be settled during mediation. The mediator will compile and file all necessary paperwork and court documents.

What Types of Cases Benefit From Mediation?

Any divorce action can be resolved through mediation. The only requirement is that both parties agree to it and participate in good faith. Mediating a settlement is geared toward taking emotion out of the equation and providing a solid foundation for cooperation. This not only helps the adults come through the divorce with less animosity, it makes it easier for them to put their differences aside and act together in the best interests of their children. However, when there is severe abuse or threats of physical harm, you may be better off seeking court protection for yourself and your children.

In addition to professional mediators and mediation companies, many law firms also offer mediation services as well as legal counsel. You’ll also be able to obtain a free case evaluation from most family law firms and mediation companies. That means it will cost nothing but a little time to find out if your divorce will have a better outcome if you choose mediation over litigation.

Recognizing mesothelioma symptoms at the soonest time possible is the key to early treatment and higher chances of survival. Below are some of the early symptoms that you have to watch out for to let you know if it is time to hire an Indiana mesothelioma lawyer working for an Indiana Mesothelioma Law Firm:

Pleural Effusions

Presence of pleural effusions is the most common early symptom of mesothelioma. An effusion is basically a buildup of excess fluid surrounding the lungs found in 90% of patients. But, just like other early mesothelioma symptoms, pleural effusions might also represent other illnesses like embolisms and heart failure.

Excessive Sweating or Fever

Initially, a fever may indicate just a passing condition. But, if the fever doesn’t come with other expected symptoms of cold, it can still be checked, particularly if some other symptoms below are also present. Another warning sign is excessive sweating like night sweats.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unintentional weight loss is worrisome. About 30% of patients with mesothelioma experience weight loss. When you or your loved one is losing weight unexplainably, it can already be attributed to numerous illnesses so make sure you visit your doctor right away to identify the cause.

Difficulty in Swallowing or Dysphagia

When it becomes difficult to swallow food or a person experiences pain every time they swallow, it is yet another cause for concern. Difficulty in swallowing is another early sign of mesothelioma that can be accompanied by reflux, hoarseness, or the sensation that the food is stuck in the back of the throat. It is not normal to experience this so it must never be ignored.

Fatigue

Another early warning sign of mesothelioma is fatigue. It is common to discredit or overlook symptoms like fatigue particularly when you are tired or overworked in general. However, cancer related fatigue is something that doesn’t resolve itself even after getting enough sleep. It is something that can be sporadic. Since fatigue can result from numerous medical conditions, it is a must to recognize some other symptoms for proper diagnosis.

Chronic Cough

Just like the presence of abdominal or chest pain, a chronic cough is something you have to pay attention to. When the cough is accompanied with shortness of breath or pain in lungs, see to it that you visit your physician. Around 36% of mesothelioma patients suffer from chronic cough but the remaining 76% experience shortness of breath.

Abdominal or Chest Swelling and Pain

Most of the time, mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the lungs. Chest pain is an early symptom of mesothelioma, particularly when the pain can be felt below the ribcage. Similar to other early signs, however, chest pain can also be attributed to other diseases and conditions.

Aside from affecting the lungs, the abdominal tissue might also be affected by mesothelioma. It is referred to as the peritoneal mesothelioma. Its early signs include abdominal swelling and pain. Just like chest pain, pain in the abdomen is also a symptom that can be attributed to numerous illnesses.

Early diagnosis of mesothelioma is crucial not only for treatment but also for immediate hiring of a reliable Indiana Mesothelioma Attorney that can help win the legal battle to get you properly compensated for your condition.

 

 

 

You might have heard the term class action rebates before. If this is not the case, I would like to shed some light on it so that you can discover if you qualify for one of the rebates yourself.

Every year, there are some companies in the country that because of class action lawsuits give out millions of dollars to their customers as compensation for the products they purchased. It might come in handy to check out what class action rebates are currently taking place so that you can see if you are eligible. this is a way for those companies to settle the lawsuits usually in the form of cash payments. Often, there is a time limit during which you will need to claim or you risk losing the right to the rebate.

There are some places on the Internet that contain a list of active rebates. All you need to do is to locate them, check if you would qualify, and then send a short claim form. After some time, you might be eligible to receive the money for your rebate.

If you worry that you no longer have any proof of purchase related to the product, worry no more, Class action rebates usually don’t require you to prove that you have bought the product as many of the products might have been sold to the customers a long time ago.

If class action rebates are something that you would like to tell your family or friends about, feel free to do so right now. Chances are that one of them might have bought a product from a company that did something wrong to deserve the lawsuit. Also remember that there are newer and newer lawsuits taking place, which means that you should be checking the lists of possible class action rebates on a regular basis.

Recruiting a new employee is a big decision that could have an impact on your business for years to come, positive or negative. Recruiting a new executive magnifies that impact a huge amount: they’re not merely responsible for a job within your business, they have an influence over the direction of the whole company. Recruiting astute executives with an ear to the ground and an insight beyond the level of the average employee is the key to long term success for any mid- to large sized business.

Finding the right executives is a skill you need to develop, then, to give your business the boost it deserves and put you ahead of the competition.

Finding the Right Recruiter

If you need to recruit skilled and experienced executives you’ll need to look beyond your standard recruiters. Look for an Executive Search firm that serves the sector you work in, and look to forge a lasting relationship with your contact there. They shouldn’t just be a voice on the end of a phoneline, but a collaborator who is as enthusiastic as you are to fill out your board with great executives.

They can not only provide candidates to you, but advise on new skills you should be trying to hire into your business to ensure you’re not left behind competitors. Recruiters get to see hiring trends before anyone else and are an untapped resource for advance insight.

Know Who You Need

Before you start soliciting for candidates make sure you can clearly define the role you’re hiring for. You need to strike a balance between knowing who you’re looking for, and being flexible enough to work with the candidates you find, not holding out for an ideal executive who only exists in your head.

Write a person specification that takes account not just of the role in isolation, but the direction of your business. If you need a senior accountant, think about what they’ll be overseeing in your business. If your plan relies on sustained growth, your accountant will need different skills and experience to one who specialises in carefully maintaining the status quo.

When you can take your carefully thought through person specification to your trusted contact at your chosen executive search firm, you’ll know all the elements are in place for a successful hire that will have a great influence on the future of your company.

If you’re interested in training to be an Occupational Therapist, before you start looking at Occupational Therapy jobs, it’s important to do some honest self-examination and decide if you have the right personal qualities an OT needs. While training courses are thorough and leave you qualified to practice, Occupational Therapy is a demanding and intense job personally, and if you’re a natural fit for it you will have a less stressful time than someone who has to adapt themselves more to the demands of the job.

Communication

One of the most important things for an Occupational Therapist is to be a clear communicator: OTs are reactive, working with patients to restore or maintain independence in areas their conditions make difficult.

To do this, Occupational Therapists have to work with the specific needs and desires of their patients, not blindly apply procedure. Natasha Lockyer gives the example of a financial executive who had suffered a severe stroke and experienced difficulty using language and recognising objects. His goal was not to return to work in the City but to be able to cook and serve dinner for his wife. OTs need to work closely with their patients to find the unique and personal aims that mean the most to them, and this is not possible without excellent communication skills: not just listening but asking the right questions to elicit answers from people who may have difficulty communicating their needs.

Problem Solving

Once they know the areas they want to focus on with a patient, an OT will need to be a good creative problem solver to help them find a solution that works for them. Even people with similar conditions may need radically different solutions, depending as much on their background and opinion on what ‘helplessness’ looks like as on their physical needs.

To one person, support bars by the bath may be far less acceptable to a stool or chair tucked discretely into a separate shower cubicle. An OT needs a creative problem-solving mind that can apply the broad knowledge of their training to the specific needs of an individual.

Strength and Resilience

This covers both physical strength and mental resilience. Most Occupational Therapists work across multiple locations, visiting clients in their homes to make assessments and offer advice over the course of a day. It’s a busy schedule that requires good organisation – to establish a good rapport with the people you’re working with you can’t afford to be late, or appear anything less than wholly focussed on your time with them.

Being able to keep your last appointment of the day on time, with the same focus and good nature as the first is demanding and requires a core strength that’s physical, mental and emotional.

If you find yourself dealing with a personal injury case at the moment, you may need to find someone to help you out. Finding the right Florida personal injury law firm to take on your case is essential to getting what you deserve. Always seek out help from a reputable firm such as the one found at www.kinglawfirm.org. Below are some of the top qualities to look for in a personal injury attorney.

Reliability

It is important that you seek out an attorney who will perform their responsibilities while maintaining maximum professionalism. No lawyer is worth the money if you can’t rely on them when you need them. They should be accessible to you in order to answer any of your questions or address your concerns.

Credibility

When it comes to personal injury law, credibility is very important. This is because the insurance provider who is accountable for your case is going to be continually making evaluations into how far they will go in their discussions. It is best to hire a lawyer who has a performance history that is excellent and has gotten great results for their past clients.

Communication

One of the most important qualities that you should look for in a lawyer is communication skills. This is not important to simply win lawsuits, but to help keep clients updated throughout every step of the process. You should feel comfortable having a conversation and asking questions without worry with your lawyer.

Previous Results

Try your best to keep in mind your objective when you are speaking to potential personal injury lawyers you’re considering hiring. Your main objective will be to get the compensation you deserve. When interviewing lawyers, ask them about their prior lawsuits in which they have succeeded and how much they were able to get for their clients. If you are able to, ask for some references in order to contact past clients and ask them about their experiences with the lawyer in question.

Ideally, you want to find an attorney to hire who is very qualified for your case and with whom you feel comfortable working with. Keep in mind, however, that just because a lawyer is likeable, it does not mean they are the most qualified lawyer available to help you win your lawsuit. You should find a lawyer who you like and can respect equal.

With the consequences of the 2008-09 banking crisis and bailout still being felt, and a looming Brexit making the future uncertain, the economic climate is currently rather chilly and threatening for most people. If you’re feeling insecure about the future, you might want to look at this guide to businesses that thrive on recession rather shrink. This could be your chance to find a new job or investment that will see you make a profit in this uncertain economy rather than worry about your losses.

Storage Facilities

Self storage companies find new and bigger markets in recessions. As others need to tighten their belts and downsize their homes and businesses, the demand for secure storage facilities grows and grows. New facilities and companies open regularly with one of the newest, byStored, offering a pick up and delivery service as part of their terms.

With less people buying houses and a growing army of renters, especially in big cities, people are also moving house more regularly and one of the primary reasons to use storage facilities according to a recent poll is to store items during a move.

If you are able to offer safe and cheap storage London will provide you with a crowd of customers who are all keen for your services.

Accountants

Rather than trying to cut costs by doing their own taxes, businesses continue to recognise the value of accountants during recessions. It’s a false economy to try and cut experts out of the picture for a small saving, as paying a modest fee for their services could net you a much bigger saving via reduced tax bill.

If you’re still picking a career or considering retraining to acquire more bankable skills, accountancy is a stable, safe profession that weathers downturns better than many others.

Entertainment

With bad news on every bulletin and jobs frequently unstable and poorly paid, anything that supplies entertainment and distraction tends to thrive in recession. Spending on alcohol and sweets goes up when people are depressed, and ‘affordable luxuries’ do well in place of premium purchases. For example, someone facing economic stress may choose to put off buying a a £150 cashmere jumper, but allow themselves a smaller treat like a £15 tube of lipstick.

Some smart marketing on your part could see your small business thrive as the next provider of affordable luxuries to people sorely in need of inexpensive but rewarding treats in a time financial gloom.

I am sure that you have heard about self-storage units such as storage units Albuquerque before. Maybe you know somebody in your family who uses such units on a regular basis, or maybe you yourself rent that extra space to allow you to keep some things in a safe way.

However, if you are on the fence whether to rent a storage unit or not, below I would like to give you a few reasons why renting a self-storage space is such a good idea:
1. You pay for only what you use if you know how to determine how much space you really need.
2. You can gain access to your goods at any time of day or night. Many self-storage units in my area offer that kind of option and it is fair to say that they deliver on their promises.
3. You are allowed to store any types of goods including your car. As a matter of fact, this is something that attracts many people to those type of storage facilities. One good example when you night want to store a car in a self-storage is when you go on holidays and might not want to leave your vehicle parked outside of your home or even in your garage when it might not be safe as well.
4. Most units of this type are climate controlled, which means that by storing your goods there you have a chance to protect them from damp, scratches, etc. This can be particularly useful if you have a lot of moisture in your home, but would like the goods you own to be moisture free..
5. Many of self-storage units offer very comprehensive packing options that can allow you to move your goods very easily at a time that is convenient to you. A food storage facility is a facility that helps you to ensure that your belongings are so securely packed that nothing bad is going to happen to them in transit.

As you can see, there are many benefits of hiring self-storage facilities. The next decision you will have to make is which unit in your area is good for your needs.

Sometimes I wonder what I would do if I had an accident I was not responsible for. What would I do in a such case? Would I concentrate on whose fault it was or would I decide to move on and forget about the whole situation?

It seems that neither of those two answers is a good one. If I focus too much on the person responsible for my accident, I might never be able to move on. The right approach here is to contact an attorney such as this Personal Injury Lawyer here, discuss the matter with him and then take action. This is what most people in this sort of situation would do and I completely agree with their choice.

The problem with forgetting about the whole situation is that if you choose to forget about everything that transpired and about the whole accident, you will miss a chance to receive money for the damages you have suffered. I believe that too many people out there choose to forget about their accident and do nothing about it. If only they knew how many things could be done about their accidents where somebody else is to blame than them and this is where Personal Injury Law comes in with everything it has to offer.

From my experience I can say that it is better to contact somebody who specializes in personal injuries rather than somebody who does a little bit of everything such as bankruptcies, real estate closings, etc. The reason you want to hire somebody specializing in personal injuries is that you want to be sure that the lawyer you choose to hire has seen thousands of cases similar to yours and that he knows how to handle every situation out there and is very experienced in the matter. It is better to deal with somebody who understands all of the ins and outs associated with accident reports, witness statements, medical records etc. Not every lawyer out there, especially one that does not specialize in personal injury cases will know how to handle your personal injury claim, so it is better to choose one wisely.

Several small business owners will choose to set up their business as an LLC (limited liability company) because of the liability protection that an LLC provides.

An LLC is unique because it exists independently from its owners or members, which means that as the owner you will not be responsible for any debts your small business sustains.

Forming an LLC, however, is a bit more complicated than just filing paperwork with your state. To ensure that your LLC is fully legal, there are several hoops that you will first need to jump through.

Here are five steps for opening an LLC:

1. Choose A Name

The vast majority of states do not allow two separate business entities to share the same name.  To make sure that you aren’t accidentally copying any other businesses’ name in your state, search for existing business names on the internet to confirm that your proposed name is indeed available. Choosing a name that is entirely unique will ultimately help you steer clear of any trademark or infringement issues.

2. Select A Registered Agent

The next step for starting an LLC is to select a registered agent (or statutory agent), who is the person who will agree to receive all official documents, subpoenas, and lawsuits on the behalf of your LLC. There are certain companies that will provide registered agents for a relatively small fee.

3. Prepare Your Operating Agreement
   

The operating agreement for your LLC is essentially the description of how your LLC is going to be run. It needs to specify several things, including the voting rights of members, the ownership interests, how profits (or losses) are going to be allocated, when and where meetings will be held, and how the company will be dissolved should it go out of business.

Even though operating agreements are usually not legally required by the state, they are still an essential document to have for defending your rights as a business owner later on in the event that you run into any legal problems down the road.

4. Get A Certificate From The State

After the documents for your LLC have been approved and filed, the state will now issues a certificate that serves as confirmation your LCC exists. The moment you get this certificate from the state, you will be able to take care of general business matters (such as opening a bank account for your business, getting a tax identification number form the IRS, and so on).

5. Register In Other States

If your LLC will be doing business in other states, then you may or may not need to register your LLC with those states (depending on the state laws). You will need a registered agent in each state that requires you to register.

Opening An LLC

As a whole, an LLC is a very flexible and popular option for setting up a small business. It’s just important that you know what steps you need to follow to make sure you are in the clear legally wise.

 

 

 

 

 

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When it comes to being a patient advocate, it can mean different things to different people, but the goal remains the same—to make sure the patient’s voice is heard.

If a loved one has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer, you realize that this is a very challenging, stressful, emotional and frightening time for them.  Often, the diagnosis comes at the later stages of the disease; therefore, the patient is focused on their health and treatment options.  You may assume, or be asked to take on, the role of advocate for your loved one.  Having a better understanding of what this entails will allow you to be a great support system in many ways.

Roles of a Patient Advocate

When you assist your loved one as a patient advocate, there are many roles that come with the title:  Researcher & Information Gatherer, Record Keeper, Communicator, Caregiver, and Supporter.  Learning a little more about these roles will better prepare you to take on these tasks.

Researcher & Information Gatherer – In order to be prepared to speak on behalf of your loved one, you must be informed.  This involves researching and gathering as much information as possible about mesothelioma, treatment options, your loved one’s specific diagnosis, and their legal rights to file a claim.  You want to learn as much as you can on your own to lessen the burden for your loved one.

Record Keeper – As your loved one’s advocate, you are basically another set of eyes and ears during doctor appointments, medical treatments, and meetings with lawyers.  In addition, you have a greater understanding of the patient’s health on a regular, if not daily basis.  It is important to pay attention to details and keep records on everything from appointments to treatments to symptoms.  Having this detailed information helps the doctors provide a better care plan for your loved one.

Communicator – Whether you are speaking for your loved one or listening for details, you want to ensure they receive the best care possible.  Be prepared to speak up and ask the questions that need answered.  Your loved one will appreciate the support in such a difficult time.  Identify the best ways to work and communicate with their medical team, which will ultimately impact their plan for treatment.  In this role, you may also need to communicate with insurance companies to ensure their treatment has the proper coverage.

Caregiver – The role of caregiver is often the most important and “given” task, but possibly overlooked.  As a patient advocate, you may assist your loved one with medications, trips to the doctors, meal preparation, their overall daily health needs, etc.  You are the one they turn to when needing care.

Supporter – Being an advocate for your loved, you often provide emotional, physical, psychological and, sometimes, financial support.  You offer a sense of comfort and stability.

Supporting a loved one diagnosed with mesothelioma can be stressful and tiring, but the positive impact it has on the patient makes it worthwhile.

Every person deserves to have the best legal counsel they can possibly find before they go into court. You might be experiencing some legal issues right now that are very serious. If this is the case, you should definitely invest a large amount of your time into seeking out the most skilled lawyers in the legal area that your case falls into. Not all lawyers are the same. There are some that are a cut above the rest. These lawyers are worth their weight in gold when you can find them. Here are the things that you need to seek out when you need to get a terrific lawyer.

1. Has the lawyer be practicing for a considerable amount of time?

Hiring a kid who is fresh out of law school would not be a great decision on your part. You need to hire an established attorney who has many years of experience under his belt. This will give you a very good shot of winning your case. Therefore, you need to find out how many years the lawyer has been practicing. Only hire a person who has been a lawyer for at least six years.

2. What areas of the law does the lawyer specialize in?

You need to be sure that the lawyer you hire to represent you has handled dozens of cases like yours in the past. Ideally, your lawyer should focus on your type of case. This will make it less likely that your lawyer might make a crucial mistake that will mess up your case. For example, you might be in need of a skilled military divorce lawyer Orlando FL. You should then seek out a lawyer who has handled many military divorces in his or her career.

3. Does the lawyer have a great track record of negotiating sizable settlements for the people he or she represents?

Negotiating is a fundamental part of being an attorney. This means that you need to be sure the person you hire as your legal counsel has this skill. A lawyer who is a great negotiator will keep your case out of a courtroom. This is especially important during a divorce. It is always better to come to a settlement than to have a judge or jury decide the outcome of a case. Make sure your lawyer has successfully negotiated many cases in the past.