So What’s The Difference Between A Mediator And A Settlement Counselor?

Mediation is most often associated with divorce and separation; whilst it is highly beneficial in this situation, it is not the only type of law where mediation and settlement counselors are required.  In theory, it is possible to require mediators and settlement counselors in any area of law where there is a disagreement between two or more parties.  Both mediator and settlement counselor are terms that are discussed fairly often and they can sometimes get confused.  So what’s the difference between the two?

As family law is the most commonly utilized area of law that involves both mediators and settlement counselors, we will focus on this area.  Both mediators and settlement counselors can be used in a divorce or childcare arrangement proceedings, but in different ways.  Often, a settlement counselor will be a step before the mediator.  Many people choose to try a settlement counselor first and then engage with a mediator if this does not work.  A settlement counselor can help the two parties try to come to some arrangement in an informal way.  Often the individuals are in a separate room from each other and it is the lawyers that do the communicating, supported by a settlement counselor.

In contrast, mediation involves both parties meeting face to face in the presence of a trained and qualified professional.  A mediator is a neutral third party who has no interest in the case either way.  This is different from settlement meetings where the individuals do not meet face to face.  This can be both a positive and negative part for the parties involved.  Often, as the issues are fairly emotive this can be beneficial for the parties.  It increases the chances of an agreement being reached, which is the ultimate aim of both processes.

In both cases, suitably qualified lawyers are still required and have an important place in the process.  Both a mediator and settlement counselor are there to support the process and help the parties to find an agreement.  This can be helpful when the two parties just cannot agree and the lawyers are also struggling to come to some arrangement that all involved are happy with.  Whatever the agreement is, it will require the legal paperwork being completed and this is where the lawyers are more than invaluable.

With both approaches, there is a degree of informality and trial and error type of approach.  Whilst there are general guidelines and theories to follow, ultimately each case is unique.  This is because each situation is completely different and in the family law case, each couple is different and will have different needs and wants.  Similarly, both approaches try to find a solution for the two parties who in dispute over whatever issue is.  Ideally, the process will avoid the need for more formal court based proceedings which can become particularly difficult in many cases.  This is highly desired by both lawyers and often the parties involved, as the issues to be discussed are usually emotive and can be challenging. 

 

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The Requirement of An Auto Accident Attorney

If you have been a part of a car accident, you may need the help of a qualified auto accident attorney to help you get maximum claim from the other party. The attorneys are qualified to help you get the compensation for the accident. You do not have to worry about the huge paperwork and other hassles involved in such cases. You need to be aware of the timing when to hire an auto accident attorney so that your case is justly resolved. Even if you were considerate about the damage of the other party, if you were the payee, you would want to pay the minimum amount and if you were the plaintiff, you would like to receive the upper limit of compensation.

 

image:commons.wikimedia.org

Car accident cases form a major part of personal injury claims in America. The auto vehicle may include a car, truck and other motor vehicles. If it is a minor accident, it can be handled out of the court or with direct dealing with the insurance group.

However, if the car accident involves fatality, physical injury, or other major damage, you may acquire legal representation from a lawyer. An experienced lawyer may help you receive recompense for the damage occurred due to an accident, like lost wages, medical expenses, car repairs, etc. In many states, the lawyer may facilitate recovery if a life is lost because of over speeding, drunk driving or reckless driving.

How to choose an auto accident attorney

Auto accident attorneys cover a wide range of issues arising from wrongful death, personal injury, liability determination, and property destruction. To find a good car accident attorney, you should look for their experience, commitment, skill level, fee structure, and location.

You may ask your references to know about the knowledge of the lawyer of the national and state transportation laws, their knowledge of preparing and settling the case, etc. You can also check the background, record of accomplishment, and references of the attorney. 

In most cases, a good auto accident attorney accepts the case on contingency basis if they feel that your case is strong. It means that they will not charge any fees if you do not win the case. Therefore, it becomes important to check the fee structure of the lawyer.

When you should sign up for an auto accident attorney

It is always better to hire an auto accident attorney to prevent any costly errors. Different states have various deadlines for the plaintiffs to file the claim. Since you need to take care of the expenses, medical bills and recover lost wages, it is better that you get in touch with an attorney at the earliest. In most cases, you must contact a lawyer within 7 to 15 days of the accident, and this should occur before you contact the insurance company for the settlement of claim.

How to look for an auto accident attorney

You can ask your family or friends for referrals of a good lawyer. You can also use online lawyer directories to speak up with authorized auto accident attorneys. However, you should hire a lawyer only when you are completely satisfied with the checklist mentioned above.

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Bizarre School Subjects You Won't Believe Are Being Taught to your Children

Some school courses – even those offered in some of the best international schools in the Philippines and CivilEngineering University in Manila make you want to pull your hair in frustration. It's either you don't really like what the professor is talking about, or he's so boring that you'd rather just go home and sleep.

However, there are subjects, however unusual they might sound, will make you want to go back to school and take them.

Image courtesy: www.weirdnews.about.com

1. “United Kingdom: To Hogwarts, Harry: An Intensive Study of Harry Potter Through the British Isles” -Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, M.I.

In this class, students will travel to the UK as they read the series. They'll visit the places that appeared in the films or the places that served as inspiration for the books. Such places are the Edinburgh Castle and Christ’s Church at Oxford University and the Tower of London.

2. Elvish-University of Wisconsin

The leading expert in Sindarin, the official term for Elvish, is the one teaching this course.

3. “Wasting Time on the Internet” -The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelpha

All you’ll need is your laptop and WiFi. The creative writing students of the English Department of the University of Pennsylvania will only have to communicate with each other using chat rooms and message boards. The goal of this subject is to turn all that time you’re wasting browsing the internet into a literary work.

4. “Politicizing Beyoncé”-Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

By analyzing Beyoncé’s songs and videos together with readings on the struggles of black feminists in the US, the subject will try to place Beyoncé into a position of progressive feminist figure, and to figure out if her influence can pave the way for social change.

5. “Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame”-University of South Carolina

The focus of the subject is Lady Gaga, not her specifically, but the culture of fame and sociology. What makes her tick such as her business and her way of marketing, her brand of entertainment, and her political activism. The subject is about the culture of fame, and Lady Gaga’s fame will serve as the example.

6. “South Park and Contemporary Social Issues”-McDaniel College

South Park has discussed almost every controversial social issue in their 180 episode run, usually using humor to explore these issues. The subject will tackle issues such as race and gender using text and sociology to understand and to help analyze the issues addressed in the show.

7. “Videogame Theory and Analysis”-MIT Open Courseware

The subject wants to understand the influence of video games on society by playing, studying, analyzing reading, and writing about the cultural and social functions in-game and applying them to contemporary settings.

8. “#SelfieClass”-University of Southern California in Los Angeles, C.A.

The name of this class was formally “Writing 150: Writing and Critical Reasoning: Identity and Diversity.” However, students were given an assignment to write how selfies create or blur someone’s sense of identity.

9. “Writing for Video Games and Emerging Media”-Ithaca College, New York

In these classes, students will learn history, literature and design for video games, and analyze features specific and unique to games.

10. “Batman as American Mythology”-University of California, Berkeley

The class will center on the mythos of Batman and his appeal to pop culture. The course will explore what defines Batman using significant works in different media, whether written, animated, or cinematic, and will also delve into his psychology and philosophy and learn what makes him such a complex character.

Don’t these bizarre classes make you want to go back to school?

About the Blogger

Sue Reyes is a former writer for CNN Philippines and Aspiring Fashion Blogger. She is a part-time lecturer in some learning institution in the Philippines.

Follow her on twitter: @suereyesfashion

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