What is mediation and how can it help me?
At its heart, mediation is a guided discussion. A mediator serves as a neutral party who helps people
FAQS & News
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an attorney?
An attorney is a professionally trained and licensed individual who assists people with legal problems, prepares legal documents, represents people in courts and other agencies, and acts as a person’s advocate and representative. Individuals are free to represent themselves, but an attorney has years of training and study to assist them in advocating for your best interests. There are countless situations where consulting a legal professional can be of benefit. Swedlow Law provides free consults in many situations. Call us to schedule an appointment when:
- You are considering entering into a contract with major financial consequences;
- You are involved in an accident involving injury to persons or property;
- You have a claim against another person or entity;
- You want to plan your estate or make a will;
- You want to appoint someone to make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf;
- You want to appoint a guardian for your children in case of emergency situations where you are not available;
- You are a veteran seeking to claim or increase a VA disability award;
- You want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business entity; or
- You are involved in a conflict that you need professional help to resolve.
How much does an attorney cost?
The cost of legal services depends on a number of factors including the type of matter, the time involved, and the skill that is required to settle the issue. Typically, attorneys charge by the hour. Many times, flat fees, contingency fees, and payment plans are also available. Swedlow Law offers a free consultation to outline for you the general timeline for the services you need, the cost involved, and payment options.
What is an estate plan and why do I need one?
An estate plan is a set of documents that outlines how you want your assets to be managed and decisions to be made should you become incapacitated and includes a plan for how assets will be distributed after your death. These plans can include wills, powers of attorney, medical directives, and trusts. Having an estate plan means that you are in charge of what happens to your assets, and it can help avoid conflict and unforeseen circumstances that can arise during times of uncertainty.
Swedlow Law works with clients to take inventory of their assets, consider their goals and intentions, and set up the documents necessary to ensure your plans are carried out. Swedlow Law drafts legal documents based its client’s specific needs and desires, making sure that all of the legal requirements are met.
Swedlow Law also recommends re-visiting your estate plan periodically to ensure that your goals remain the same. Additionally, after any major life event such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, Swedlow Law recommends a consultation to consider whether any changes are needed.
What are VA disability benefits and who is eligible to receive them?
The US Department of Veterans Affairs provides many benefits to service members which they earned by their time in service. These include medical care, education benefits, home loan programs, and more. For veterans who have a current illness or injury impacting their mind or body which is deemed to be “service-connected,” the VA provides monthly tax-free payments based on their level of disability. Everyone who served in the United States active-duty military, active-duty for training, or inactive duty training, and has been honorably discharged, is eligible to receive disability benefits. If you are preparing to leave the military, you can apply for disability benefits in anticipation of your separation.
If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge, you will not be eligible for VA disability benefits unless you first apply for a character of discharge upgrade. Contact Swedlow Law for more information.
Disability benefits are awarded when the current illness or injury is “service-connected” meaning that your condition is related to your active-duty service. This link can happen when an illness or injury occurred during your time in active-duty, if your period of service made the illness or injury worse, or your illness or injury was caused by your time in service but appeared later.
Kate Swedlow is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans appeal denied disability claims, increase their current disability ratings, and navigate the complex procedures associated with pursuing these cases through the VA Regional Offices and the Board of Veterans Appeals. Kate is also a member of the Court of Appeals of Veterans Claims. Along with her husband, Andrew Swedlow, a retired US Army Officer, Kate also assists veterans with filing initial applications for disability benefits. No veteran has to fight alone. Contact Swedlow Law today.
What is mediation?
Mediation is an alternative means to settle legal claims which is faster and less costly than litigation. Mediation is often a good solution for resolving small claims, disputes with employers or neighbors, accident claims, and divorce. There are instances where a court will order parties to attend mediation, but mediation can also be a voluntary process. A mediation is a meeting between parties and their attorneys if they are represented which is facilitated by a neutral third-party, the mediator. A mediator does not represent any of the parties and does not take sides. Instead, the mediator helps the parties to talk to each other, to understand the potential outcomes and consequences of the situation, and to decide on a settlement to the conflict. Mediation allows the parties to reach their own resolution instead of a judge or jury deciding for them.
A mediator sets up a safe, confidential, and controlled environment with the goal of maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect. Parties have the opportunity to provide the mediator with materials to review and to offer statements about their view of the conflict. Through an open dialogue, the mediator gains an understanding of each client’s perspective. The mediator does not make decisions or provide answers to the conflict, but rather assists the parties to reach a mutually-agreeable settlement. Because the parties retain decision-making authority, mediation is an efficient, low cost, and no-risk means of reaching an agreement.
Kate Swedlow is a trained mediator, offering services in central Maryland. Contact Swedlow Law for more information.
Disclaimer:
Information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. By submitting your information in any form on this website, you consent to be contacted via phone call, text message, or email. Please be aware that, while we use commercially reasonable means to protect information that is submitted, such information can never be 100% secure.
Latest news
What is VA disability, and how do I increase my VA disability award?
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides compensation to veterans for “service-connected disabilities.” This includes physical and mental health
Do I need a will?
If you own valuable assets or have any children/dependents, you should have a plan for what happens to