This article takes a deep dive into the anatomy of the personal injury trial. However, before going into the details and mechanics of what happens at a personal injury trial, we begin with a realistic look at the risks and costs of going to trial and the reasons why both plaintiff’s attorneys and defense litigators recommend settlement […]

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a specific kind of employment discrimination. It occurs when someone at your workplace, such as a supervisor or coworker, says or does something to make an employee feel uncomfortable or intimidated. This article includes a brief history and summary of sexual harassment in the workplace and the legal rights […]

Each state’s criminal justice system consists of legislative bodies that enact criminal laws and policing agencies that enforce them. The same is true for the federal criminal justice system. Federal and State Criminal Justice System Similarities Each state and the federal government have robust law enforcement agencies that include highly trained police officers and law […]

Jury duty is a civic duty that all US citizens are expected to perform. When you are summoned by the court to serve on a jury, it will decide the outcome of a trial. Because of the disruption and uncertainty, many people dread being called for jury duty. When you get the summon, you must […]

This article covers consumer protection laws relating to defects in automobiles, recreational vehicles, and motorhomes. What Is Lemon Law? FAQ Lemon laws are state and federal laws that protect consumers should they purchase a defective vehicle. Are All Vehicles Protected Under Lemon Laws? No. Some states limit lemon law protection to new cars, vans, trucks, […]

Your parents are in their 80s or 90s and cannot take care of themselves anymore. They need a caregiver, but you cannot do it yourself. It would help if you got a caregiver, but aside from figuring out how to pay for this, you also worry about the potential risks of abuse. Elder abuse by […]

This article covers questions you may have on the pre-indictment phase in Federal Court. It covers the period before a Grand Jury is empaneled to hear the prosecutor’s evidence against you based on their criminal investigation so far.  At this point, charges have not been filed, but prosecutors and agents will likely still investigate you. […]

What is a Last Will and Testament? A “will,” also sometimes referred to as one’s “last will and testament,” is a legal document that disposes of your “estate” upon your death. Your “estate” is all your money, personal and real property. If you have a simple estate plan (such as the desire to leave your […]

Illegal and Abusive Collection Practices The Following Are Considered Abusive And Illegal Collection Practices: Collectors cannot call you at unreasonable hours: The law presumes that 8:00 am -9:00 pm is reasonable. Any time outside this range is considered excessive and unlawful in most states. Collectors cannot call you at work so long as you first […]

When they first purchase their home, most property owners pay little to no attention to local zoning and land use laws until they face a legal dispute with a neighbor or city official. The legal rights and obligations concerning a person’s property ownership and use can become an expensive legal battle, especially if their property […]

Key Issues In custody disputes, how do courts determine if one parent should be awarded sole custody of the child? In custody disputes, how do courts decide what is in the child’s best interests? What is the difference between sole and shared custody? What is the difference between legal and physical custody? Are mothers favored […]

Millions of Americans face eviction with nowhere to go every year. If you know your legal rights, you can fight the eviction while you make other arrangements. This article looks at the landlord-tenant eviction process. Common Legal Reasons For Evicting A Tenant The most common reason for tenant eviction is failure to pay rent. Assuming […]

Who May Become A Permanent US Resident? A person may get permanent residency through political asylum, entering as a refugee, a family relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, work skills that are determined to be in short supply in the U.S., or a special immigrant visa lottery for persons from countries where few […]

Depending on a debtor’s financial circumstances and intentions, filing under Chapter 13 can make great sense, especially for debtors with substantial income and net worth. This is not true, however, for most low-income wage earners requiring immediate relief. For most of these wage earners, their only realistic option is to file for liquidation under Chapter […]

Advance Health Care Directive (Living Will) I hear stories about people in a coma and on life support equipment for months and even years. Can I do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen to me? The answer is yes. It is called end-of-life planning. Unfortunately, some people would rather not engage in such planning, […]

Judicial determination of child custody laws can be interpreted in various ways and take different forms. Since divorce laws are legislated under the state’s sovereignty, each state has its own procedural and substantive laws. This article explains the different types of child custody laws and how the courts decide custody issues. Dividing Custodial Rights Between […]

Once the officer determines there is sufficient probable cause to make the arrest, the officer will transport the arrestee to the police station, where they will be asked to choose one of three chemical tests. Most jurisdictions offer the driver the choice of a blood, breath, or urine test. Other jurisdictions only offer blood and […]

Fault Or No-Fault Divorce  In almost all states, spouses can file a no-fault or fault-based divorce. In addition, both types of divorce can be contested or uncontested. What does this mean? Mostly, it means that before you file for divorce, you should carefully consider whether you want to take an aggressive and uncooperative approach to […]

The fundamental rights of the accused emanate from the fourth (search and seizure, and the rights upon arrest), fifth (due process, self-incrimination, grand jury), and Sixth Amendment (rights of those charged in a criminal proceeding) of the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights. This article addresses the rights of the accused in criminal proceedings. According to […]

Getting married is easy. Getting divorced is hard. Thankfully, divorce mediation has made the process of divorce much less stressful and costly than litigating your divorce in court. According to the Civil Mediation Council, 75-80% of cases settle on the day of the mediation itself, and another 10-15% settle shortly after. Divorce Mediation has grown in popularity […]

This article covers how personal injury settlements are paid out, including the types of payments, legal documentation, distribution of funds, tax implications, and the role of personal injury attorneys. What are Personal Injury Settlements? Personal injury settlements are agreements reached between an injured party and the party responsible for the injury, usually through their insurance […]

When you draw up a will as part of your estate plan, there may come a time when you quite naturally want to change it. Other times, a person may wish to revoke his will, or it may be contested. How Do I Change My Will? There Are Two Ways To Change A Will You […]

This article covers the main stages of a criminal jury trial. You will learn how the different parts of the trial system function within the overall objective of obtaining a fair and just verdict. Below, we summarize the major stages of a criminal jury trial, from jury selection to jury verdict and the defendant’s right […]

Can I Be Locked Out Of My Storage Unit? I lost my job about a year ago and had to give up my apartment. I had to rent a self-storage unit to store most of my belongings until I could find a new apartment. In the meantime, I fell behind on my storage payments, and […]

Have you ever formed an opinion of someone based solely on their age? We do this a lot unconsciously. Compared to race, sex, and gender discrimination, ageism is more widespread yet goes unchallenged Ageism is a stereotype against someone’s age, such as thinking that they are no longer fit for employment just because they have […]

According to the American Bar Association, bail is the amount of money a criminal defendant must post with the court to be released from jail until their trial date or earlier if the court orders. Bail is not a fine, nor under the constitution can it be used as punishment for the alleged crime. Purpose […]

According to the IRS, taxpayers have fundamental rights when dealing with the IRS. This article focuses on these rights and their obligations to uphold them. The Taxpayer’s Fundamental Rights The Right to Retain Representation Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them in their dealings with the IRS. […]

Few events are as special and emotional for parents as the delivery of their new baby. Especially when the baby is placed into the mother’s arms for the first time. So much preparation, care, and hope have gone into the arrival of their newborn. Birth Injuries and Defects While most children are born healthy, some […]

COBRA – Continuation of Medical Coverage After Employment Has Ended COBRA is a comprehensive federal law called the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”). The purpose of COBRA COBRA allows employees covered by health insurance plans to continue to get health benefits for a limited time after losing their jobs. Distinction between COBRA and ERISA […]

Yoga, a treasure of India’s spiritual heritage, offers a beacon of hope and strength to those navigating the turbulent waters of life’s challenging events. In this article, I aim to introduce you to the world of Yoga, guiding you on how to harness its benefits for mental and physical well-being, especially during tough times. It […]

The idea of getting a pet may have crossed your mind at least once in your life. Even if you are not a pet lover, you may have taken comfort in the fluffy, cuddly, and non-judgmental presence of a puppy or a kitten. Or you would rather bask in the calm energy of a horse, […]

In the United States and elsewhere, loneliness is being viewed as a type of health epidemic.  People describe their lonely experience as “wandering through a void of nothingness,” “a constant physical emptiness in their chest,” or “a dull ache in their stomach.” Loneliness is so commonly felt that it may be the only thing that […]

Have you done something you thought was inappropriate and called yourself a terrible person, but then the pain of being insensitive and cruel was so much that you brushed it off as no big deal and then did something even worse? Many of us are inclined to be cruel to ourselves when things go badly […]

Stress is part of life, but too much stress can overwhelm us both mentally and physically. Whether you’re feeling burnt out at work, having family problems, or facing personal challenges, managing stress is necessary if you want to feel calm and live well. There are many ways to reduce stress. For most of us, this […]

Prolonged and escalating periods of burnout can lead to clinical depression and other severe health conditions. This article covers the various stages of the job burnout cycle and the critical importance of reaching out for professional help as early as possible. The Job Burnout Cycle Burnout is not a medical term The term burnout is […]

How many of your decisions are motivated by your emotions? Modern science has us believe that we can make logical decisions without resorting to our emotions. Yet countless examples, from picking the right stock to choosing the right career, strongly suggest otherwise. It is much more likely that our feelings and emotions play a much […]

The Movement Of Dance Dance and movement therapy integrates the physical experience of dance with the thinking experience of the mind. The integration opens in us an energetic feedback loop in which information can flow in both directions, between body and mind, and forms a common language. Dance and movement therapy can help us close […]

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. They cause excessive fear, worry, and physical symptoms that can disrupt daily life. There are normal states of anxiety, and there are abnormal states of anxiety. And sometimes, both types of anxiety can co-exist at the same time. While occasional […]

Developing a regular meditation practice helps liberate you from reacting to trouble with fear, anxiety, and panic. Meditation grounds you in the present moment. A place of calm being, not fearing – an interior space where you can then focus on what needs to be done. Sometimes this can be done best through the practice […]

When anxious thoughts race through your mind, do you feel like your heart can jump out of your ribcage? When a wave of anger burns through your heart, is it complex for you to articulate coherent thoughts? These are just some instances where your heart and mind work in tandem. Like a duet, one does […]

The mission of Adult Children of Alcoholics is to support and advocate for all children of adult alcoholics and their families. Being A Child Of An Alcoholic Research shows alcoholism tends to run in families When children are exposed to an environment saturated with alcoholism and dysfunction, their chances of abusing alcohol themselves increase four […]

Do you find it hard to clear your mind of thoughts while meditating? This is challenging when you are facing a quagmire and need to harness your mental focus to puzzle through the issue. Letting go of distracting thoughts is an important aspect of most traditional meditation practices. But letting go of thoughts is just […]

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychological treatment that can turn intrusive thoughts into constructive thoughts, loosening the unhealthy grip of negative thinking on your mind. Negative thinking, especially if it turns obsessive, can lead to a cycle of hopelessness and despair. Proven by evidence-based research, it has helped many people bounce back from depression, anxiety, […]

What’s the similarity between a social butterfly and a lone wolf? They have both experienced loneliness. In fact, according to the NIH, loneliness has become a worldwide phenomenon. Feeling lonely is a common experience, regardless of how many friends or family members we have.  We all feel it, regardless of our current emotional or mental health, relationship […]

If you’re facing legal trouble such as divorce, learn how to quiet the mind and heal the spirit through the natural therapies and benefits found in the practice of Yoga. Yoga Can Help With The Emotional And Spiritual Impact Of Divorce There is an emotional and spiritual impact on getting a divorce. Some people believe […]

My Earliest Memories With Dyslexia Life has always puzzled me. Especially when it came to my early education. Learning to read, do math, and even tell time always felt like working through a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle—but without ever seeing the box cover that showed the completed image. For most of my life, I did everything […]

Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence,” is an obsessive craving to consume alcohol. Alcohol abuse, at one time, was viewed primarily as a moral problem. Today, most medical researchers view alcoholism as a disease that activates obsessive-compulsive neural behavior. Statistic: According to 2024 federal data, less than a third of all people with alcohol problems […]

Drug addiction and recovery is a tough and life-changing process that affects not only the addict but also their loved ones. Drug addiction is a treatable disorder that affects millions of Americans. To overcome drug addiction and other forms of substance abuse, you will need to fully understand your specific condition and its treatment options […]

The world of homeopathic medicine—a form of alternative medicine originating from eighteenth-century Germany—boasts remedies for all types of health conditions and ailments. Despite its popularity, clinical trials and scientific evidence are often scrutinized to validate homeopathic drugs and their efficacy in treating health conditions. Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s official warning, you will […]

How Stress Impacts Our Physical & Mental Life According to The American Institute of Stress, over 70 percent of people report experiencing stress which adversely impacts their physical and mental health. Of those experiencing such stress, 33 percent describe their stress as extreme. 2022 stress statistics According to polls conducted by the American Psychological Association, the top sources […]

A bad day is just that: it’s only a day. See it as something finite and limited. Knowing that all bad days pass, makes it much more bearable. Our tips below are sorted into two situations: You have to keep going. You have time for a break. Pick the one closest to your current situation. […]

What is Mental Health? Mental health concerns emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. Understanding mental health is critical to building better relationships, improving health, and boosting productivity. Focusing on self-care, recognizing issues early, and adopting effective coping strategies can help reduce stigma and encourage […]

How To Have Heart-To-Heart Conversations When differences arise and stress and anxiety escalate between partners, consider having an honest and empathetic conversation with your partner. Doing so will not only help you reach a resolution to the problem, but it can also contribute to developing a more robust, deeper, and meaningful relationship. Calm down and […]

One of the most important professionals in mental health is the psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders. Unlike clinical psychologists, who focus more on psychotherapy, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in medication-based management for those seeking relief from specific mental disorders. This article will explore what psychiatrists […]

What Is a Psychologist? Psychologists are highly educated and trained professionals. They have earned at least a master’s degree, and many obtain their doctorate in clinical psychology. In addition, most states require a two-year internship as part of their post-graduate clinical training. Psychologists, among other roles, assist their patients in learning how to manage stressful […]

“Honey! Stop your video games. Dinner’s ready! Coming. One minute.”  You will need ten minutes to beat this boss and finish watching the “Quest Completed!” cinematic. No way to save your game sooner. Twenty minutes ago, you asked when you could eventually eat, and she answered, “five minutes.” So, now, it’s her turn to wait. […]

Transpersonal Psychology: A Transformative Psychology Transpersonal psychotherapy is a school of modern psychology that integrates the center of internal cognition with a deeper and more expansive reach that embodies both spiritual and humanistic growth. The process is one of psychological and spiritual transformation through transpersonal psychology. Transpersonal psychologists believe that human development through psychology can […]

Penicillin For The Soul Ending a committed relationship is often fraught with anxiety and regret. We learn that you and your former partner would be much better off if you offered the other understanding and respect – even if you honestly believe your partner had wronged you in some way.  This is the challenge, and […]

Our Emotional And Mental Health Emotional suffering touches nearly every family in America, and over 30% of the population is said to have suffered some form of emotional suffering. Emotional and mental disorders can happen to any age group, race, religion, or income class. The good news is that conditions affecting our emotional and mental […]

Seeing Yourself From A Deeper Perspective Q. I’m generally not someone that complains when I get hit with tough times. I was taught from an early age that when I fall, I get back up and get on with the process of overcoming whatever it was that knocked me down. I have been doing that for […]

Unemployment insurance aims to provide laid-off workers with temporary financial assistance. Each state administers its unemployment insurance program based on federal unemployment guidelines and requirements. How To File For Unemployment You will need to file for unemployment online, by telephone, or in person at your local unemployment office. Be prepared to provide them with information […]

Responding To The IRS Audit Letter Almost half of all IRS tax audits originate with your receipt of an official IRS taxpayer letter requesting that you provide additional information concerning your tax return and supply the IRS with further supporting documentation. There is no need to panic at this point – but you should proceed […]

Looking for a new job? Whether you dream about resigning from your current role or applying for your very first career opportunity, you must be realistic. In the job search process, it takes time before landing that first interview. While more than half of U.S. people expect the whole procedure to last less than 2 […]

Working Online From Home The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nearly a third of all eligible workers qualify as self-employed professionals or contractors. The increase in remote workers also has resulted in advances in home-office video and content-sharing technology – say nothing of having online access to incredible AI tools like Chat GPT. The trend […]

Online Education And Degrees Over the past decade, online education has reached greater acceptance and favor from students who cannot attend full-time university but still want to earn a degree in their area of interest. Due to advances in education online technology platforms, faster online speeds, and broader bandwidth, classroom learning is quickly becoming the […]

The concept of frugality has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people embrace the idea that “less is more.” But how can focusing on frugality help you live a better life? There are several ways to save money while simultaneously improving your overall lifestyle. Financial security is one of the critical components of a […]

From Financial Decline To Financial Hardship Many of us think of financial hardship as a concept rather than a state of being because the triggering facts are too confronting to process. For most people, discussing one’s financial decline, even among friends and family can be an uncomfortable experience. In today’s climate, we think of poverty […]

According to a recently updated January 2022 government study, 10.2 million people in 5.2 million American households use federal rental assistance to afford modest housing. Of these, 69% are seniors, children, or people with disabilities. Low Income-Affordable Housing Four in ten low-income people in the United States are homeless or pay over half their income for rent. Most don’t […]

Manage Your Debt And Debt Relief Options Managing your debt requires first deciding which bills take priority over others. Choosing what to pay first will depend on the type and character of the debt you incurred. This article will explain why essential debts should be paid before non-essential debts and why payment of secured loans […]

As of 2021, the TANF program provided around $16.5 billion to the states, including the District of Columbia. U.S. territories were also included in this number. Cash Assistance For Low-Income Families (TANF) The TANF cash assistance program is designed around the income needs of families whose incomes and resources are insufficient to meet the family’s […]

Needing Fast Cash At Competitive Rates Should you need fast cash because you lost a job, or perhaps one of your children needs a short-term loan to cover unexpected legal expenses? Whatever the reason, you may wish to consider cash-out borrowing. With cash-out lending, you can convert a portion of your home’s equity into cash. […]

Save On Rent By Having A Roommate According to Pew Research, more than one-third of adults in the United States live with at least one roommate. The reason is affordability. According to a March 2021 survey by the National Association of Realtors, housing and rental prices have reached record highs. Most adults have roommates for […]

Federally Funded Health Centers To Underserved Communities What is a Federally Funded Community Health Center? HRSA funds nearly 1,400 health centers collectively operating more than 14,000 service delivery sites in communities across the country. Health centers are community-based organizations that offer essential primary and preventive care services to populations with limited access to health care. […]

The goal of consumer credit counseling, also called credit debt management services, is to show consumers how to pay down debt and rebuild credit. Many types of credit counseling services are non-profit organizations and charge a modest fee for their services. Three Goals Of Credit Counseling First Goal: Get a clear picture of the debtor’s […]

Eviction Legal Aid Clinics If you’re looking for help fighting an eviction, you are not alone. In almost every state, there are organizations working to help people facing eviction. There may also be law school clinics or pro-bono attorneys that offer their services for free or at a substantially reduced fee depending on your financial needs […]

Why All The Financial Suffering? Many people point to all those foreclosures and the economic chaos and ruin that followed the 2008 housing market collapse. Much of it had been brought on by overzealous lenders who lured borrowers into teaser loans containing low front-end payments that later adjusted into much higher rates and higher monthly […]

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program As the growing gap between rich and the working poor continues to widen, lower and middle class families are finding it more difficult to pay even the most basic of their household bills. By anyone’s standard, keeping the lights on and the kids warm is as basic as it gets. […]

One in six low-income Americans deals with some level of hunger. As a result, local Food Banks and Pantries are quickly becoming the “new normal” for many no-income as well as low-income Americans. Thanks to the support and assistance of local neighborhood meal programs, food banks, and pantries, these neighborhood organizations provide low-income and homeless […]

Different Types Of Homeless Shelters Why so many homeless shelters? Studies conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have reported that nearly 5 million Americans currently qualify for admission to homeless shelters. Furthermore, according to HUD statistics, one out of every 50 children in America now requires homeless services. The causes of […]

Adverse Reporting By Credit Services – Consequences And Fixes A poor credit report can prevent you from obtaining credit. If you need help getting credit, it might be because a credit agency has issued a negative statement on you. You might receive a copy of your report; if it contains false information, you should get […]

Can I Be Locked Out Of My Storage Unit? I lost my job about a year ago and had to give up my apartment. I had to rent a self-storage unit to store most of my belongings until I could find a new apartment. In the meantime, I fell behind on my storage payments, and […]

Small Claims Court Small Claims court provides people with an inexpensive way to litigate low-dollar civil disputes quickly, inexpensively, and without needing a lawyer. Most of the time, Small Claims judges are members of the local bar and practicing lawyers. Not Every Claim Is Suitable For Small Claims For example, in many jurisdictions, you are […]

Ten Things Debt Collectors Are Prohibited From Doing According to the Urban Institute, nearly 71 million Americans have debt collection reported in their credit files. This means that almost one-third of our nation is likely receiving letters and calls from debt collectors on a regular basis.  According to the Urban Institute report, Nevada has nearly 50% […]

One’s inability to pay taxes is not tax evasion. People fear that if they can’t afford to pay their taxes, they have committed a criminal offense and are subject to criminal prosecution. This is not the case. It is best to contact a certified public accountant for guidance. This article will focus on the civil […]

What is a car title loan? To get a car title loan, you give the lender the title to your vehicle in exchange for receiving a loan against the equity in your car. Your vehicle secures the loan and is the collateral that ensures the lender will be repaid on the loan. If you default […]

GET HELP PAYING UTILITIES: Funding for those struggling through financial hardship is provided by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In order to qualify for these benefits, you must be a resident of the state in which you are applying for […]

Under certain conditions, the IRS will allow taxpayers to enter into an agreement in which their outstanding taxes can be made in monthly installments. There are two types of IRS installment plans – short-term and long-term. If you qualify the IRS also has a hardship program for those who are going through financial hardship. Tax […]

Should your case go to the IRS Collection Department, it’s probably because the IRS determined you owe them back taxes. This will happen if you file a tax return and underpay or if they insist on performing an audit and you stall their request. This article will cover some of the IRS methods of collection. […]

Tax Settlement Services For Resolving Tax Debts Individuals and businesses with outstanding tax balances can face substantial IRS collection penalties, which can result in the seizure of bank account levies and the seizure of personal property such as vehicles. Tax relief companies claim they can help you reduce the taxes owed and work out a payment […]