Blawg of Attorney Christine M Bechtold

Many websites have legal forms online, however to someone who is not familiar with the law, those forms can be overwhelming. Some fill-in forms do not suit your needs and often do not address all legally required issues for a divorcing couple. The wrong forms or incorrectly completed forms can lead to complications. "If you're not a lawyer you probably have no business acting like one in certain instances.” https://www.findlaw.com/hirealawyer/do-you-need-a-lawyer/top-ten-reasons-to-hire-a-lawyer.html . “Divorce and family law rules vary from state to state, and unless you already know your state laws and local rules, you'll have a lot to learn to get up to speed.” https://www.divorcenet.com/resources/can-i-handle-my-own-divorce-or-should-i-hire-a-lawyer.html . If you and your spouse agree on most issues with your upcoming divorce, that is a great start, however keep in mind, “even the most agreeable couples can hit roadblocks during the settlement process, so be prepared...

Going through the VA disability process is overwhelming and complicated. Once you apply for your VA disability benefits and are denied, it is difficult to know what to do next. “ If you disagree with a VA decision dated on or after February 19, 2019, you can choose from 3 decision review options (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal) to continue your case.” https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/ . All 3 decision review options have their own benefits. The Supplemental Claim option allows you to submit new evidence, the Higher-Level Review option provides you with another review of your already submitted evidence, and the Board Appeal option provides a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge. Some options will provide a quicker decision while others may take longer, but may be more beneficial for your specific case. It is important to talk to someone who is familiar with the VA appeals process to help guide you through the maze. The VA has an accreditation program for qu...