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Having a legal problem is stressful, but you need to be able to think clearly about your situation. While many lawyers maintain a general practice and offer legal services for different problems, you want to talk to one who has skill and experience with your issue. A divorce needs a different skill set than a bankruptcy. A criminal defense is different than a civil lawsuit. Your first step is to list the issues you are experience. For example, a divorce may also include bankruptcy or real estate law. A complex legal situation may require more than one attorney. If you are comfortable discussing your situation, ask family, friends, and co-workers for a referral. Make sure their problem was similar to your situation. Ask about the quality of the attorney-client relationship and if they were comfortable with the level of communication and trust. If you do not have anyone with personal experience to ask, consider getting a professional referral. The American Bar Association maintains a directory to the state and large city bar associations. The bar associations will have a referral service where you can be matched with an attorney who practices in the area that you need. After interviewing several attorneys, you can retain the one that makes you feel the most comfortable. The state bar association should also have a link to the state's lawyer disciplinary authority. Before you retain a lawyer you should check with this office to see if the lawyer has a current case or a history of attorney discipline. Do not hire an attorney sight unseen. You need to talk to him, verify his credentials, reassure yourself that he has the experience that you need, and evaluate the intangible qualities of chemistry and trust.  When you make an appointment, ask about the cost of the consultation. Depending on the area of practice, most attorneys will offer a half to full hour consultation for free or a reasonable fixed price of under $100. Arrive about 30 minutes before your appointment time. The lawyer may ask you to fill out a general questionnaire to facilitate the interview. You want to be ready to discuss your issue as soon as you sit down. Do not judge the attorney strictly on his office. Some lawyers are always in court and have a modest operation to save money. When you enter a fancy law firm, remember that clients pay for it. Questions will vary depending on the issue, but in general ask about years in practice, experience with cases like yours, successful cases, support staff, and his policy on communication. Depending on the type of case, your attorney will work on a either a contingency fee or a retainer. In a contingency fee, your lawyer will take a fixed percentage of any cash award. In a retainer agreement, you will pay either a flat or hourly rate.  It is against the rules of ethical conduct for a lawyer to take a divorce or a criminal case on a contingency fee. If this is suggested to you, you should immediately consider a different attorney.  Do not turn over any of your documents to the lawyer until you have agreed on a scope of representation, a fee, and have signed a retainer agreement.

summary: Evaluate your legal situation and needs. Ask for a referral. Seek out a professional referral. Interview potential attorneys. Discuss the fee and payment structure.


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This means it has a strong genetic component and tends to run in families. Therefore, it is not the fault of your family member any more than it would be if hey had a medical condition. Bipolar Disorder is not something your family member can control through will-power alone. There are two main types of bipolar disorder, Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder. It is important to identify which type your family member has to understand their particular symptoms and behaviors.  Bipolar I is evidenced by a person experiencing manic episodes that typically last a week or longer. Some symptoms of a manic episode include: heightened/irritable mood, exaggerated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, increased talkativeness, distractibility, increase in goal-directed activity, and engaging in risky behaviors (such as gambling or having unprotected sex with multiple partners).  Bipolar II is evidenced by at least one major depressive episode as well as a least one hypomanic episode (similar to a manic episode, but less severe and can last as little as four days). Bipolar disorders are typically treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Psychiatrists or general practitioners often prescribe mood stabilizers such as Lithium to reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) and other clinicians typically assist the individual with bipolar disorder in managing and coping with their symptoms. Typical types of therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy. Family members of individuals with bipolar disorder may experience burden and lack of energy. Additionally, spouses of individuals with bipolar disorder may experience a lack of support, and many do not seek help. If a family member believes that the person with bipolar has control over their illness this can lead to feelings of burden and dissatisfaction with the relationship.

summary: Recognize that bipolar disorder is a biologically based condition. Understand the different symptoms of bipolar disorder. Understand how bipolar disorder is treated. Gain education on the typical effects of bipolar disorder on the family.


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While withdrawal is very unpleasant, it isn't forever. Most people only experience withdrawal symptoms for 5 to 7 days, so things will improve if you stay on track with your plan. Review your reasons for quitting to remind yourself why this is important. Avoid spending time with people who dip, and stay away from places or events where you used to enjoy chewing tobacco. It's important, especially during the first few weeks, to protect yourself from these pitfalls. If you feel your resolve weaken as a result of an internal trigger, call a member of your support group or your therapist. Nicotine Anonymous and other support groups give you the opportunity to talk about what you're going through with people who have been there. Consider joining one in your area, or meet with friends who used to chew tobacco and are willing to share their experience with you. Search online for a local therapist that specializes in addiction. A therapist can help you work through the feelings of anticipation, excitement, and fear that come with making such a big decision. In addition, they can help you figure out a plan for getting through any withdrawal symptoms, which are as difficult emotionally as they are physically. Rationalizations are harmful thoughts that will try to convince you to chew again. Recognize these thoughts for what they are and have a plan for getting past them. For example, if you think to yourself, "What's the harm in chewing just one more time?" recognize that the thought is not based on reality and grab a chew replacement. Some common rationalizations include:  “You have to die of something.” "It's a free country." "I'm going to enjoy my life to the fullest."
summary: Remember that your withdrawal symptoms will end. Stay away from your tobacco triggers. Join a support group to talk with people who understand your struggle. Talk to a therapist for help with anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. Don't give in to rationalizations.