Making legal decisions and the looming possibility of going to court is far more than what you should have to tackle alone. Robin and Heather can handle some of your disputes outside of court through mediation. They have also handled cases resolving adult protective service complaints, forensic accounting and much more.
A reputation that beats all others!
Through the years of serving the Tacoma, WA communities Robin and Heather have built a reputation of not only being successful but knowledgeable and throughout in their legal work.
Your neighbors, family and friends can vouch for your decision to contact Robin and Heather for all of your legal needs!
Forensic Accounting: An investigative accounting and analysis that applies to a legal action or dispute. Forensic accountants utilize accounting, auditing and investigative skills when conducting an investigation. They also are able to communicate financial information clearly and concisely in a courtroom setting.
Fiduciary Representation: A person whose relation with another is such that the latter justifiably expects his or her interests to be cared for by the former. A fiduciary owes a duty of loyalty, care, and full disclosure. Trustees, guardians, attorneys in fact, caregivers, and personal representatives are examples of fiduciaries.
A fiduciary relationship can be defined as a legal or ethical relationship of confidence or trust regarding the management of money or property between two or more parties, most commonly a fiduciary and a principal.
Vulnerable Adult Petitions: Brought under the Vulnerable Adult Protection Act, these petitions seek protection for Vulnerable Adults. The definition of a vulnerable adult includes individuals who are sixty years or older, or who have a guardian, developmental disability, or who are residents of certain types of facilities or receive various types of services. Petitions might seek protection based on abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment. (EXPAND FURTHER, LOOK AT RCW 74.34)
Resolution of Adult Protective Services Complaints: individuals who believe abuse or neglect has occurred may report to Adult Protective Services; otherwise known as APS. APS investigates alleged abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect. If APS finds that the alleged activity has occurred, it must offer appropriate information and protective services to the vulnerable adult.
APS may work with other agencies and law enforcement to address issues and protect the adult. APS must also inform the adult of his or her right to refuse services.
Collaborative Law: The collaborative approach to dispute resolution utilizes attorneys and other professionals to help parties reach resolution without going to court.
Central collaborative practice principles revolve around the following:
The parties promise to approach resolution without threatening court intervention.
Participants agree to negotiate in good faith, disclose all pertinent information, and keep their communications constructive and respectful.
If either party seeks court intervention, the attorneys for both parties and their firms are disqualified from further participation in that matter.
Robin H. Balsam P.S. offers clients and their families a unique problem-solving approach to the legal situations that confront elders and those with disabilities.
Mediation: Mediation is a process where opposing parties utilize an independent third party who seeks to facilitate agreement amongst the parties. Agreement is voluntary and the mediator does not impose their own opinions on the decision.
Reasons for mediation include the following:
- Is often a less expensive route to follow for dispute resolution. The mediation process generally takes much less time than moving a case through standard legal channels. Taking less time means expending less money on hourly fees and costs.
- Mediation offers a confidential process. No one but the parties to the dispute and the mediator(s) know what has gone on in the mediation forum.
- In mediation the parties have control over the resolution, and the resolution can be unique to the dispute. Mediation is more likely to produce a result that is mutually agreeable, or win/win, for the parties. The mediated agreement is fully enforceable in a court of law.
- The mediation process consists of a mutual endeavor. Parties to a mediation usually seek out mediation because they are ready to work toward a resolution to their dispute.
I just wanted to let you know, that no matter how this ends up, I think you have done an awesome job representing M! I am thanking you ahead for all the sensitivity, understanding and professionalism you have demonstrated since the moment I met you! P.T., Puyallup, WA.
Law is confusing; wouldn’t you want someone who knows exactly what to do? Robin and Heather CAN and WILL help you! Call 253-627-7800 today.
