Terry Mead Law & Mediation PLLC

03/25/2019

Saving money through unbundled legal services

Recently, I met with a young woman who desperately needed help with a divorce but could not afford the hefty advance payment that most attorneys request for their services. Fortunately for her, she and her husband had no minor children, the work was pretty straightforward, and I could recommend an “unbundled services” or “pay as you go” arrangement where I could guide her in doing most of the work herself. It meant that I could act as her ghostwriter, helping her to draft her court filings and giving her advice about what to do and expect at court hearings, but I wouldn’t be appearing in court on her behalf—unless she reached a point where she absolutely needed that help. This type of arrangement is not for everybody; but, if all you need is someone to take the mystery out of the court proceedings, you can save a ton of money with unbundled services. For more information, call 602-843-8691.

03/23/2019

An all-day seminar on advanced mediation techniques is how I spent my Friday. Chip Rose from Santa Cruz is a fantastic instructor. Thanks to MCAFM--the Maricopa County Association of Family Mediators--for sponsoring the program.

03/05/2019

Are ewe lookin’ at me?

I wish you would. I am sheepishly asking for your help. I need new business and, since the majority of my clients come from personal referrals, I am asking you for that help.
For those of you who don’t know me well, my law practice consists mostly of divorce and civil litigation matters, estate planning (such as wills and trusts), probate, business law and, of course, mediation. If you, or someone you know, needs help in any of these areas, you can be confident that I have the knowledge and experience to do the job.
For over 20 years, I have held the highest peer review rating—AV-Preeminent—from other lawyers and judges, and I’ve been named a “Southwest Super Lawyer.” I cut my teeth as an associate and junior partner at one of Arizona’s oldest law firms and ran my own firm for 22 years before deciding to go solo. I now can give the best personal attention to my clients. For more information about my past practice and community involvement, check out my website at www.terrymeadlaw.com.
No problem is too big or too small. For a one-hour initial consultation, I charge only $100 and often find I can answer all questions about some matters in that one hour.
It would be an honor for me to assist you or a friend with your legal needs. Just call 602-843-8691 for an appointment. And, please feel free to share this post.

Thank you, Terry Mead

02/05/2019

Control versus detachment. So many times in mediation, I have seen one or both sides trying to use the process to “control” the other party. It doesn’t matter whether the dispute is between spouses in a divorce, heirs in a probate fight, or business partners breaking up. We cannot truly control another person and, yet, we all try. Nothing can end a mediation faster than two or more parties competing for control. As a mediator, I see one of my tasks as turning everyone’s attention away from trying to control others. If this sounds like personal counseling, it is. The antidote for control is not surrender, but “detachment.” If I can get even just one side to detach from the drama of the conflict, to sit back and take a long view, we usually can defuse the situation enough to explore rational solutions to the dispute. For more information, call 602-843-8691.

01/30/2019

A statement I often hear is, “Yes, I know I need a will, but . . . .” Are you a “Yes, but” person? Everyone should have at least the four basic estate planning documents: a last will and testament; a financial power of attorney; a medical power of attorney; and a living will (also called an advance directive) for those tough end-of-life decisions. I and many other attorneys provide basic inexpensive packages for single persons and couples. Give me a call at 602-843-8691.

01/11/2019

What's wrong with this picture? You bet! These two are on entirely different pages. I can't tell you how many times I've heard lines like, "I'd like to mediate, but my spouse will never agree," and, yet, it's possible to reach an agreement. It's the job of a trained mediator to help parties identify their shared interests and common ground. Just because you can't agree on something, doesn't mean a good mediator can't turn things around. Give me a call at 602-843-8691, and see if I can help.

12/21/2018

11/20/2018

Happy Thanksgiving! May the beauty of the season warm your heart and make your path easier to travel.

11/14/2018

Yesterday, I helped train teenagers in peer mediation techniques. Over 200 teens and their coordinators from as far away as Kingman, Yuma and Safford were registered for the 21st annual training sponsored by the Arizona chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution. These kids go back to their schools and, usually working in pairs, sit down and help resolve conflicts between their fellow students. All schools should have something similar. On the stage in the photo are students from Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona. About seven years ago, Sande Roberts and I spent a Saturday introducing the programs to Centennial's first peer mediators. It's absolutely amazing how their program has grown. Congratulations to them and their coordinator, as well as a supportive principal.

11/12/2018

Listening to Sintra Hoffman, WESTMARC president and CEO, make an amazing presentation Friday about the strengths of the West Valley to the Glendale Community College President's Circle. I've been very fortunate to belong to the circle through at least six permanent and acting GCC presidents. It's been a great way to stay in touch with what is happening in the West Valley.

10/31/2018

This idyllic view greets me as I enter the office building. Stop by to say "Hi" sometime. I am in the Atrium building, 17505 North 79th Avenue, Suite 302-E, in Glendale--north of Bell Road and right across the street from Costco. Or call at 602-843-8691.

10/19/2018

I get a lot of questions about beneficiary deeds, which I think are a great idea. If you don't have a living trust, your residence may be the single largest asset in your estate and could push your heirs into probate. A well-written beneficiary deed can include both primary and contingent beneficiaries. In other words, you could leave the house to your children; but, if one of your children predeceases you, that child's share would go to his or her children instead. The beneficiary deed is recorded, but does not become effective until after you (or, if you are married, both you and your spouse) die, allowing you to sell the house or change the beneficiary deed, if you want. Best of all, a beneficiary deed is very inexpensive.