Two people to call before you call your lawyer – LEGAL- EASE

By Lee R. Schroeder Contributing Columnist February 13, 2016 Publication: Lima News,

The (OH) Word Count: 474

Attorneys are often the first call for many people who face a variety of challenges, even though attorneys’ time and advice is expensive. Sometimes, including another professional can help a lawyer or can eliminate the need for extensive legal assistance.

Recently, someone asked me to address a clearly bad law that is still the law of Ohio. That person needed a politician or elected official, not an attorney, to get the law changed.

Similarly, a client asked me about a dispute with a neighbor regarding a small tree planted on the property line. I can help my client to resolve the issue, but its resolution will cost far more than the tree is worth. And, my help would not preclude another dispute with the neighbor.

That client needs a pharmacist to get pain medicine to deal with a headache neighbor.

All joking aside, I believe that lawyers can be more effective and some legal actions may be avoidable if two other professionals are consulted.

Wherever there are people, in families, businesses or groups, there can be friction. It could be a co-worker who does not carry his or her weight at work or a family member who always seems to mooch much more than is fair from siblings or a spouse. Can any person sue any other person? Absolutely. Should there always be a lawsuit? Not necessarily.

First, I believe that many of us can benefit from spiritual advisors. Human society functions best and people interact best when they have an appreciation and respect for a higher being. Not everything can be changed with a new law or a lawsuit. The universe’s constants come from an ultimate creator, who is beyond the control of any of us. Even informal spiritual advisors help us keep perspective and understand that every misunderstanding does not justify

“making a federal case out of it.”

Second, despite its stigma, mental health professionals can help almost all of us. Everyone has demons, and sometimes those demons manifest themselves as unnecessary worry, accusations, vengeance or sadness that can mask themselves as legitimacy for legal action. Almost every county in our region has mental health care that can be provided at a discount or free based upon financial need.

Personally, I have been seeing counselors since my marriage failed a decade ago. My counselor, Elaine, works at Pathways in Ottawa. Now that my life is almost perfect, Elaine is like a personal trainer for my heart, mind and soul. Other than God himself, no one is more patient, forgiving and merciful than my counselor. In my personal life, when I am about to shoot off a nasty letter to a business that overcharged me or when I am about to lose my patience as to someone whose personality rubs me the wrong way, Elaine’s constructive criticism and compassion puts me back on track.

Lawyers are incredibly talented. We love to help people. However, sometimes, other professionals can significantly increase our effectiveness or potentially even replace the need for us.

Lima News, The (OH)