In the sixth episode of Ask the Lawyers, hosts Evan Schwartz and Matt Conroy answer your legal questions, no matter how big, small, or complex.

Evan and Matt explore the common question of why insurance companies often push back on claims. They discuss the typical process, from initial coverage determination to adjusting the loss, and explain when a public adjuster might be a valuable asset. The conversation also demystifies insurance policies, explaining why they can seem confusing and what you can do to better understand your coverage before a problem arises.

Listeners will also learn about common legal myths, including the realities of so-called "bad faith" claims, whether you can safely ignore a legal letter, and the truth about your rights during a police interrogation. The episode provides valuable context on why proactive legal knowledge is crucial for business owners and individuals alike, highlighting the importance of consulting with professionals to navigate potential legal issues and protect your interests.

Takeaway:

Navigating the legal world, from insurance claims to unexpected legal notices, requires a solid understanding of your rights and when to seek help. This episode highlights that being proactive, documenting everything, and knowing when to consult a professional can make a significant difference in the outcome. Whether you're a business owner or an individual, understanding these principles is key to protecting yourself from costly mistakes.

Have a question for Evan and Matt? Send it to mhm@schlawpc.com, and they'll answer it on a future episode.

In the fifth episode of Ask the Lawyers, hosts Evan Schwartz and Matt Conroy answer your legal questions, no matter how big, small, or complex.

Evan and Matt dive into the critical first steps to take when facing a divorce, emphasizing the importance of seeking legal counsel early to understand your rights and protect your interests. The discussion then shifts to the world of insurance, demystifying "bad faith" claims and explaining how state laws can dramatically impact your ability to recover damages beyond your policy limits. They draw compelling parallels between business partnership breakups and divorces, highlighting how emotion can drive costly litigation and sharing strategies for reaching a negotiated resolution. The episode also covers the essentials of estate planning, including why a will is crucial for protecting your family and assets, and provides a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately following a car accident.

Takeaway:

Whether navigating a personal crisis like a divorce, a business dispute, or an unexpected accident, proactive legal knowledge is your greatest asset. Understanding your rights, the potential consequences of your actions, and when to seek professional advice can prevent costly mistakes and lead to better outcomes. Preparing for the unexpected through sound legal and estate planning is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Have a question for Evan and Matt? Send it to mhm@schlawpc.com and they'll answer it on a future episode.

In the fourth episode of Ask the Lawyers, hosts Evan Schwartz and Matt Conroy answer your legal questions, no matter how big, small, or complex.

Through their extensive experience, Evan and Matt clarify the challenging process of dealing with insurance companies after property damage or a business shutdown. They discuss common tactics used by insurers, such as delaying claims or disputing the cause of loss, and offer practical steps business owners can take to protect themselves. The conversation covers the critical importance of documenting everything, understanding policy exclusions like flooding, and when to bring in experts. They also explain the differences between mediation, arbitration, and a lawsuit, helping you understand which path might be right for your situation.

Takeaway:

When facing a significant loss, being proactive and well-informed is your best defense. From carefully documenting the damage to understanding your policy's time limits for filing a lawsuit, the right steps can make all the difference. Knowing your options and when to seek legal counsel can help you secure a fair outcome and protect your business's future.

Have a question for Evan and Matt? Send it to mhm@schlawpc.com and they'll answer it on a future episode.

In the third episode of Ask the Lawyers, hosts Evan Schwartz and Matt Conroy answer your legal questions, no matter how big, small, or complex.

Drawing on decades of experience, Evan and Matt break down how to choose the right lawyer for your situation, what to ask during consultations, and why clear communication with your legal team sets the tone for better outcomes. They explore smart planning for new businesses, from partnership roles and operating agreements to risk allocation, and explain how workplace discrimination and retaliation claims are commonly understood, including what to document and who to notify. Their conversation also covers practical estate planning basics, like wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies, to help families stay organized and prepared.

Takeaway:

Proactive legal guidance can help you spot issues early, set expectations, and move forward with confidence. From selecting counsel to structuring agreements and handling disputes, being informed and prepared goes a long way.

Have a question for Evan and Matthew? Send it to mhm@schlawpc.com and they'll answer on a future episode.

In the second episode of Ask the Lawyers, hosts Evan Schwartz and Matt Conroy answer your legal questions, no matter how big, small, or complex.

Evan and Matt draw on decades of experience to explore the enforceability of verbal agreements, highlighting when they are binding and why written contracts are often safer. They also discuss navigating insurance claims, including policy cancellations and premium increases, and provide clarity on subpoenas, emphasizing the importance of timely legal advice. Lastly, they address non-compete agreements, recent legal changes, and why consulting a lawyer before speaking with federal agents is crucial to protecting your rights.

Takeaway:

Proactive legal guidance is essential. From understanding contracts to handling disputes, consulting a trusted attorney can help you safeguard your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve peace of mind.

Have a question for Evan and Matthew? Send it to mhm@schlawpc.com and they'll answer on a future episode.

In the first episode of Ask the Lawyers, hosts Evan Schwartz and Matt Conroy answer your legal questions, no matter how big, small, or complex.

Evan and Matt draw on decades of experience to discuss the intricacies of creating legally binding contracts, ensuring your agreements are robust and effective. They also break down the concept of indictments, offering clarity on how grand jury processes work at both the state and federal levels. The duo further explores the nuances of white-collar crimes, including their financial focus and potential penalties involved. Lastly, they address common challenges like disputes with insurance companies over claims and issues among business partners, emphasizing strategies to protect your rights and prevent unnecessary conflicts.

Takeaway:

Proactive legal guidance is essential. From drafting contracts to resolving disputes, consulting a trusted attorney can help you safeguard your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve peace of mind.