If you've ever had surgery, you are familiar with being asked if you have a living will or a power of attorney. Most of us don't think about what would happen if we were physically or mentally incapacitated and unable to make decisions about our medical care due to illness, accident or advanced age. If you don't plan now, these important decisions could wind up in the hands of a family member, a doctor, or even a judge who doesn't share your same views doesn't even know you o

Alabama has a statute called "Mandatory Mediation Prior to Trial." The statute defines mediation as a process in which a neutral third party assists the parties to a civil action in reaching their settlement but does not have the authority to force the parties to accept a binding decision. Mediation is mandatory in the following situations: At any time when all parties agree. Upon a motion by any party. If this happens, the party requesting mediation shall pay all the costs o