Common Questions About QDROs
Couples going through a divorce often hear the term “QDRO” and feel confused about what it means. QDRO stands for Qualified Domestic Relations Order, and it is a very important document that establishes how an individual’s spouse, ex-spouse, child, or other dependent will receive part of the money or benefits in their retirement account. Even…
Read MoreDefenses to Charges for Driving While High on Weed
Ever since our neighboring states started decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana, Tennessee’s law enforcement has been on a tear trying to crack down on alleged drugged drivers. If you have been pulled over and then charged with driving while high on weed (or any other controlled substance), you want to speak with an experienced criminal defense…
Read MoreThe Penalties for “Tranq” Are Official, and They’re Harsh
It is often said that in this world there are “givers” and there are “takers.” People can be both, depending on time and circumstance, but drug addiction is only ever one thing: a taker. It is an illness that takes away jobs, it takes away stability, it takes away family, it takes away health, and…
Read MoreWhat Happens to the Mortgage When You Get Divorced?
Few marriages begin with divorce in mind, but many end that way. And when they do end, one of the most challenging legal aspects – after working out child custody and support agreements – is often the division of marital property. Determining who gets what when it comes to physical property, savings and investments can…
Read MoreLegal Implications of Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are an important component of law enforcement’s toolkit in determining if a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Administered during a traffic stop, these tests are designed to assess a driver’s physical and cognitive abilities, providing officers with evidence to establish probable cause for a…
Read MoreProtecting Your Business in a Divorce
Divorce is a complex and emotional process that can become even more complicated when a business is involved. For business owners, the stakes are high, as the outcome of the divorce proceedings can significantly affect the future of their business. Following is some advice from our Franklin family law attorneys to keep in mind during…
Read MoreCriminal Charges and Collateral Consequences
The aftermath of criminal charges can extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting a variety of aspects of an individual’s life. While the immediate focus of criminal defense often centers on legal consequences such as fines, probation, or incarceration, collateral consequences can be equally, if not more, powerful. Today we want to take a look at…
Read MoreCo-Parenting Successfully During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for divorced parents navigating co-parenting responsibilities, this time of year can also bring unique challenges and emotions. Successfully co-parenting during the holiday season requires thoughtful planning, open communication, and a focus on the well-being of the children involved. Communication is…
Read MoreDealing with Digital Assets in a Divorce
Divorce is never easy, often bringing forth a whirlwind of emotional turmoil and financial stress for everyone involved. Separating a life built together is undoubtedly challenging, and it’s during these times that couples must confront a myriad of intricate issues. One such complexity increasingly encountered is the management of digital assets. Couples going through a…
Read MoreDoes the Statute of Limitations Ever Run Out for Criminal Charges?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations shapes how criminal cases are handled. The statute of limitations, often referred to as the “legal clock,” is a fundamental concept in criminal cases. It essentially sets a time limit within which criminal charges must be filed after an alleged offense occurs. The time limit is important because it…
Read MoreDo I Need My Co-Parent’s Permission to Change My Child’s School?
In Franklin, Tennessee, joint custody arrangements after divorce are not uncommon. In these situations, both parents share the responsibility of making vital decisions for their child’s well-being, including education choices. Whether custody is split 50/50 or follows a different distribution, the need for cooperation in matters of schooling remains important. In child custody cases, educational…
Read MoreWhen Can You Legally Film the Police?
When situations involving law enforcement unfold, your personal recordings can often be the only way to capture the full scope of an interaction. These recordings can help ensure accountability and provide an unbiased record of events. In Tennessee, specifically in places like Franklin, the act of recording law enforcement officers is generally legal and extends…
Read MoreWhat Happens When a Step Parent is Abusive or Problematic in Tennessee?
Stepparents have been a fixture in family dynamics for centuries. An estimated 30% of American families have a step-relative, like a stepparent or stepchild, in their family. However, their roles and influences on children have garnered renewed attention in recent years. While not all step-parenting situations are filled with difficulties, the term “evil stepmother” or…
Read MoreWhat Is the “Standard” Parenting Plan in Tennessee?
Divorces can be emotionally and legally complicated, and their far-reaching effects often cast a shadow over the most vulnerable members of the family: the children. After a divorce in Tennessee, parents will share responsibilities for their children. To make it a more seamless process, a parenting plan is written. However, one of the challenges that…
Read MoreWhat Is a “Lookback” Period?
Checking someone’s criminal history is an important step when hiring, helping you understand if they’re trustworthy and won’t pose a safety risk at work. The “lookback period” can play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of these evaluations. Simply put, a lookback period is the time period examined when checking if someone has a…
Read MoreWhat Is an Agreed Divorce?
No one enters a marriage with the intention of one day facing divorce. It’s a significant life event that can be emotionally challenging and complex to navigate. However, as you learn more about the intricacies of divorce proceedings, the path forward becomes clearer. You’ll come out with a better understanding of the options and possibilities…
Read MoreCan You Be “Too Drunk” to Be Guilty of a Crime?
Being in an intoxicated state doesn’t serve as a legitimate excuse for engaging in criminal behavior. However, it could potentially hinder an intoxicated individual from possessing the mental capacity needed, as per legal requirements, to be charged and convicted of specific offenses. Consider the historical backdrop of crimes committed under the influence, such as the…
Read MoreShould I File for Divorce First, Even If It’s a Mutual Decision?
When it comes to the challenging decision of divorce, one question often arises: Should you be the one to initiate the process by filing for divorce first? Similar to the way it’s handled in other states, judges in Tennessee remain impartial, or favor neither side, when addressing both the spouse initiating the divorce and the…
Read MoreDo Gifts Count Toward Child Support?
Imagine this: your child is in need of new shoes for school, because kids ALWAYS need new shoes for school; their feet grow so fast! You planned on making the purchase this weekend, after you picked up your kid from an overnight stay at his mother’s. When you get to the door, your child comes…
Read MoreYou Can Face Charges in TN If You Loan Your Car to a Drunk Driver
You may think that you are doing your friend a favor when you lend out your car to them, but the consequences of lending your car to someone who is under the influence can be severe, thanks to a new law that went into effect this July. It is crucial for car owners to be…
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