Legal Services at the Intersection of Business and Life
All probate assets must go through the probate process before being distributed to beneficiaries. Though the rules for asset distribution in probate courts seem straightforward, they are fairly complex. While probate assets are allocated according to a default beneficiary designation, you can determine who gets what by writing a will. Understanding how the probate process works is essential to maintaining…
Find a high-quality business insurance policy that has adequate coverage for lawsuits. Employ a skilled attorney with substantial experience working with businesses in your industry. Keep detailed and accurate records so you always have proof to support your assertions. Structure your business so personal and business expenses and liabilities are clearly separate. Ensure your business lives up to its obligations…
You have probably heard that getting your affairs in order is a good idea so your loved ones are protected when you pass away or become incapacitated. But you may not know exactly when to start planning your estate. The answer? Now is always the best time to start the process. When the unthinkable happens, an estate plan gives you…
When parents are unmarried or in the process of separating, it raises many questions, such as, Who has custody of a child if there is no court order? In Tennessee, the default rule is that both parents have custody if the child is born during the marriage. But if the child is born out of wedlock, Tennessee law automatically awards…
If you are considering creating an estate plan, you may wonder, How do you decide on a will vs a trust? A will provides a comprehensive plan for how you would like your assets to be distributed after you die. In contrast, a trust owns assets for the benefit of one or more parties (called beneficiaries). A will alone may…
Going through a divorce is a trying, challenging, and often frustrating experience. It can be hard to know what to expect, how to work through the separation process effectively, and how to adjust to this new normal. Further, many separating spouses have very real financial questions, leading them to ask, How long do you have to be married to get…
Thinking about and planning for what happens to your assets when you pass away can be uncomfortable. But it is essential to put a plan in place to care for your loved ones and distribute your assets according to your wishes. If you do not have a plan in place, Tennessee’s default rules determine who inherits your assets, which may…
Children benefit significantly from having a relationship with both parents, regardless of the parent’s relationship with each other. While a mother’s rights in Tennessee are automatic, a father must establish paternity to have any legal rights to the child. Perhaps you didn’t establish paternity immediately after birth, or you only realized you are the child’s father years after the child…
Getting remarried can be an exciting time, filled with the promise of a new beginning and a brighter future. It’s not unusual to feel renewed hope and happiness as you start this new chapter. However, estate planning becomes more complex when you have a second marriage, especially if you have children. Estate planning means ensuring your current spouse and your…
Deciding to begin the estate planning process is an essential step toward protecting your loved ones. An effective estate plan can protect your property while ensuring it is distributed according to your wishes. A well-crafted estate plan also helps you prevent unnecessary and costly conflicts among your loved ones. Many people put off planning their estate until it is too…