How Does the Adoption Process Work in Tennessee?

Adopting a child is one of the sweet joys of life. Unlike most court actions, adoptions are usually not contested although there are some exceptions. Adoptions bring a needy child into the loving arms of a caring couple or person. Tennessee does have numerous requirements which an experienced adoption lawyer can explain. Tennessee adoption law…

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Boating Under the Influence

Driving under the influence doesn’t just apply to vehicles. Anyone who operates a vessel can be charged with an equivalent charge called Boating under the influence (BUI). A vessel includes most types of water vehicles such as motorboats, commercial boats, or any boat that is subject to registration and is used to transport people. Boat…

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Reasons DUI Criminal Charges May Be Dismissed Before Trial

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges can be dismissed before the actual trial begins. Sometimes, the prosecution may dismiss the case on their own because of known defects in their case. Usually, DUI cases are dismissed because of persuasive criminal defense lawyer arguments and motions. Defendants should regularly plead not guilty to DUI charges because…

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Defenses to Identity Theft Crimes in Tennessee

Defendants can be charged with identity theft crimes by the state or by the federal government. Generally, identity theft consists of using someone’s personal identifying information to obtain such financial gain. Common examples include using the information of someone else to gain access to credit cards, bank accounts, and retirement contacts. It also includes using…

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Facing the Reality That It Really Is Time to Divorce

One of the hardest difficulties for spouses is admitting that your marriage isn’t going to work. It’s especially hard when there are children involved. Most spouses try go the extra mile before deciding that divorce is the right choice. The extra mile usually means reviewing your marital difficulties with family and friends. Sometimes, it means…

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Parental Relocation Rights and Duties in Tennessee

Often, after physical and legal custody rights have been established by a court order or a permanent parenting plan, one parent seeks to move. Sometimes the move is voluntary. Often, the parent moves because of the offer of a new or better job or due to educational opportunities. A parent may want to move if…

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Nonstandard Field Sobriety Tests

Any driver who is stopped on suspicion of driving while intoxicated will likely be asked by the police officer to submit to field sobriety tests. If the driver fails the field tests, the officer will then usually ask the driver to submit to chemical breath or blood tests. There are three standardized tests that officers…

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Tennessee Has a New Opioid Law – Effective July 1, 2018

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed a new law in response to the growing opioid pain medication epidemic. The law became effective July 1, 2018 but isn’t mandated for six months – until January 1, 2019. The new law imposes many new restrictions on doctors who prescribe pain medications and pharmacies that prepare them. The new…

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Man Charged with DUI Claims His Dog Was the Real Driver

The Orlando Sentinel reported that a Florida man has come up with a new excuse for driving while intoxicated – it wasn’t really him driving, it was his dog. Alas, the excuse didn’t pan out and the driver now finds himself in the proverbial doghouse. The man was arrested and charged with driving under the…

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New Changes to the Criminal Asset Forfeiture Process in Tennessee

Criminal asset seizure is a law enforcement tool that allows the government to take the property that is owned by those accused of committing crimes. Criminal asset seizure or forfeiture is usually conducted related to the possession of narcotics. Law enforcement can seize money, vehicles, home or other property related to the commission of a…

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The Penalties for a Fake Driver’s License

When a person has been convicted of a DUI and their license has been suspended for one year, it can cause a lot of chaos in their life. Depending on the nature of the incident, they may be able to obtain a restricted license, but a restricted license does not allow a person to go…

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Are You Certain That You Want Sole Custody?

Custody battles can bring out the worst character traits in people who are supposed to be fighting for the best interests of the child. Sometimes, parents get so caught up in their desire to win that they lose sight of the facts of what “winning” a custody battle really means. Are you sure that you…

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7 Pieces of Advice from Those Who Have “Survived” a Divorce

Divorce is the process of ending the marriage contract. It may sound simple, but divorces are rarely easy. Getting divorced is the second most stressful experience–with the death of a spouse or loved one being the first—a human being can endure. Given that roughly half of the marriages in the United States end in divorce,…

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Tennessee’s Laws Regarding Breathalyzer and Blood Tests

The implied consent law for Tennessee was amended in 2017 in response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision, Birchfield v. North Dakota. That case found that breathalyzer tests could be given incident to an arrest – without a warrant. The Supreme Court also agreed that the refusal to take a breath test could result in…

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Major Reasons Marriages Fail

A recent Huffington Post article reviewed why marital relationships fail. Our divorce lawyers represent spouses and parents who are struggling with their marriage. Some marriages can be saved with communication and work. When the marriage can’t be saved, we guide wives and husbands through the divorce process. Often divorce disputes can be settled amicably –…

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