Common Legal Issues Throughout the Adoption Process
The proverbial saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is true when it comes to the adoption process. While adoption revolves around what is best for the child, it’s also a process where both the adoptive parents and the biological parents work together in giving the child the best life possible. Often, however,…
Read MoreCan I Get More Child Support?
As a parent, you can personally testify about how the pandemic has affected your household’s finances. Your grocery bill may be a little steep because your children are learning remotely and home all the time. Maybe you were one of the millions of workers whose hours were severely reduced, and it’s difficult to keep up…
Read MoreWhat Are Discretionary and Reverse Waivers?
When a juvenile is charged with a crime in Tennessee, the court has the power to decide whether they will be tried for their crime in juvenile or adult court. The state bases their decision on a variety of factors, and can grant a waiver transferring a juvenile’s case over to adult criminal court. These…
Read MoreChild Custody and Support Issues During the Holidays
Although you may not want to admit it, maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship with your ex-spouse can sometimes be difficult. Around the holidays, though, your ex-spouse’s actions may just become unbearable. Maybe he just bought your children the latest iPhones for Christmas, even though the two of you agreed not to spend much on the…
Read MoreHow Will Divorce Affect Social Security Payments?
When a long-married couple divorces, finances are often at the forefront of their concerns. Will I need to go back to work? Will I be able to survive on my share of the 401(k)? Will my savings be enough? Thankfully, there is always Social Security to fall back on. But your Social Security payments, just…
Read MoreBreaking Down Felony Drug Charges
Earlier this month, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies executed a search warrant at the home of Chris Appleby, a 33-year-old Amish man in Lawrence, Tennessee. According to various news sources, there were enough complaints lodged by neighbors to justify the warrant. It appears that justification was right. During their search, law enforcement officials discovered about…
Read MoreGetting Divorced When Your Spouse Has a Gambling Problem
Every married couple remembers the specific vows they took at their wedding. Each spouse vowed to remain by each other’s side until death does them part, through sickness or through health. However, married couples find themselves in situations that threaten to tear their union apart. One spouse could develop a drug addiction. One spouse could…
Read MoreWhat Are the Signs of High-Conflict Divorce?
There are many indicators that your divorce may be contested by your spouse. Physical abuse is the most widely recognized red flag, but there are often other signs that you could be headed for a contentious split. At the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates, we’re ready for high-conflict cases. Often, there are…
Read MoreObsessed with True Crime Docs? It May Be Ruining How You See the Justice System
While true crime has always been an obsession for Americans, there has been an increase in true crime influencers and online media in general. Netflix documentaries like Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer and American Murder: The Family Next Door give an interesting glimpse into how social media played a significant role in…
Read MoreWhat Makes a Prenuptial Agreement Invalid?
Requesting a future spouse to sign a prenuptial agreement is not a sign of strife to come in a marriage. There is a healthy and beneficial way for partners to initiate conversations about signing prenuptial agreements for future spouses; one of those ways does not include springing prenups on future spouses at the last minute.…
Read MoreHow Do Pardons Work?
A pardon is a government decision that exempts someone from being punished for a crime. While the President (federal) or governor (state) has the right to pardon someone, the decision to pardon rests solely in the executive’s discretion. Once the decision is made to pardon someone or not, it is final and is not subject…
Read MorePeople Love Superheroes in the Movies, Not in Real Life
It sounds like something out of a movie; a self-proclaimed “superhero” is patrolling the streets of Capital City with an affinity for hunting down high-ranking gang members and vowing to take on a serial-stabbing nemesis. Rather, it would– if the capital city in question weren’t Little Rock and the “superhero” didn’t post on Facebook asking…
Read MoreDetangling Affairs: How to Purge Your Digital Life When Your Relationship Ends
We recently wrote about protecting yourself at the start of your marriage by taking advantage of all of the benefits and protections that institution provides. A great many of those of advantages are conferred by comingling assets and consolidating bills (among others). Unfortunately, the protections and benefits of a relationship can become liabilities when that…
Read MoreAbout the First Boating Season with Tennessee’s New BUI Penalties
Driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in Tennessee is a serious matter. The minimum penalties for a first offense include jail time and/or fines and fees, a required DUI class and suspension of driving privileges for one year. Additionally financial penalties can be assessed if the impaired driver caused an accident that resulted…
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of a Plea Bargain
Experienced criminal defense lawyers work aggressively to obtain dismissals of criminal charges and to suppress evidence that was illegally obtained or is improper. They should always be ready to try your case in court before a jury. Many times, though, lawyers work with the prosecutor to arrange a plea bargain. A plea bargain essentially means…
Read MoreHow Finances Affect the Decision to Stay in or Leave a Marriage
Stable marriages involve many different factors. Love, companionship, loyalty, children, growing together, and intimacy are just some of the many reasons people stay together. Finances are another important factor, and they can make – or break – a marriage. Today, we want to look at why unstable finances can keep unhappy couples together, and why…
Read MoreHow Does Bail Work in Tennessee Criminal Cases?
After an arrest for any criminal charge, a defendant is entitled to a bail hearing. Defendants who can obtain bail are released from prison. Defendants who are not approved for bail or can’t meet the bail requirements will stay in jail until their case can be heard. Experienced defense lawyers fight to have their clients…
Read MoreAn Unusual Custody Battle Involving a Surrogate
Canadian courts recently saw an intense custody fight that is illustrative of the bitterness that can be at the heart of any custody battle. A surrogate, known by her initials KB, agreed to bear a child for a married man, known as MSB, and the man’s wife. The surrogate slept with MSB in order to…
Read MoreWhy Divorces Can Be Expensive (And How You Can Reduce the Costs)
It’s rough enough understanding that your marriage has failed. You know you need to start over. You want to protect your children and yourself – financially and emotionally. It’s especially critical to be able to move a divorce quickly if a spouse is being abusive. The time to discuss, prepare, file court papers, negotiate, and…
Read MoreSCOTUS Decision Limits Warrantless Entry for (Some) Fleeing Suspects
In a blow against law enforcement overreach, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) held that there are Fourth Amendment limits on chasing fleeing suspects who enter their homes. The decision of the court was unanimous, and the decision of California’s First District Court of Appeals was vacated. The case was remanded back to…
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