What is a Trust and how can it benefit me?
A trust is a legal relationship in which one person (the Trustee) holds property for the benefit of another (the Beneficiary). The property can be any kind of real or personal property–money, real estate, stocks, bonds, business interests, and personal possessions. It is often established by one person for the benefit of himself or of […]
TN Supreme Court Unanimous Opinion: Surviving Spouse Can File Wrongful Death Case
Tennessee Supreme Court TSC: Surviving Spouse Can File Wrongful Death Case Even if Survivor Possibly Negligent in Cause of Death In a unanimous opinion, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled the surviving spouse of a person killed in a vehicle accident could initiate a wrongful death action on the decedent’s behalf even though the surviving spouse’s […]
RODGERS WINS DEFENSE VERDICT IN AUTO ACCIDENT CASE
KRBHK attorney John Rodgers recently won a defense verdict for a client in an offset rear-end automobile accident case. The plaintiff alleged that, as a result of the accident, she sustained an injury to her neck which necessitated a two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, medical expenses over $95,000 and loss of income over $50,000. […]
Ask An Attorney – Do I need to update my Will?
Q: Do I need to update my Will? A: It is a good idea to periodically review your Will. The estate tax rules have been changing on an annual basis, and consequently, attorneys and estate planners are drafting new provisions to deal with those changes. There most likely are other reasons for changing your Will […]
21 Million Taxpayers Will Stop Taking Charitable Deductions Under The New Tax Law
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will shrink the number of households claiming an itemized deduction for their gifts to non-profits from about 37 million to about 16 million in 2018, according to new Tax Policy Center estimates. At the same time, the new law will reduce the federal income tax subsidy for charitable giving […]
The Estate of Calvert Hugh Fletcher: Tennessee Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Children, Not Surviving Spouse
Here’s a new case from the Tennessee Supreme Court that you might find of particular interest. A husband and wife deposited funds into a joint checking account designated with a right of survivorship. Later, the husband withdrew most of the funds from the joint account and placed the funds in a certificate of deposit issued […]
Ask an Attorney: How long do I have to file suit for injuries received in a car accident?
Q: How long do I have to file suit for injuries I received in an automobile accident? A: It depends on where the accident occurred. In Tennessee, you have one (1) year from the date of the accident. That period of time is referred to as the Statute of Limitations and may vary depending on […]
Ask an Attorney: Do I need to incorporate my business?
Q: Do I need to incorporate my business? A: Incorporating or forming a limited liability company for your business is generally a good way to protect your personal assets from lawsuits involving your business. Before jumping to any quick decision, however, you should consult an attorney and a CPA for advice on the type of […]
Ask an Attorney: Am I Required to Have Car Insurance?
Q.: Am I required to have car insurance? If so, what amount of car insurance does the State require? A: Tennessee law requires its drivers to show proof of financial responsibility (i.e. the ability to cover resulting costs, if you are involved in a moving violation or accident). Most often, proof of financial responsibility comes […]
Ask an Attorney: Tennessee is an “at will” employment state. What does that mean?
Q: Tennessee is an “at will” employment state. What does that mean? A: In the absence of a written employment agreement, an “at will” employee is employed at the discretion of the employer for as little or as long as the employer wishes, and in whatever lawful capacity the employer requires. Furthermore, the employee may […]
Ask an Attorney: Does Signing a Birth Certificate Establish Me as the Father of My Child?
Q: Does signing a birth certificate establish me as the father of my child? A: No. If a child is born to an unmarried couple, a petition must be filed in court to establish the man as the father. The birth certificate is only evidence that the named father might be the biological father. Either […]
CFPB Sues Debt-Relief Companies Illegally Posing As Federal Government
Bureau Alleges that Three Companies and Their Owners Charged Illegal Advance Fees, Lied About Debt-Relief Results WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today filed suit in federal court against two companies operating under the name “FDAA,” a service provider, and their owners for falsely presenting FDAA as being affiliated with the federal government. The […]
Ask an Attorney: What is Mediation and is it Helpful?
Q: What is mediation and is it helpful? A: Mediation is an informal and confidential process for helping parties resolve disputes instead of going to court. With the help of a Rule 31 Listed Civil Mediator, parties work together to communicate and find mutually agreeable solutions to their problems. A Mediator does not decide […]
Ask an Attorney: Do I need a Last Will and Testament?
Q: Do I need a Last Will and Testament? Should I have an attorney prepare this document, or can I prepare it myself? A: In most cases, yes, you should have a Last Will and Testament. Your Will is the document that directs how your estate is to be distributed upon your death. Should you […]
Meet the Team: Loren A. Sanderson
Loren A. Sanderson focuses her practice on litigation and dispute resolution. She primarily handles family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, contempt, dependent neglect, and adoption, and also practices in the areas of criminal defense, general civil litigation, probate, and estate planning. Loren joined the firm in 2015 after establishing her practice with a […]
Tuma accepts summer internship with KRBHK
Kious, Rodgers, Barger, Holder & King, PLLC recently announced the addition of Caroline Tuma to its team. Tuma has accepted a summer internship with the firm and will aide its partners and associates in their daily operations and counsel. “Caroline is a sharp young woman who comes from a great family deeply rooted in the […]
Meet the Team: G. Christopher Holder
Originally from both Hartsville and Fayetteville, Tennessee, Chris has called Murfreesboro home for over twenty years. He received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University in 1998 and graduated cum laude from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2003 where he was a member of Phi Delta Phi legal honors […]
Meet the Team: James “Jay” Barger
James “Jay” Barger received his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1998 and his law degree from the University of Tennessee in 2001. In 2001, Jay was admitted to the Tennessee Bar and has been a partner with the firm since 2006. Jay specializes in complicated Divorces, Child Custody, Adoption, Personal Injury, Worker’s […]
Meet the Team: John W. Rodgers
John W. Rodgers received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1988 and his law degree from the University of Memphis in 1991. His areas of practice include personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, insurance, corporate and commercial litigation, wills and contracts. Mr. Rodgers was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 1991. He is admitted […]
What is Social Security Disability and How do you qualify?
Social Security Disability, have you ever thought about it? Probably not. Nobody plans to become disabled during their lifetime. However, the reality of disability is much greater than you may realize. According to ssa.gov, 1 in 4 of today’s 20 year-olds will become disabled before reaching the age of 67. Disability is something we never […]