It Was a Great Wedding… But Was it Legal?
The Universal Life Church (ULC), an online self-described non-denominational religious organization, has been in operation for more than 60 years. Members can become ordained, instantly and for free, online and become empowered to perform functions that traditional ministers can, like weddings or other ceremonies. There are many sites that offer online ordination, but the ULC…
Read MoreHow Can I Get a Bank Account as an Undocumented Immigrant?
As an undocumented immigrant, you may think you’re unable to open a bank account for savings and checking. However, this is untrue and, if you can, you should consider keeping your money in the bank. Using a local financial institution has many advantages that can help you with your life in Tennessee and the United…
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions About Stepparent Adoption in Tennessee
Families fit so many diverse descriptions now. Many children have closely bonded relationships with their parent’s spouse as if that person was a legal parent. Sometimes families want to formalize this relationship through stepparent adoption. While stepparent adoptions are the most common type of adoption, it is not always the right choice for everyone. The…
Read MoreThe Department of Justice Has Ended a Legal Advice Program for Detained Immigrants
The Vera Institute of Justice is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve justice systems that ensure fairness, promote safety and strengthen communities. The U.S. Department of Justice announced on April 10 that it will be halting the Vera Institute’s Legal Orientation Program (LOP) as of April 30th. The LOP program serves more than…
Read MoreParent’s Fears about Brain Injury from Football Ignites Custody Dispute
In a time when groundbreaking research studies are revealing the dangers and the long-term consequences of concussion, many parents find themselves in disagreement about whether their child should play football. When those parents are divorced and share custody of the child, things can get complicated. The New York Times highlighted the story of a Pennsylvania…
Read MoreAmid ICE Raids and Lawsuits, California Stands by Its Sanctuary Cities
At the end of February, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted raids and arrested more than 150 people in the San Francisco Bay area who were reportedly in violation of federal immigration laws. A story on CBSNews.com reports that about half of the individuals arrested in the raid had past criminal convictions in…
Read MoreWho Survives Divorce Better – Men or Women?
Divorce represents a significant loss. Whether you are the party who initiated the divorce, or the one surprised by it, each party suffers the same losses, but men and women tend to process their sense of loss in different ways. These are, of course, over generalizations that pre-suppose that all women and all men might…
Read MoreExperienced Tennessee Divorce Lawyers Are Ready to Help You Benefit from the New Tax Law Changes
The recent tax overhaul law directly impacts most aspects of family law cases. A full understanding of each tax provision is necessary to effectively prioritize and litigate your equitable distribution, alimony, child support, and other family legal issues. Skilled lawyers can help you save money and increase your assets. Most of the tax law’s provisions…
Read MoreCould the New Bipartisan Immigration Proposal Be the Compromise that Solves the Dilemma Facing Dreamers?
March 5th is fast approaching, and U.S. lawmakers continue to be unable to come up with a legislative solution for the “dreamers,” who are immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Former president Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provided protection for Dreamers, has been rescinded by president Trump.…
Read MoreU.S. Federal Appeals Court Orders Immigration Officials to Reconsider the Deportation of a Mother to Mexico
The Washington Post reported, in January, that the Board of Immigration Appeals must provide a spouse and mother of four children a new chance to show the deportation would endanger her life. The three-judge panel, based in Ohio, determined that the Board improperly rejected her request to reopen her asylum request even though there were…
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