Middle Tennessee Legal Blog
Are my pension benefits separate or marital property?
For Tennessee residents who have been fortunate enough to have a good job, accrue significant assets and look forward to a comfortable retirement, their pension is a source of worry in a divorce. While there might be a substantial amount in the pension, they are...
Can executive thinking lead to white-collar crimes?
People often think of crimes as things that bad people only commit, but this isn’t necessarily the case. A researcher took the time to examine the psychology behind white-collar crimes. He interviewed people who were convicted of white-collar crimes. The conclusion he...
Just about anyone could face white collar charges
For most of us, the idea of financial fraud or white-collar criminal charges seems like issues other people face. However, the fact of the matter is, just about anyone could face white collar charges. Wait, how? Do you have access to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, customer...
How is a property’s rise in value handled during a divorce?
Property division is the most difficult part of many Tennessee divorces. This is especially true in a high-asset divorce where there is property of significant value. The law is clear as to how marital property and separate property are defined. However, people might...
What happens to stock options in a divorce?
Tennessee law dictates that parties divide assets in a divorce in a way that meet standards of fairness. Many assets are relatively simple to divide, such as a joint savings account. If both parties agree to a settlement, the parties will divide and close the account....
What is a ‘target letter’ and how worried should I be?
Here is a hypothetical scenario. You receive a letter in the mail from the Tennessee U.S. States Attorney's Office. You open the envelope, and the letter says you have been summoned to testify before a grand jury. Perhaps the letter also says you are under...
How body language myths complicate white-collar investigations
Responsibility for white-collar criminal offenses often comes down to a combination of impact, intent and knowledge. Those committing fraud or embezzlement may create fake paper trails to cover their tracks or may involve others in their schemes so that it is harder...
Valuing your business’s goodwill during a divorce
Divorce is rarely easy, and property division is one of the most complex aspects of most divorces. Property division becomes even more complicated if you are a business owner. Your business is considered a marital asset, and since you are most likely the one keeping...
Parental alienation violates a non-custodial parent’s rights
It is normal to feel angry after a divorce, but you should not let this anger affect your child’s relationship with their other parent. Some custodial parents wrongfully act on this resentment and will, through deceit, encourage the child to refuse to visit or speak...
The road to embezzlement allegations
Theft is presumed to be someone breaking into a residential home or pointing a gun at a victim to take their money and other possessions. Another form of stealing exists that does not require illegal entry into a dwelling or showing a weapon in a threatening manner....