Posts by Kevin Shepherd
Keeping the Marital Home in a Tennessee Divorce
The marital home is one of the most, if not the most, desirable assets when spouses divorce. When a couple splits up, often one spouse stays in the marital home and the other spouse moves out. Alternatively, the marital home is sold and the proceeds divided in accordance with the divorce property division agreement or…
Read MoreCelebrating Your Divorce – The First Step Towards Moving to the Next Phase of Your Life
It’s natural to feel upset when you divorce. When you marry, family and friends are there to celebrate your wedding. Divorce feels like a letdown. Even when you negotiate a strong settlement where you keep the marital home and your business – all while protecting your children – the day the divorce papers arrive is…
Read MoreWhy Should I Hire a Lawyer for Probate?
Probate is the court process for validating a will and appointing the personal representative to handle the estate. Probate also includes the process for administering the estate of the person who died. Experienced lawyers often represent the personal representative. They may also represent claimants who seek to invalidate the will or have a claim against…
Read MoreWhy Should I Hire an Attorney for an Agreed Divorce?
Obtaining a divorce, even when you agree, isn’t as simple as you might think. There are specific requirements for filing for an “agreed divorce.” An experienced divorce lawyer can’t tell you if you qualify. If you don’t qualify, however, your attorney may be able to help. Your lawyer will also help you understand your rights.…
Read MoreAdoption Resources for Maryville Families
Child adoptions are probably the best part of practicing family law. Parents act selflessly to help a child have a happier life. The aim of adoption is to bind parents and children together. Parents adopt because they can’t have children of their own, they want to help children who are disadvantaged, a stepparent wants to…
Read MoreWhy the Costs of Divorce Can Force Some Couples to Stay Together
For some couples, divorce is inevitable. Whether you’ve made it one year or 50 years in your marriage, sometimes it is best for everyone to go their separate ways. For couples who have amassed significant assets, who are struggling to pay the bills, or who have been married for a long time, divorce can be…
Read MoreAn Overview of Probate Laws in Tennessee
The probate process occurs when a loved one passes away, and their will must be validated by the courts before assets can be divided and passed to heirs. All debts of the estate must be paid, and the wishes of the decedent must be met as defined in the will. Not every estate will be…
Read MoreHow Property and Assets Are Valued in a Divorce
Tennessee operates as an equitable distribution state when the property is divided during divorce proceedings. This means that the property won’t technically be split 50-50 between the two spouses. Instead, the court will determine the equitable and fair distribution of the property after hearing both sides of the case. When going through a Maryville contested…
Read MoreShowing Your Partner Gratitude Linked to the Quality of the Marriage
The pandemic had life-altering effects on married couples across the country: it made spouses realize that they could no longer continue to be married, or it made spouses realize just how much they appreciate each other. Whichever side of the aisle your marriage falls on, it’s important to note that the more gratitude is shown…
Read MoreHow to Get More Parenting Time With Your Child
As a divorced or soon-to-be divorced parent, one of your biggest priorities is likely ensuring you have the most time as possible with your child. When drafting a custody agreement, our clients always have the same question, “How much time will I get to spend with my kid?” It’s a great question and one attorneys…
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