The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 made some important changes to federal law. These changes will impact dividing military pensions for certain service members. Those who have not yet started drawing retirement benefits will be affected. A recent Supreme Court case may also affect how much a former spouse of a service member can receive via a divorce order. …
Tax Law Changes May Affect Your Divorce
Tax Reform Act Becomes Effective 1/1/18 Major tax law changes will take effect on January 1st. Here are a few things to know if you divorce during 2018 or thereafter: Major Changes to Alimony Deduction The most striking change in the new tax act for divorcing couples is on the deductibility of alimony. Previously, alimony was usually deductible by the …
Social Security Updates
Social Security has announced changes and cost-of-living adjustments to benefits for 2018. These modifications will be effective for next year. A 2.0 percent cost of living adjustment will be made to all benefits and payments that are tied to the COLA. Generally, all retirement and disability beneficiaries receiving monthly Social Security or SSI benefits will get a two percent raise. …
Tennessee Past-Due Child Support Laws are Changing
This year the Tennessee General Assembly made several changes to past-due child support laws. These changes will affect both parents paying support and parents receiving it. Legislature Lowers the Interest Rate for Child Support Arrears One of the most notable changes is to the interest on child support arrearages. Arrearages are delinquent child support payments that accrue when a parent did not pay …
Eight Things Your Lawyer Wants You to Know about Our First Meeting
Many times clients call us, or email us, or even text or Facebook message us wanting to start a case. When we ask them to schedule a meeting to discuss the matter, they aren’t sure why we need or want to do this. Let us try to explain why meeting face to face is the best way for us to …
Dress for Court and Why It Matters
Does how you dress for court even matter? Some recent events have brought this issue to the forefront for me. Professional Groups Can be Informative One of the little things I do to enhance professionalism and my knowledge of the law is to join various practice groups. Sometimes these are internet message boards, or Facebook groups, or groups that actually …