Having to interact with a law enforcement officer during a simple traffic stop can be a nerve-wracking experience for most drivers. If that simple traffic stop morphs into a driving under the influence (DUI) investigation, the average person’s anxiety increases exponentially – even if they aren’t under the influence. Because it can happen to anyone, a Murfreesboro criminal defense lawyer at Bennett | Michael | Hornsby explains how to navigate a DUI stop in Tennessee. How Is a DUI Investigation Initiated? Law enforcement officers conduct traffic stops all the time. Some officers are directly as ..read more

A trust agreement is often an integral component in a comprehensive estate plan. Trusts are powerful legal arrangements that allow individuals to protect and distribute their assets according to their wishes, both during their lifetime and after their passing. At the heart of every trust is a Trustee, a fiduciary entrusted with the management and administration of the trust assets. Serving as a Trustee puts you in a position of great responsibility and requires a thorough understanding of both the legal and ethical duties involved. To help you better understand, a Murfreesboro estate planning ..read more

The prospect of divorce often evokes images of conflict and discord. When children are involved, the prospect of successfully co-parenting during a divorce can be met with skepticism; however, it can be accomplished. To help you get started, a Murfreesboro divorce attorney at Bennett | Michael | Hornsby discusses some dynamics and strategies that pave the way for successful co-parenting during divorce. Co-Parenting During a Divorce Co-parenting, at its core, embodies a shared commitment between former partners to prioritize the well-being and development of their children. It transcends person ..read more

We have all watched law enforcement officers read someone their “Miranda” rights during an arrest or subsequent interview on a TV show or in a movie. You may go through your entire life without ever hearing those warnings in real life; however, if you are ever in a situation where the warnings apply it is in your best interest to know that and to understand your rights. With that in mind, a Murfreesboro criminal defense lawyer at Bennett | Michael | Hornsby explains when Miranda warnings are required. What Are Miranda Warnings? In the 1966 U.S. Supreme Court case, Miranda v. Arizona, the court ..read more

White-collar crime, often masked by its nonviolent nature and committed within the confines of legitimate business operations, is a significant concern for law enforcement authorities and legal systems across the United States, including the State of Tennessee. Defined by deception, manipulation, and financial gain, these crimes inflict substantial economic and social damage, affecting individuals, businesses, and communities alike. While people often view white collar crimes as less serious offenses, they carry very real and very serious potential penalties for anyone convicted of committing ..read more

The term “intestate” refers to a situation where a person passes away without leaving behind a valid Last Will and Testament or trust providing instructions regarding the distribution of their estate assets. When this happens, the distribution of the deceased’s estate is governed by the intestate succession laws of the state where they resided at the time of death. Relying on intestacy laws can lead to various complications during the probate of your estate along with failing to distribute your estate according to your wishes. A Murfreesboro estate planning attorney at Bennett | Michael | Horn ..read more

Divorce is never an easy process, but when it becomes contested, the complexities and emotional fallout can escalate dramatically. In Tennessee, contested divorces often entail legal battles over crucial issues like property division, child custody, and alimony. If you are faced with a contested divorce, it is crucial to consult with an experienced divorce attorney. In the meantime, a Murfreesboro divorce attorney at Bennett | Michael | Hornsby offers some perspective on what to expect when navigating a contested divorce in Tennessee. Understanding Contested Divorce in Tennessee In Tennessee ..read more

Just as marriage should not be entered into lightly, neither should divorce. Ultimately, you are the only person who can decide if your marriage has reached a point at which divorce is inevitable; however, you should not make that decision without careful consideration. If you are thinking about divorce, a Murfreesboro divorce attorney at Bennett | Michael | Hornsby offers some tips to help protect yourself before and after a divorce. Seek Counseling: Counseling can provide you with a safe space to express your feelings and concerns about your marriage and the potential divorce. A therapist c ..read more

The older population (defined as people 65 years of age and older) has increased dramatically in recent decades and experts project that growth will continue for the foreseeable future. The historic growth in the number of older Americans has focused the spotlight on a variety of senior issues, including elder abuse. Historically, elder abuse was largely swept under the rug and treated much like domestic violence – as a private family problem. Changing legal and cultural views coupled with the new-found power in numbers felt by older individuals have raised awareness about the alarming rates o ..read more

Given the well-known statistics about the high rate of divorce in the United States, it should be no surprise that more and more people are choosing to forego the legal institute of marriage altogether. In 2021, the U.S. marriage rate was 14.9 marriages in the last year per 1,000 women, down from 16.3 a decade earlier, according to the U.S. Census. Marriage, however, does offer certain legal protections if the relationship does not work out. In the past, couples often claimed those same legal protections because they entered into a “common law” marriage when a relationship ended. Will that wor ..read more