Embarking on the journey to legally change your name in Tennessee involves a series of structured steps, whether prompted by a life event such as marriage or divorce or for other personal reasons. Regardless of the reason, this guide about how to legally change your name in Tennessee delineates the precise procedures for any scenario, ensuring a smooth and legally sound transition. How to Legally Change Your Name in Tennessee After Marriage or Divorce When and Where to Initiate the Process To initiate the legal process of changing your name in Tennessee, a pivotal first step is updating your i ..read more

Wondering about the difference between litigation and mediation and which one is best for you? Litigation is the formal process of taking legal action to resolve disputes through the court system, from filing a lawsuit, to a discovery phase involving formal exchange of information, to filing motions and making arguments, to a final courtroom trial (and possibly appeals).  The final decision in litigation comes from a judge or jury, as the case may be. Mediation is when an unbiased third party mediates, or facilitates, a formal meeting between two parties. The mediator goes between the par ..read more

As a tenant eager to sign a lease, it is easy to quickly read through an electronic agreement at the end of a long work day. If you’re a landlord, it is tempting to recycle lease templates found online. However, navigating the Tennessee Uniform Landlord Tenant Act can be complex and, if done carelessly, can lead to expensive legal battles. Understanding the legal framework can help prevent disputes and ensure a smooth rental experience. It’s important to understand the Uniform Landlord Tenant Act (ULTA) and its impact on residential lease agreements in Tennessee. Whether you’re a landlord or a ..read more

Embarking on a journey to establish a business, restructure an existing company, or enter into joint ventures demands a strong foundation of legal guidance and advice. Hudson, Reed & Christiansen, PLLC offers comprehensive assistance to clients aspiring to achieve their entrepreneurial and professional goals. With a deep commitment to empowering business owners, Hudson, Reed & Christiansen, PLLC provides unparalleled insights into choosing the correct entity, managing liability, and navigating complex tax landscapes. Choosing the Right Entity: Impact on Liability and Taxes One of the c ..read more

Estate planning is a crucial aspect of securing the future of your assets and simultaneously setting your loved ones up for success. Whether you’re looking to create a will, establish a trust, or navigate complex probate processes, the expertise of an estate lawyer can be invaluable. Furthermore, estate planning can feel like a vulnerable and sensitive process, which is why it is all the more important to hire an estate lawyer you can trust. Understanding the Importance of an Estate Lawyer Estate lawyers specialize in areas such as wills, trusts, probate, and power of attorney. They possess a ..read more

For individuals who do not have the capacity to make decisions on their own behalf, establishing a conservatorship may be a necessity. However, because the Tennessee court’s first concern is protecting people from seeing their assets fall into the wrong hands, the process of establishing conservatorship can be lengthy. Read on to learn about the four steps required to secure a conservatorship in Tennessee. What Is a Conservatorship? A conservatorship is a legally recognized position that allocates the property and decision-making power of a mentally or physically disabled or incapacitated adul ..read more

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows a third party (a trustee) to hold a person’s (the grantor’s) assets on behalf of their beneficiaries. Trusts are created to avoid certain tax consequences or legal liabilities. They also can preclude the trouble of going to court to probate a living will. Establishing a trust is a good idea for those with large estates who are likely to die within the next ten years. Tennessee does not currently have an estate tax and the current Federal Estate Tax exemption is $12.92 million for the value of the estate. Also, unless Congress decides to act, the Feder ..read more

Though the end of a marriage can be emotionally taxing, the grounds for divorce in Tennessee are relatively straightforward. Under the law, a couple looking to end their marriage can either agree that neither party is at fault for the marriage’s failure, or one spouse can argue that the other is at fault on one or more legally recognized grounds. No-Fault Divorce Tennessee allows married couples to divorce based on irreconcilable differences. This means that while the couple no longer wants to remain married, neither spouse has committed any specific wrongdoing. A divorce based on grounds of i ..read more

Probate, or the dividing up of an estate, can be a complex and lengthy process. Fortunately, the probate attorneys of Hudson, Reed & Christiansen can guide you through it. Read on to learn what probate entails, what options are available, and the benefits of having a probate attorney in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  What is Probate? In its simplest terms, probate is the legal process that takes place after a person dies. It involves validating and administrating the decedent’s will (if applicable) and distributing the assets of the decedent’s estate to their chosen beneficiaries. Probate ..read more