Why Do You Need a Will?
Death is inevitable. Your death will be an emotional and chaotic time for your loved ones. In order to avoid conflict and confusion regarding the disposition of your money and property you leave (who receives what), have a will. A last will and testament (hereafter referred to as a “will”) is a legally binding document. …
Read MoreFair Debt Collection Practices Act
Many people use credit to obtain goods or services – phones, televisions, vehicles, food, gas, meals, and more. Credit may be arranged by a credit card or a loan from a business, a friend, or a relative. Creditors, however, expect that they will be repaid. When debts are not paid timely, lenders send notices to…
Read MoreDelays in the Courts: 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Accused of Stalling to Keep President Obama’s Plan Out of the Supreme Court
In August, we reported that 26 states (including Tennessee) sued to overturn President Obama’s executive orders on removing (deporting) immigrants. His orders would keep approximately 5 million immigrants from being deported. The case went to court in July, and now the International Business Times has asked: Is the circuit court (5th U.S. Circuit Court of…
Read MoreMaking Sure that Your I-140 Forms Go to Where They Should Go
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services frequently updates the “news” section of its website to help immigrants keep track of changes in the law and to offer helpful information. If you are relatively new to the process, however, it can be a little tricky to figure out the meaning of these announcements and bulletins. Because we…
Read MoreCampus Crime
Crime in America is not limited to streets and alleys; it may occur anywhere, including on and near campuses of schools, colleges, and universities. Students may be victims or perpetrators. Being a student is no defense to being charged with a crime. Typically, students are charged with underage drinking, shoplifting, casual drug use, or vandalism;…
Read MoreIs the New State Secrecy Law in Arkansas Constitutional?
In America, citizens have rights. Even those convicted of terrible murders and sentenced to death have rights under federal laws and state constitutions. The States must adhere to constitutional rights even when a murderer on death row faces execution. Eight state prisoners on death row in Arkansas are challenging a new state secrecy law that…
Read MoreNew Procedures for Determining Visa Eligibility Are Now Underway
There are a number of different ways a person came come to America legally, but all of them involve a visa. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has partnered with the Department of States to better understand just how many immigrant visas will be in demand each year. Based on that number, they can determine…
Read MoreAn Inaccurate Credit Report
In America, we often make purchases with credit. However, stores, car dealers, banks, or other lenders typically review our credit report before deciding whether to extend credit to us to make a purchase on credit or to determine the interest rate that we will pay. A lower interest rate generally results in less amount of…
Read MoreTennessee Lemon Law
Automobiles are a necessity in America. We use them to travel to and from work, run errands, see doctors, shop, take children to school, attend religious services, and more. Cars and trucks, however, are not without problems; they break down, require maintenance, upkeep, and repairs, and more. Some vehicles have problems from the start. In…
Read MoreChanges in Guidelines and Penalties for White Collar Offenses
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) wears many hats. One hat is prosecuting white collar criminals. The DOJ seeks and imposes penalties on companies or individuals who violate the laws and regulations of the United States. The DOJ’s policies and the penalties for white collar criminal offenses are changing. White collar crimes differ from…
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