Expungement, meaning the process of removing arrests, charges or convictions from a person’s criminal record, has recently become a hot topic of conversation here in Tennessee owing to the enactment of a new law lowering the felony expunction fee by $170. Given this reality and the fact that it likely left people with questions about
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Getting approved for SSD benefits can be a long process
If you have suffered a physical or mental impairment that has left you disabled, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits will be your lifeline. They will provide you with the funds you need to meet your basic needs, or at least they should. However, many Tennessee residents may find that getting
Read MoreNew law amends payment of retroactive child support
If you think back to July 1, chances are good you’ll remember grilling, spending time with family and friends, planning for fireworks or even just relaxing. In other words, you’ll remember nothing particularly noteworthy about the first day of the long holiday weekend. While this is understandable, it’s important to know that this date was
Read MoreHow a recent case has left parents with more questions than answers
A few weeks ago, legal observers — and much of the nation — were closely following a criminal trial in Massachusetts involving a 20-year-old woman charged with involuntary manslaughter for sending her boyfriend text messages encouraging him to take his own life, which he sadly did. Specifically, prosecutors alleged that the then 17-year-old woman sent
Read MoreState lawmakers lower felony expunction fee
The unfortunate reality for many men and women released from prison is that despite paying their debt to society and their commitment to getting their lives back on track, the road ahead does not always prove to be particularly easy or even particularly fair. This is perhaps no more apparent than when they seek to
Read MoreWhat happens when the SSA requests a special medical examination? — II
Last time, we began discussing how even though the lengthy wait for Social Security disability benefits can prove frustrating given the gravity of an underlying medical condition, applicants must nevertheless be patient and also be prepared for what might seem like administrative obstacles. To that end, we started exploring the special medical examination, which can
Read MoreFederal government will no longer confiscate tax refunds to cover old SSA debt
Anyone who has gone through the traumatic experience of losing a parent knows that the mourning process can take awhile and that the sadness will linger for some time. Indeed, the emotions are so strong that it can still prove jarring and even frustrating to receive some type of mail addressed to a parent years
Read MoreTennessee lawmakers advance legislation overhauling sexting laws
If you were to ask the average middle school or high school student to show you what was in their pockets, chances are very good that in addition to such staples as gum, tissues and lip balm, the majority would also pull out a smartphone. While the reality that most minors now own smartphones isn’t
Read MoreWhy prudence is key when facing an IRS audit — II
Last week, our blog discussed how even though people throughout Tennessee and across the nation are undoubtedly grateful to have the stressor that is Tax Day 2017 firmly in the rearview mirror, there are some for whom this tax-related stress will endure. Specifically, we talked about the unfortunate reality that some taxpayers will find an
Read MoreWhy prudence is key when facing an IRS audit
Now that we are over a week removed from Tax Day 2017, people throughout Tennessee and across the nation are officially breathing much easier. Indeed, those who put filing their returns off until the eleventh hour have likely already forgotten about the last minute dash to their accountant’s office or the post office, and instead
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