# Memphis Business, Injury & Estate Lawyers | Patterson Bray > Probate and Estate Planning Our attorneys also help clients with different probate and estate and wealth protection strategies. We can assist clients in post-death administration and probate, and also develop an estate plan that can ensure that all of your wishes are carried out after you die, including drafting of wills, revocable living trusts, asset protection planning, charitable planned giving, and trust administration matters. With the ever-changing tax implications, you need an estate planning attorney who is on top of all of those changes and how they could affect your estate. That’s exactly what you get when you retain the services of an estate planning attorney from Patterson Bray, and you can be assured that all our attorneys have extensive legal experience knowledge that can benefit your survivors upon your death. Business Law Whether you are a small business owner or a key player at the head of a large corporation, you need to know that the business attorney you retain has the experience and legal know-how when it comes to the vast areas that often need to be addressed in business matters. Patterson Bray business attorneys can assist in all areas of business torts, including: Bad faith litigation; Banking litigation; Contract litigation and disputes; Credit and collection issues; Investor disputes; and, Shareholder disputes. Personal Injury The personal injury attorneys at Patterson Bray have litigated numerous types of personal injury lawsuits. We have successfully represented many clients in obtaining the financial damages they deserved for the injuries they suffered. When victims are injured because of the negligent or reckless actions of another party or parties, Tennessee law says the at-fault party is liable for financial losses the victim suffered because of those injuries. These losses include all medical expenses for treatment of injuries, as well as any loss of wages from being unable to work. If the injuries have left the victim unable to work, the at-fault party may also be liable for the loss of future income. Other damages can include pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and loss of the ability to enjoy life the way the victim did before they were injured. > Patterson Bray PLLC has assembled a unique team of highly trained and experienced professionals offering a diverse, yet complimentary range of services. Our clients depend on us to be their strategic partners and advisors, whether they are faced with a valuable opportunity or a complex challenge or dispute. We are in the business of solving problems, and we relish that role. We provide cost-effective solutions and deliver client satisfaction through extraordinary service and commitment. We listen to our clients and formulate strategies and solutions tailored to their unique needs and goals. Patterson Bray offers services in connection with business and commercial litigation, personal injury, automobile accidents, medical and legal malpractice, products liability, wrongful death, construction litigation and lien disputes, and government relations/public policy. Our attorneys also practice in the areas of estate planning and post-death administration, as well as asset protection planning, charitable planned giving, trust administration, and business succession and taxes. ## Pages - [Nashville Family Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-family-lawyer/): Nashville Family Lawyer Contact our Nashville family lawyer today to discuss how we can assist you. If you are dealing... - [Franklin Child Custody Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-child-custody-lawyer/): Franklin Child Custody Lawyer Trusted child custody lawyers with over 20 years of... - [Franklin Child Support Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-child-support-lawyer/): Franklin Child Support Lawyer Trusted child support lawyers with over 20 years of experience... . - [Franklin Prenup Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-prenup-lawyer/): Franklin Prenup Lawyer Trusted prenuptial agreement lawyers with over 20 years of experience... . - [Franklin Legal Separation Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-legal-separation-lawyer/): Franklin Legal Separation Lawyer Trusted legal separation lawyers with over 20 years of experience... . - [Franklin High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-high-net-worth-divorce-lawyer/): Franklin High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer Trusted high net worth divorce lawyers with over... - [Murfreesboro Estate Planning Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/murfreesboro-estate-planning-lawyer/): Murfreesboro Estate Planning Lawyer Trusted estate planning attorneys serving clients across Murfreesboro and the surrounding area. If you are planning... - [Murfreesboro Probate Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/murfreesboro-probate-lawyer/): Murfreesboro Probate Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are trusted estate planning lawyers serving clients across Memphis and the surrounding... - [Murfreesboro Wills Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/murfreesboro-wills-lawyer/): Murfreesboro Wills Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we provide trusted wills counsel for individuals and families throughout Murfreesboro. If you... - [Murfreesboro Divorce Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/murfreesboro-divorce-lawyer/): Murfreesboro Divorce Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are trusted divorce lawyers serving clients across Murfreesboro and the surrounding area.... - [Murfreesboro Family Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/murfreesboro-family-lawyer/): Murfreesboro Family Lawyer Murfreesboro family lawyers committed to thorough preparation in every matter we handle. If you are dealing with... - [Brentwood Motorcycle Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/): Brentwood Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN If you’ve been injured in... - [Brentwood Family Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-family-lawyer/): Brentwood Family Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are Brentwood family lawyers whose practice spans over 20 years and includes... - [Franklin Personal Injury Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-personal-injury-lawyer/): Franklin Personal Injury Lawyer Personal Injury Lawyer Franklin, TN If you’ve been hurt in... - [Nashville Car Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-car-accident-lawyer/): Nashville Car Accident Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are trusted car accident lawyers with over 20 years of experience.... - [Olivia Brunner](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/olivia-brunner/): Olivia Brunner: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Olivia... - [Gaby Wright](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/gaby-wright/): Gaby Wright: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599... - [Heath Taylor](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/heath-taylor/): Heath Taylor: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Heath... - [Jonathan Amlong](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/jonathan-amlong/): Jonathan Amlong: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Jonathan... - [Julia Denby](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/julia-denby/): Julia Denby: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Julia joined... - [Stacy Brown](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/stacy-brown/): Stacy Brown: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599... - [Victoria Dowdy](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/victoria-dowdy/): Victoria Dowdy: Intake Specialist 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599... - [Nashville Probate Administration Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-probate-administration-lawyer/): Nashville Probate Administration Lawyer Settling a loved one’s estate can feel overwhelming, especially while you are still grieving. Legal paperwork,... - [Brentwood Probate Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-probate-lawyer/): Brentwood Probate Lawyer Managing a loved one’s estate after their passing can feel like a heavy responsibility. There are court... - [Nashville Divorce Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-divorce-lawyer/): Nashville Divorce Lawyer Divorce is rarely just a legal process. It often involves difficult decisions about property, finances, and family... - [Franklin Estate Planning Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-estate-planning-lawyer/): Franklin Estate Planning Lawyer Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves decisions about your family, finances,... - [Brentwood Personal Injury Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-personal-injury-lawyer/): Brentwood Personal Injury Lawyer An unexpected injury can interrupt every part of your life. Medical appointments, time away from work,... - [Franklin Probate Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-probate-lawyer/): Franklin Probate Lawyer Trusted probate lawyers with over 20 years of experience. If you are dealing with the death of... - [Franklin Wills Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-wills-lawyer/): Franklin Wills Lawyer Putting your wishes in writing is one of the most important steps you can take to protect... - [Franklin Divorce Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-divorce-lawyer/): Franklin Divorce Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are family lawyers recognized by Super Lawyers for results across Franklin and... - [Franklin Family Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-family-lawyer/): Franklin Family Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we invite you to consult a Franklin family lawyer with decades of experience... - [Testimonials](https://pattersonbray.com/testimonials/): Testimonials JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwZGVmZXIlMjBhc3luYyUyMHNyYyUzRCUyN2h0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGY2RuLnRydXN0aW5kZXguaW8lMkZsb2FkZXIuanMlM0Y1OWJhNGNmNjMxYmYyMDY1OTEzNjBkZTUzZTMlMjclM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U= - [Brentwood Estate Planning Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-estate-planning-lawyer/): Brentwood Estate Planning Lawyer Planning for the future brings peace of mind, especially when your family, assets, and long-term wishes... - [Brentwood Business Litigation Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-business-litigation-lawyer/): Brentwood Business Litigation Lawyer Business disputes can interrupt growth, strain relationships, and put hard-earned investments at risk. When conflicts surface,... - [Nashville Trust Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-trust-lawyer/): Nashville Trust Lawyer Dividing property and managing an estate can lead to confusion and family conflict if plans are not... - [Brentwood Trust Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-trust-lawyer/): Brentwood Trust Lawyer Establishing a trust is one of the most effective ways to manage your assets and provide long-term... - [Nashville Special Needs Trusts Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-special-needs-trusts-lawyer/): Nashville Special Needs Trusts Lawyer Every parent or caregiver of a person with special needs shares one common concern, what... - [Nashville Probate Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-probate-lawyer/): Nashville Probate Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we consult with clients on confidential probate case reviews for Nashville families navigating... - [Franklin Trust Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/franklin-trust-lawyer/): Franklin, TN Trust Lawyer Creating a solid trust is one of the most important steps in protecting your assets and... - [Nashville Community Property Trusts Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-community-property-trusts-lawyer/): Nashville Community Property Trusts Lawyer Creating a community property trust can be an effective way for married couples to manage... - [Memphis Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-prenuptial-agreement-lawyer/): Memphis Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer Preparing for marriage brings excitement, but it can also raise important financial questions. A Memphis, TN... - [Memphis Adoption Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-adoption-lawyer/): Memphis Adoption Lawyer Adoption is a meaningful step, and having the right support makes the process clearer and less stressful.... - [Nashville Private Family Foundation Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-private-family-foundation-lawyer/): Nashville Private Family Foundation Lawyer Families looking to build a meaningful legacy often explore charitable giving through private foundations. At... - [Nashville Spousal Gift Trusts Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-spousal-gift-trusts-lawyer/): Nashville Spousal Gift Trusts Lawyer When planning for the future, many families explore tools that allow them to transfer wealth... - [Nashville Retirement Benefits Trusts Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-retirement-benefits-trusts-lawyer/): Nashville Retirement Benefits Trusts Lawyer When planning for the future, setting up a retirement benefits trust can help protect your... - [Nashville High-Net Worth Divorce Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-high-net-worth-divorce-lawyer/): Nashville High-Net Worth Divorce Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are trusted divorce lawyers serving clients across Nashville for over... - [Nashville Alimony Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-alimony-lawyer/): Nashville Alimony Lawyer If you’re evaluating spousal support, a Nashville, TN Alimony Lawyer can help you understand what courts consider... - [Nashville Spousal Support Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-spousal-support-lawyer/): Nashville Spousal Support Lawyer When spousal support is on the table, a Nashville, TN Spousal Support Lawyer can help you... - [Nashville Child Custody Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-child-custody-lawyer/): Nashville Child Custody Lawyer At Patterson Bray PLLC, we know that a child custody battle can be tumultuous. Your ex... - [Nashville Estate Planning Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-estate-planning-lawyer/): Nashville Estate Planning Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are estate planning lawyers with over 20 years of experience guiding... - [Memphis Catastrophic Injury Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-catastrophic-injury-lawyer/): Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Memphis, TN Your Legal Advocate When You Suffer Grievous Injuries Any serious injury feels like a catastrophe,... - [Memphis Head-On Collision Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-head-on-collision-lawyer/): Head-On Collision Lawyer Memphis, TN Tough Car Accident Attorneys Protecting Your Rights One of the most deadly types of car... - [Memphis Dog Bite Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-dog-bite-lawyer/): Dog Bite Lawyer Memphis, TN We Represent Victims When Man’s Best Friend Turns Vicious Fun, furry, and friendly, dogs are... - [Memphis Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-traumatic-brain-injury-lawyer/): Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Memphis, TN Serious Legal Help For Severe Brain Injuries Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) change more lives... - [Memphis T-Bone Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-t-bone-accident-lawyer/): T-Bone Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN Skilled T-Bone Collision Attorneys Helping You Assert Your Rights A side-impact traffic collision, or “T-bone”... - [Memphis 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-18-wheeler-accident-lawyer/): 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN Full-Service Legal Advocacy After A Semi-Truck Crash Memphis’s location along some of the largest land... - [Carson Klepzig](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/carson-klepzig/): Carson Klepzig: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Carson... - [Emily Horobetz](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/emily-horobetz/): Emily Horobetz: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Emily... - [Elena Wiltgen](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/elena-wiltgen/): Elena Wiltgen: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Elena... - [Margaret Soard](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/margaret-soard/): Margaret Soard: Office Manager 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599... - [Brentwood Bicycle Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-bicycle-accident-lawyer/): Bicycle Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN Tennessee is a beautiful place for cyclists, and biking... - [Memphis Apartment Shooting Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-apartment-shooting-lawyer/): Apartment Shooting Lawyer Memphis, TN Tough Apartment Shooting Lawyer Memphis, TN Every American has a right to feel safe in... - [Brentwood Car Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-car-accident-lawyer/): Car Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN Skilled Brentwood, TN Car Accident Lawyer Advocating For You After A Wreck Traveling around Brentwood... - [Brentwood Construction Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-construction-accident-lawyer/): Construction Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN If you or a loved one was hurt while working in a construction zone, contact... - [Brentwood Pedestrian Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-pedestrian-accident-lawyer/): Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN One of the most traumatic types of accidents anyone can go through is being hit... - [Brentwood Truck Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-truck-accident-lawyer/): Brentwood Truck Accident Lawyer Plaintiff-focused truck accident lawyers preparing every case with experience and dedication. If you’ve been injured in... - [Nashville TN Law Firm](https://pattersonbray.com/nashville-tn-law-firm/): Nashville TN Law Firm The Nashville TN law firm of Patterson Bray PLLC is a reputable law firm known for... - [Brentwood Divorce Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-divorce-lawyer/): Brentwood Divorce Lawyer Brentwood divorce lawyers committed to protecting what matters most to you. A divorce can reshape your finances,... - [Brentwood Child Custody Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/brentwood-child-custody-lawyer/): Child Custody Lawyer Brentwood, TN Receiving Legal Assistance With Your Child Custody Decision If you require legal assistance with a... - [Memphis Jurista de Crímenes en Apartamentos](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-jurista-de-crimenes-en-apartamentos/): Jurista de Crímenes en Apartamentos en Memphis, TN Un jurista de crímenes en apartamentos en Memphis, TN de la firma... - [Memphis Abogado de Crímenes en Apartamentos](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-abogado-de-crimenes-en-apartamentos/): Abogado de Crímenes en Apartamentos en Memphis, TN ¿Usted o un ser querido sufrieron una lesión catastrófica debido a un... - [Andrea Morgan](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/andrea-morgan/): Andrea Morgan: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Andrea... - [Matthew Davidoff](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/matthew-davidoff/): Matthew Davidoff: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Matthew focuses... - [Audrey Davis](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/audrey-davis/): Audrey Davis: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Audrey focuses... - [Erin King](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/erin-king/): Erin King: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Erin... - [BlueOval City Truck Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/blueoval-city-truck-accident-lawyer/): BlueOval City, TN Truck Accident Lawyer A truck accident lawyer in BlueOval City, TN is quick to explain how valuable... - [Julianne Parks](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/julianne-parks/): Julianne Parks: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599... - [BlueOval City Car Accident Lawyer ](https://pattersonbray.com/blue-oval-city-car-accident-lawyer/): Blue Oval City Car Accident Lawyer A qualified Blue Oval City, TN car accident lawyer can emphasize the importance of... - [Rachel Meadows](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/rachel-meadows/): Rachel Meadows: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Avvo... - [Memphis Defective Food Product Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-defective-food-product-lawyer/): Defective Food Product Litigation Many consumers become injured from food-borne illnesses, and these injuries can result in legal claims for... - [Memphis Child Custody Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-child-custody-lawyer/): Child Custody Lawyer Memphis, TN When a couple is going through a Tennessee divorce, it does not matter how “friendly”... - [Judith Denham](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/judith-denham/): Judith Denham: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Avvo... - [Memphis TN Law Firm](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-tn-law-firm/): Memphis TN Law Firm There are many different things people need lawyers for from a Memphis TN Law Firm. Some... - [Julie Mulanax](https://pattersonbray.com/meet-our-team/julie-mulanax/): Julie Mulanax: Paralegal 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Julie joined... - [Memphis Healthcare Directive Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-healthcare-directive-lawyer/): Healthcare Directive Lawyer Memphis, TN There are several effective strategies that a healthcare directive lawyer in Memphis, TN might use... - [Memphis Highway Construction Negligence Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-highway-construction-negligence-lawyer/): Highway Construction Negligence Lawyer Memphis, TN Millions of drivers travel through roads such as freeways and highways each day. As... - [Memphis Road Rash Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-road-rash-lawyer/): Road Rash lawyer Memphis, TN At Patterson Bray, a Road Rash lawyer Memphis, TN community members depend on has represented... - [Memphis Multicar Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-multicar-accident-lawyer/): Multicar Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN A multicar accident lawyer Memphis, TN families trust from Patterson Bray knows that most traffic... - [Memphis Contingency Probate Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-contingency-probate-lawyer/): Contingency Probate Lawyer Memphis, TN Before reaching out to a Contingency Probate lawyer Memphis, TN families trust at Patterson Bray... - [Memphis SUV Rollover Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-suv-rollover-accident-lawyer/): SUV Rollover Accident Attorneys, Memphis, TN If you’ve been injured in an SUV rollover situation, it’s important to speak with... - [Memphis Real Property Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-real-property-lawyer/): Real Property Lawyer Memphis, TN When you are purchasing property and need to go through the process of having your... - [Memphis Divorce Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-divorce-lawyer/): Memphis Divorce Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we have built a family law practice on over 20 years of client... - [Memphis Lyft Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-lyft-accident-lawyer/): Lyft accident lawyer Memphis, TN Our Lyft accident lawyer Memphis, TN victims call for help knows that it should come... - [Memphis Wills Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-wills-lawyer/): Will Law Firm Memphis, TN Our experienced will law firm Memphis, TN residents recommend, has seen firsthand the complications that... - [Memphis Trust Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-trust-lawyer/): Trust Attorney Memphis, TN Developing a trust is a process best left to our trust attorney Memphis, TN residents rely... - [Memphis Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-electric-scooter-accident-lawyer/): Memphis Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer Our Memphis electric scooter accident lawyer knows that electric scooters are becoming more and more... - [Memphis Taxi Accident Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-taxi-accident-lawyer/): Taxi Accident Lawyer Memphis TN At Patterson Bray, a taxi accident lawyer in Memphis, TN has been dedicated to helping... - [Memphis MVA Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-mva-lawyer/): MVA Lawyer Memphis, TN Negligence Per Se Just about every personal injury claim or lawsuit, including motor vehicle accident cases,... - [Memphis Post-Divorce Modification Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-post-divorce-modification-lawyer/): Post-Divorce Modification Attorney Memphis, TN Divorce decrees are final orders that must be followed by parties and often resolve custody... - [Memphis Dependency and Neglect Lawyer](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-dependency-and-neglect-lawyer/): Memphis, TN Dependency and Neglect Attorney Dependency and neglect is a legal proceeding intended to protect children from harmful parents,... - [Memphis Power of Attorney](https://pattersonbray.com/memphis-power-of-attorney/): Power of Attorney Memphis, TN If you believe you have found yourself in a legal matter involving a power of... ## Posts - [Can Child Support Be Modified?](https://pattersonbray.com/can-child-support-be-modified/): Transcript: 00:00:00 Yes, child support in Tennessee can be modified so long as the new proposed child support order has... - [What If My Ex Won’t Pay Child Support?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-if-my-ex-wont-pay-child-support/): Transcript: 00:00:00 If your ex will not pay the child support that has already been ordered, you can do a... - [What Is A Pour-over Will And How Does It Work?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-is-a-pour-over-will-and-how-does-it-work/): Transcript: 00:00:00 A pourover will is just a legal document that acts as a safety net for trust centered estate... - [What Is A Special Needs Trust And Who Needs One?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-is-a-special-needs-trust-and-who-needs-one/): Transcript: 00:00:00 So, a special needs trust or also known as a supplemental needs trust. You’ve probably seen these referred... - [Evidence in Memphis Apartment Shooting Cases](https://pattersonbray.com/evidence-in-memphis-apartment-shooting-cases/): A negligent security case after a Memphis apartment shooting does not rise or fall on the shooting itself. It rises... - [When Trespassers Create Liability for Memphis Apartment Complexes](https://pattersonbray.com/when-trespassers-create-liability-for-memphis-apartment-complexes/): Tennessee law does not require apartment complex owners to prevent every possible criminal act. It requires them to take reasonable... - [How a Memphis Apartment Shooting Case Is Investigated](https://pattersonbray.com/how-a-memphis-apartment-shooting-case-is-investigated/): A negligent security claim against an apartment complex is not built on the fact that a shooting occurred. It is... - [What Reasonable Security Looks Like at Memphis Apartments](https://pattersonbray.com/what-reasonable-security-looks-like-at-memphis-apartments/): Under Tennessee premises liability law, apartment complex owners and managers owe a duty to take reasonable measures to protect residents... - [What happens to the decedent’s mail and bills after they pass?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-happens-to-the-decedents-mail-and-bills-after-they-pass/): Transcript: 00:00:00 Even after an individual dies, they will still receive bills and mail. The personal representative has the option... - [Does the estate have to pay estate or inheritance taxes in Tennessee?](https://pattersonbray.com/does-the-estate-have-to-pay-estate-or-inheritance-taxes-in-tennessee/): Transcript: 00:00:00 Tennessee does not impose an estate or inheritance tax for any individuals that died on or after January... - [Can a trust be changed or terminated?](https://pattersonbray.com/can-a-trust-be-changed-or-terminated/): Transcript: 00:00:00 Whether a trust can be changed or terminated depends on whether that trust is revocable or irrevocable in... - [Can I avoid probate if I have minimal assets?](https://pattersonbray.com/can-i-avoid-probate-if-i-have-minimal-assets/): Transcript: 00:00:00 You can avoid or simplify the probate process by utilizing certain tools such as joint ownership or beneficiary... - [How Prior Crime History Affects Apartment Liability in Tennessee](https://pattersonbray.com/how-prior-crime-history-affects-apartment-liability-in-tennessee/): Tennessee premises liability law requires property owners and managers to protect tenants and guests from foreseeable criminal acts. The word... - [Negligence in Tennessee Construction Cases](https://pattersonbray.com/negligence-in-tennessee-construction-cases/): Construction sites are among the most dangerous work environments in any industry. Falls from heights, struck-by incidents, equipment failures, and... - [Estate Planning for Tennessee Business Owners](https://pattersonbray.com/estate-planning-for-tennessee-business-owners/): Running a business in Brentwood means building something that has real value, often more value than any other single asset... - [What if my ex violates the parenting plan?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-if-my-ex-violates-the-parenting-plan/): Transcript: 00:00:00 If your ex violates the parenting plan and has to do with withholding your parenting time with your... - [How does Tennessee handle joint custody?](https://pattersonbray.com/how-does-tennessee-handle-joint-custody/): Transcript: 00:00:00 The way Tennessee handles joint custody is that if you have a child out of wedlock and you... - [Can an Executor be paid for their work?](https://pattersonbray.com/can-an-executor-be-paid-for-their-work/): Transcript: 00:00:00 Generally, an executive can be paid for their work. However, I do recommend checking your local court’s requirements,... - [How do I secure the decedent’s home and belongings?](https://pattersonbray.com/how-do-i-secure-the-decedents-home-and-belongings/): Transcript: 00:00:00 As personal representative, you are required to secure the deedants assets, including their real property and their belongings.... - [Estate Tax Planning for Tennessee Families](https://pattersonbray.com/estate-tax-planning-for-tennessee-families/): Tennessee repealed its own state estate tax back in 2016, which was good news for families here. But the federal... - [Why Your Beneficiary Designations Matter](https://pattersonbray.com/why-your-beneficiary-designations-matter/): Most people assume that their will is the document that decides where their assets go after they die. For some... - [How to Choose the Right Trustee in Tennessee](https://pattersonbray.com/how-to-choose-the-right-trustee-in-tennessee/): Choosing a trustee is one of the most consequential decisions in your estate plan. And it’s one that a surprising... - [Can an Out-of-State Executor Serve in Tennessee?](https://pattersonbray.com/can-an-out-of-state-executor-serve-in-tennessee/): Choosing an executor is one of the most important decisions in the estate planning process. For many people, the most... - [How can I modify custody orders?](https://pattersonbray.com/how-can-i-modify-custody-orders/): Transcript: 00:00:00 Once a court has put into place a a custody order, if you want to modify it, most... - [Can I move out of state with my child?](https://pattersonbray.com/can-i-move-out-of-state-with-my-child/): Transcript: 00:00:00 If you have a custody order in place, whether a child is born out of wedlock or you... - [What are the responsibilities of an Executor/Personal Representative?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-are-the-responsibilities-of-an-executor-personal-representative/): Transcript: 00:00:00 Main duties of the personal representative involve identifying estate assets, collecting those assets, securing those assets. The personal... - [What do I do about the decedent’s creditors?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-do-i-do-about-the-decedents-creditors/): Transcript: 00:00:00 So, it depends if a probate administration has been opened. If a probate has been opened and a... - [How a Living Trust Works in Tennessee](https://pattersonbray.com/how-a-living-trust-works-in-tennessee/): This is probably the most common estate planning misconception out there. A lot of people have a will, feel like... - [How to Handle Sentimental Items in Your Estate Plan](https://pattersonbray.com/how-to-handle-sentimental-items-in-your-estate-plan/): Most people spend time thinking about their financial accounts, real estate, and investments when putting together an estate plan. The... - [Why Tennessee Families Try to Avoid Probate](https://pattersonbray.com/why-tennessee-families-try-to-avoid-probate/): Probate gets a bad reputation, and honestly, a lot of it is deserved. It’s not the end of the world... - [Damages Available in a Pedestrian Accident Claim](https://pattersonbray.com/damages-available-in-a-pedestrian-accident-claim/): Being hit by a car changes everything fast. Medical bills start arriving before you’ve even finished processing what happened. You’re... - [How is child custody decided in Tennessee?](https://pattersonbray.com/how-is-child-custody-decided-in-tennessee/): Transcript: 00:00:00 In Tennessee, if you have a child during your marriage and you go through the divorce process, or... - [What are Tennessee's divorce residency requirements?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-are-tennessees-divorce-residency-requirements/): Transcript: 00:00:00 So, in Tennessee, you have to have resided within the state for at least six months in order... - [How long does a divorce take in Tennessee?](https://pattersonbray.com/how-long-does-a-divorce-take-in-tennessee/): Transcript: 00:00:00 How long it takes to get a divorce in Tennessee really depends on a number of factors. If... - [What if my spouse won’t sign divorce papers?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-if-my-spouse-wont-sign-divorce-papers/): Transcript: 00:00:01 If you and your spouse are trying to get a divorce and you present your spouse with a... - [What Happens If The Executor Of The Estate Lives Out Of State?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-happens-if-the-executor-of-the-estate-lives-out-of-state/): Transcript. If you have an executor that lives out of state, it’ll be dependent on the state’s requirements, the state’s... - [What Is The Best Way to Handle Sentimental Family Items In My Estate Plan?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-is-the-best-way-to-handle-sentimental-family-items-in-my-estate-plan/): Transcript: There are a few ways you can handle sentimental family items in your estate plan. The first way would... - [Do I still need probate if the only asset is a vehicle?](https://pattersonbray.com/do-i-still-need-probate-if-the-only-asset-is-a-vehicle/): Transcript: 00:00:00 If the only asset is a vehicle, generally probate is not required, assuming that vehicle is paid for.... - [What is Notice to Creditors and why is it important?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-is-notice-to-creditors-and-why-is-it-important/): Transcript: 00:00:00 Once an estate has been opened in court, the personal representative is required to notify all known or... - [What happens if the other parent violates the custody order?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-happens-if-the-other-parent-violates-the-custody-order/): Transcript: 00:00:00 If a parent violates a custody order and that custody order has to do with major decisions about... - [Am I responsible for a loved one’s debts?](https://pattersonbray.com/am-i-responsible-for-a-loved-ones-debts/): Transcript: 00:00:00 One of the number one questions I get from clients is am I responsible for paying my loved... - [How can I ensure my pets are cared for in my estate plan?](https://pattersonbray.com/how-can-i-ensure-my-pets-are-cared-for-in-my-estate-plan/): Transcript: 00:00:00 If you want to ensure that your pets are cared for in your estate plan, I would suggest... - [What’s the best way to handle sentimental family items in my estate plan?](https://pattersonbray.com/whats-the-best-way-to-handle-sentimental-family-items-in-my-estate-plan/): Transcript: 00:00:00 There are a few ways you can handle sentimental family items in your estate plan. Uh the first... - [Who will be in charge of administering the estate?](https://pattersonbray.com/who-will-be-in-charge-of-administering-the-estate/): Transcript: 00:00:00 The personal representative is generally the one in charge of administering one’s estate after they have passed. The... - [What happens if the executor lives out of state?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-happens-if-the-executor-lives-out-of-state/): Transcript: 00:00:00 If you have an executive that lives out of state, it’ll be dependent on the state’s requirements, the... - [What is a power of attorney and why do I need one?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-happens-to-joint-bank-accounts-after-death-2/): Transcript: 00:00:01 – 00:01:09 A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone to act on your behalf.... - [Modifying Custody Agreements In TN](https://pattersonbray.com/modifying-custody-agreements-in-tn/): Life doesn’t stand still after divorce. You might get a job offer across the state. Your ex-spouse remarries. Your teenager’s... - [Parent Relocation After Divorce](https://pattersonbray.com/parent-relocation-after-divorce/): Divorce changes nearly everything about how parents share time with their children. One of the most difficult questions that can... - [Updating Your Estate Plan Timeline](https://pattersonbray.com/updating-your-estate-plan-timeline/): You can’t just create an estate plan and forget about it. That’s not how this works. Life changes constantly, and... - [Understanding Your Rights Under Tennessee Law As A Victim Of An Apartment Shooting](https://pattersonbray.com/understanding-your-rights-under-tennessee-law-as-a-victim-of-an-apartment-shooting/): Violence at an apartment complex leaves victims feeling powerless. That’s not how it should be. Tennessee law actually provides meaningful... - [7 Preventive Measures Tenants Should Demand When Looking For Apartment Safety](https://pattersonbray.com/7-preventive-measures-tenants-should-demand-when-looking-for-apartment-safety/): You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your safety just because you’re renting. Property owners in Memphis have a legal duty to... - [Recent Criminal Law Changes In Tennessee That Impact Apartment Shooting Victims](https://pattersonbray.com/recent-criminal-law-changes-in-tennessee-that-impact-apartment-shooting-victims/): Tennessee lawmakers passed several criminal justice reforms in 2024 that took effect in early 2025. If you’re a crime victim... - [Landlord & Property Manager Liability After An Apartment Shooting](https://pattersonbray.com/landlord-property-manager-liability-after-an-apartment-shooting/): A shooting at your apartment complex changes everything. You’re left dealing with trauma, medical bills, and questions about how this... - [Your Tenant Rights & Safety Considerations As A Renter In An Apartment Community](https://pattersonbray.com/your-tenant-rights-safety-considerations-as-a-renter-in-an-apartment-community/): Most people don’t read their lease before signing, and that’s a mistake. This document is a binding contract, and what... - [How do you handle custody disputes during a divorce?](https://pattersonbray.com/how-do-you-handle-custody-disputes-during-a-divorce/): > Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:04 In Tennessee, once you have filed a complaint for divorce, if you and the other... - [Does my spouse automatically inherit everything in Tennessee?](https://pattersonbray.com/does-my-spouse-automatically-inherit-everything-in-tennessee/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:09 The short answer to that is no. If you die without a will or a trust... - [Can I disinherit someone in my will (or trust)?](https://pattersonbray.com/can-i-disinherit-someone-in-my-will-or-trust/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:14 Yes. Uh, you can generally disinherit someone in your will. I would say if you want... - [What happens to joint bank accounts after death?](https://pattersonbray.com/what-happens-to-joint-bank-accounts-after-death/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:00:55 If a deedent died with a joint bank account at the time of their death, then... - [How often should I update my estate plan? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/how-often-should-i-update-my-estate-plan-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:08 You will be updating your estate plan throughout your life. Your estate plan should be updated... - [Can a parent relocate with the child after divorce? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/can-a-parent-relocate-with-the-child-after-divorce-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:00:26 If you have a custody order once you have been divorced, and so long as the... - [How can you modify a custody agreement in Tennessee? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/how-can-you-modify-a-custody-agreement-in-tennessee-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:00:21 no matter if your custody order came from a divorce or you have children out of... - [How do I choose the right trustee? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/how-do-i-choose-the-right-trustee-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:00:24 A trustee should be someone trustworthy, financially responsible, and someone that could be impartial or objective... - [When should I start putting together my will (or trust)? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/when-should-i-start-putting-together-my-will-or-trust-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:08 I would say there is no right age to establish a will or a trust. I... - [Why do I need an estate planning lawyer? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/why-do-i-need-an-estate-planning-lawyer-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:14 An estate planning lawyer can provide many benefits for a client. Estate laws are complex. They’re... - [What's the difference between legal and physical custody? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/whats-the-difference-between-legal-and-physical-custody-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:00:10 For children that are born out of wedlock and do not go through the divorce process,... - [What does a guardian ad litem do? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-does-a-guardian-ad-litem-do-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:14 There are two types of guardians ad litem in Tennessee when it comes to custody cases.... - [What is a parenting plan? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-is-a-parenting-plan-patterson-bray-pllc/): This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:12 A parenting plan in Tennessee is for children of divorce in which... - [How is property divided in a Tennessee divorce? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/how-is-property-divided-in-a-tennessee-divorce-patterson-bray-pllc/): This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:06 The first thing that any court must do is make a determination... - [What happens if someone dies without a will in Tennessee? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-happens-if-someone-dies-without-a-will-in-tennessee-patterson-bray-pllc/): This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:08 If someone dies without a will in Tennessee and they have assets... - [How does Tennessee handle small estate probate? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/how-does-tennessee-handle-small-estate-probate-patterson-bray-pllc/): This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 – 00:01:07 If an individual dies with assets in their sole name or payable... - [Most Dangerous Intersections In Memphis, TN For Car Accidents](https://pattersonbray.com/most-dangerous-intersections-in-memphis-tn-for-car-accidents/): Driving through Memphis often means navigating busy streets, heavy traffic, and intersections where accidents are more likely to occur. These... - [What is probate? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-is-probate-patterson-bray-pllc/): This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: Probate is a court supervised process of administering an individual’s assets after they pass. Probate... - [What assets go through probate, and what avoids it? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-assets-go-through-probate-and-what-avoids-it-patterson-bray-pllc/): This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: The only assets subject to probate are assets in the individual’s sole name or payable... - [How does Tennessee handle alimony? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/how-does-tennessee-handle-alimony-patterson-bray-pllc/): This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: The way Tennessee handles alimony is a number of different ways. There are in Tennessee... - [What if my ex refuses to pay alimony? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-if-my-ex-refuses-to-pay-alimony-patterson-bray-pllc/): This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: If your ex has an alimony obligation that they are refusing to pay, the way... - [Dividing Retirement Accounts And Assets In A Divorce](https://pattersonbray.com/dividing-retirement-accounts-and-assets-in-a-divorce/): Dividing property during a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when retirement accounts are involved. These accounts often represent years of... - [Filing For Divorce When A Spouse Moves Out Of State](https://pattersonbray.com/filing-for-divorce-when-a-spouse-moves-out-of-state/): When a marriage is ending, things can feel even more uncertain if one spouse moves out of state. It’s common... - [What happens to our home in divorce? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-happens-to-our-home-in-divorce-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:03 there are a number of ways a court or the parties through an agreement can handle how to... - [How are retirement accounts divided? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/how-are-retirement-accounts-divided-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:01 retirement accounts can be divided a number of ways in in a divorce In dividing retirement accounts or... - [What is a living will, and how does it differ from a regular will? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-is-a-living-will-and-how-does-it-differ-from-a-regular-will-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:01 a living will is also known as an advanced directive it is limited to medical decisionmaking and allows... - [What’s the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-revocable-and-irrevocable-trust-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:01 a revocable trust is a flexible trust meaning that it is amendable modifiable revocable you can make changes... - [What is the difference between a will and a trust? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-will-and-a-trust-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:01 a will and a trust are both estate planning vehicles that facilitate the transfer of your assets upon... - [What is a prenuptial agreement? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-is-a-prenuptial-agreement-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:03 a prenuptial agreement in Tennessee is a contract between two parties that are intending to get married that... - [What if my spouse moves out of state? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-if-my-spouse-moves-out-of-state-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:03 if your spouse moves out of state and you are contemplating a divorce you can still file your... - [Distracted Driving Crashes in Tennessee: What You Should Know](https://pattersonbray.com/distracted-driving-crashes-in-tennessee-what-you-should-know/): If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a distracted driver, you are not alone. In 2018... - [Vicarious Liability in Car Accidents](https://pattersonbray.com/vicarious-liability-in-car-accidents/): Vicarious liability is a legal term that means to hold a party responsible for the actions of another person. When... - [Steps to Take After an Auto Accident](https://pattersonbray.com/steps-to-take-after-an-auto-accident/): Our experienced car accident lawyer Memphis, TN residents call understands that many victims may be in shock and traumatized after... - [How Does Tennessee Handle No-fault Divorce?](https://pattersonbray.com/how-does-tennessee-handle-no-fault-divorce/): In the past, couples seeking divorce in Tennessee had to prove specific legal grounds—such as adultery, abandonment, or cruelty—to convince... - [What’s The Difference Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce In Tennessee?](https://pattersonbray.com/whats-the-difference-contested-vs-uncontested-divorce-in-tennessee/): If you’re considering divorce in Tennessee, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether your case will be contested... - [How does Tennessee handle no-fault divorce? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/how-does-tennessee-handle-no-fault-divorce-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:03 For a long time in Tennessee, if you wanted to get a divorce, you had to prove grounds.... - [What's the difference between contested and uncontested divorce? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/whats-the-difference-between-contested-and-uncontested-divorce-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:03 difference between a contested and an uncontested divorce in Tennessee is two things. One, traditionally an uncontested divorce... - [Common Mistakes That Hurt Car Accident Claims](https://pattersonbray.com/common-mistakes-that-hurt-car-accident-claims/): After a car accident, our attention usually shifts to the immediate priorities like getting medical care, checking for damage, and... - [Key Factors That Affect Personal Injury Settlements](https://pattersonbray.com/key-factors-that-affect-personal-injury-settlements/): When an injury happens because of another person’s actions, compensation is often pursued through negotiation instead of going to trial.... - [The Role Of Insurance Companies In Car Accident Cases](https://pattersonbray.com/the-role-of-insurance-companies-in-car-accident-cases/): After a car accident, one of the first things we typically have to handle is the insurance company. While insurance... - [What is mediation and how does it differ from traditional litigation? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-is-mediation-and-how-does-it-differ-from-traditional-litigation-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:03 for years and years when people filed a lawsuit the only way they could resolve their case was... - [Can you provide an overview of the different areas within family law? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/can-you-provide-an-overview-of-the-different-areas-within-family-law-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:01 when it comes to family law the thing that most people think about is divorce divorce includes division... - [Should I file first? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/should-i-file-first-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:03 I tell my clients that they should file first the reason that you want to file first for... - [Can my child testify in my divorce? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/can-my-child-testify-in-my-divorce-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:03 the technical answer is yes under Tennessee law if your child has reached the age of 12 they... - [What are the mistakes people make entering divorce? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-are-the-mistakes-people-make-entering-divorce-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:03 I think the first thing that a lot of people make a mistake on is they don’t secure... - [What should I expect from my divorce attorney? - Patterson Bray PLLC](https://pattersonbray.com/what-should-i-expect-from-my-divorce-attorney-patterson-bray-pllc/): Transcript: 00:00:01 I think the biggest thing you should expect from your divorce attorney is that you get answers from... - [Tips for Creating an Estate Plan](https://pattersonbray.com/tips-for-creating-an-estate-plan/): Tips for Managing Familial Conflict With an Estate Plan One of the biggest concerns and one of the primary reasons... # # Detailed Content ## Pages Nashville Family Lawyer Contact our Nashville family lawyer today to discuss how we can assist you. If you are dealing with a family law matter in Nashville, the right attorney can help you protect your interests and reach a workable resolution. A Nashville, TN family lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can guide you through divorce, custody, support, and the issues that come with them. Our family law practice handles the full range of domestic matters, with attention to both the legal and personal sides of each case. We prepare carefully and give advice you can act on. Reach out to our office to talk through your situation and your options. Family Lawyer Nashville, TN Family law deals with the legal relationships and disputes that arise within families. It covers divorce, the custody and support of children, alimony, the division of marital property, and agreements such as prenuptial contracts. Because these matters touch both money and relationships, they call for steady, informed guidance. The outcome can affect your finances, your home, and your time with your children. A family lawyer protects your rights, handles the procedure, and represents you in negotiation or in court. Our family law attorneys help Nashville, TN clients navigate sensitive issues and work toward outcomes they can live with. The goal is to resolve each matter in a way that holds up over time. Preparation and clear communication guide each step. Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Nashville Family law spans many connected issues, and... Franklin Child Custody Lawyer Trusted child custody lawyers with over 20 years of experience. Patterson Bray PLLC has been handling custody matters across Tennessee for over 20 years. Our Franklin, TN child custody lawyer will assess your situation, explain how Tennessee's parenting plan system works, and fight for an arrangement that protects your time with your children. If you are dealing with a custody issue in Williamson County, reach out to our office to schedule a consultation. Child Custody Lawyer Franklin, TN Tennessee does not use the term "custody" the way most people expect. Instead, the state uses a parenting plan system that assigns each parent specific residential time and decision-making authority. Every divorce or separation involving minor children must include a permanent parenting plan approved by the court. A custody attorney helps you negotiate or litigate the terms of that plan, including where the children live, how major decisions are made, and how holidays, vacations, and school schedules are divided. In Franklin, these matters are heard in the Williamson County Circuit or Chancery Court. The outcome of a custody case depends heavily on how well the facts are presented, and that requires an attorney who understands what judges in this county are looking for. Types of Child Custody Cases We Handle in Franklin Patterson Bray PLLC handles a wide range of custody matters for parents in the Franklin, TN area. No two families are the same, and the legal strategy has to reflect the specific facts of each case.... Franklin Child Support Lawyer Trusted child support lawyers with over 20 years of experience. Patterson Bray PLLC has been handling child support matters across Tennessee for more than 20 years. Our Franklin, TN child support lawyer will review your financial situation, make sure the calculation is done correctly under Tennessee's guidelines, and advocate for an amount that accurately reflects both parents' obligations. If you need help with child support in Williamson County, reach out to our office to schedule a consultation. Child Support Lawyer Franklin, TN A child support lawyer handles the legal and financial side of establishing, modifying, or enforcing support obligations. Tennessee uses an Income Shares model to calculate child support, which means the amount is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income, the number of children, and the parenting schedule. The guidelines were most recently updated effective October 1, 2021. That formula sounds straightforward, but it rarely is. Income disputes, self-employment, bonus structures, variable parenting time, and add-on expenses like healthcare and childcare all complicate the calculation. In Franklin, child support matters are heard in the Williamson County Circuit or Chancery Court. Having an attorney who knows how to work through the numbers and present the right evidence makes a real difference in what the final order looks like. Types of Child Support Cases We Handle in Franklin Patterson Bray PLLC handles a wide range of child support matters for parents in the Franklin, TN area. The right approach depends on where you are in the... Franklin Prenup Lawyer Trusted prenuptial agreement lawyers with over 20 years of experience. If you are getting married and want to protect your assets, your business, or your financial future, a prenuptial agreement is the most direct way to do it. But a prenup only works if it is drafted correctly. An agreement that fails to meet Tennessee's legal requirements can be thrown out entirely when it matters most. Patterson Bray PLLC has been advising clients on family law matters across Tennessee for over 20 years. Our Franklin, TN prenup lawyer will help you draft an agreement that protects your interests, satisfies Tennessee's enforceability standards, and holds up if it is ever challenged. If you are considering a prenuptial agreement in Williamson County, reach out to our office to schedule a consultation. Prenup Lawyer Franklin, TN A prenuptial agreement is a written contract between two people who plan to marry. It sets the terms for how property, debts, and spousal support will be handled if the marriage ends in divorce or if one spouse dies. Tennessee recognizes prenuptial agreements under T. C. A. § 36-3-501, which states that such agreements are binding as long as they are entered into freely, knowledgeably, in good faith, and without duress or undue influence. A prenup cannot address child custody or child support. Those decisions are always made by the court based on the child's best interests at the time of divorce. What a prenup can do is give both spouses clarity and control... Franklin Legal Separation Lawyer Trusted legal separation lawyers with over 20 years of experience. If you and your spouse need to live apart but are not ready for a divorce, or if divorce conflicts with your personal or religious beliefs, legal separation in Tennessee may be the right option. It is a formal court process that addresses custody, support, and property while keeping the marriage legally intact. Patterson Bray PLLC has been handling family law matters across Tennessee for more than 20 years. Our Franklin, TN legal separation lawyer will explain how legal separation works under Tennessee law, help you understand how it differs from divorce, and guide you through the process in Williamson County. If you are considering a legal separation, reach out to our office to schedule a consultation. Legal Separation Lawyer Franklin, TN Legal separation in Tennessee allows married couples to live apart and resolve issues like custody, support, and property division without ending the marriage. Under Tennessee law, a party who has grounds for divorce may file for legal separation as an alternative. The complaint uses the same grounds listed for divorce. Legal separation does not dissolve the bonds of matrimony, but it does permit the parties to cease cohabitation and gives the court authority to enter orders on custody, visitation, spousal support, and property issues. After two years of legal separation, either party can petition the court to convert the separation into an absolute divorce. In Franklin, legal separation cases are filed in the Williamson... Franklin High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer Trusted high net worth divorce lawyers with over 20 years of experience. If your divorce involves substantial assets, business interests, or a complex financial portfolio, the stakes are different. A missed valuation, a misclassified asset, or a poorly structured settlement can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. Standard divorce strategy does not work when the marital estate is this large. Patterson Bray PLLC has been handling family law matters across Tennessee for more than 20 years. Our Franklin, TN high net worth divorce lawyer understands the financial complexity that comes with high-asset cases and has the legal resources to handle them properly. If you are facing a divorce with significant assets in Williamson County, reach out to our office to schedule a consultation. High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer Franklin, TN A high net worth divorce involves a marital estate with significant value, typically including real estate holdings, business ownership interests, investment portfolios, retirement accounts, stock options, and other financial instruments. Tennessee follows equitable distribution, which means the court divides marital property based on fairness rather than a strict 50/50 split. In a high-asset case, the challenge is not just dividing property. It is identifying every asset, determining what qualifies as marital versus separate, and arriving at accurate valuations. Business interests may require forensic accountants. Retirement accounts may need Qualified Domestic Relations Orders. And the tax consequences of different division scenarios can vary by tens of thousands of dollars. In Franklin, these... Murfreesboro Estate Planning Lawyer Trusted estate planning attorneys serving clients across Murfreesboro and the surrounding area. If you are planning your estate or settling a loved one's affairs in Murfreesboro, the right legal guidance can protect both your family and your wishes. A Murfreesboro, TN estate planning lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can help you put the proper documents in place and create a plan that holds up over time. Our attorneys have spent decades helping Tennessee families with wills, trusts, and estate administration. We focus on clear, practical planning built around what matters most to you. Reach out to our office to talk through your goals and the steps ahead. Estate Planning Lawyer Murfreesboro, TN Estate planning is the process of deciding how your property, finances, and personal affairs will be handled during your life and after your death. It involves preparing legal documents that direct who receives your assets, who manages them, and who makes decisions for you if you cannot. A sound plan can reduce confusion, limit court involvement, and lower the chance of conflict among family members. For many people in Murfreesboro, a plan starts with a will and may grow to include trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. The right combination depends on what you own, your family situation, and your long-term goals. Our estate planning attorneys help clients in Murfreesboro, TN build plans that fit their circumstances. Types of Estate Planning Cases We Handle in Murfreesboro Estate planning covers far more than a... Murfreesboro Probate Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are trusted estate planning lawyers serving clients across Memphis and the surrounding area. If you are responsible for settling the estate of someone who has died in Murfreesboro, the probate process involves court filings, deadlines, and duties that are difficult to manage alone. A Murfreesboro, TN probate lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can guide you from opening the estate through final distribution. Our attorneys have handled probate and estate administration for Tennessee families for decades. We help executors, administrators, and beneficiaries carry out their responsibilities correctly. Reach out to our office to talk through the estate and the steps involved. Probate Lawyer Murfreesboro, TN Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person's estate after death. It confirms the validity of a will, appoints someone to manage the estate, and oversees the payment of debts and the transfer of property to the right people. When there is no will, the court follows state law to decide who inherits. The process protects both heirs and creditors, but it also involves paperwork and firm deadlines. Some estates move through quickly, while others take longer because of disputes, hard-to-value assets, or tax questions. Our probate attorneys help Murfreesboro, TN families move through each stage with fewer delays. A lawyer can handle the filings, track the deadlines, and keep the estate moving toward a proper close. Types of Probate Cases We Handle in Murfreesboro Probate covers a wide range of situations, from simple estates to contested... Murfreesboro Wills Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we provide trusted wills counsel for individuals and families throughout Murfreesboro. If you want to put a will in place in Murfreesboro, the right legal guidance can make sure your property and your family are protected the way you intend. A Murfreesboro, TN wills lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can draft a will that reflects your wishes and holds up when it is needed. Our attorneys have prepared wills for Tennessee families for decades. We handle simple and complex situations alike, from first-time wills to plans involving children, property, and businesses. A well-drafted will can also reduce the chance of disputes and make the estate easier for your family to settle. Reach out to our office to start a new will or update one you already have. Wills Lawyer Murfreesboro, TN A will is a legal document that states who receives your property after death and names a person to carry out those instructions. It can also name a guardian for minor children and set basic terms for how your estate is handled. Without a valid will, state law decides who inherits, which may not match what you would have chosen. A will is one of the most basic estate planning tools, and for many people it is the first one they put in place. It can stand on its own or work alongside trusts and other documents. Our wills attorneys help Murfreesboro, TN clients prepare documents that are clear, valid, and suited... Murfreesboro Divorce Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are trusted divorce lawyers serving clients across Murfreesboro and the surrounding area. If you are facing a divorce in Murfreesboro, steady legal guidance can protect your interests and help you move forward. A Murfreesboro, TN divorce lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can explain your options and represent you at every stage of the case. Our family law practice handles divorces that range from straightforward to highly contested, including matters involving property, support, and children. We focus on practical results and clear advice. Reach out to our office to discuss your situation and how we can help. Divorce Lawyer Murfreesboro, TN A divorce legally ends a marriage and resolves the issues that come with it, including how property is divided, whether support is paid, and how parents will share time with their children. Tennessee recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorces, and the right path depends on the couple's circumstances. Some divorces are uncontested, while others require negotiation or a hearing before a judge. The issues are connected, so a decision about property can affect support, and arrangements for children touch nearly everything else. A divorce lawyer guides you through the process, protects your rights, and works toward a fair outcome. Our divorce attorneys help Murfreesboro, TN clients understand their choices and make informed decisions during a difficult time. Having a lawyer involved early can prevent missteps that are costly to undo. Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in Murfreesboro Divorce involves several connected... Murfreesboro Family Lawyer Murfreesboro family lawyers committed to thorough preparation in every matter we handle. If you are dealing with a family law issue in Murfreesboro, the right attorney can protect your interests and guide you toward a resolution. A Murfreesboro, TN family lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can help with divorce, custody, support, and the other matters that affect your family. Our family law practice handles these cases with preparation and clear advice, whether they settle or go to court. We understand how much is at stake when both family and finances are involved. Reach out to our office to talk through your situation and the options available to you. Family Lawyer Murfreesboro, TN Family law covers the legal issues that arise within families and relationships, including divorce, the custody and support of children, alimony, and the division of property. It also reaches matters such as prenuptial agreements, paternity, and the modification of existing orders. These cases often carry both legal and personal weight, which is why steady guidance matters. The outcome can shape your finances, your living arrangements, and your relationship with your children for years. A family lawyer helps you understand your rights, prepares your case, and represents you in negotiations or in court. Our family law attorneys help Murfreesboro, TN clients handle sensitive matters with care and a focus on practical outcomes. Preparation and clear communication are part of how each case is handled. Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Murfreesboro Family law covers... Brentwood Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident in Brentwood, you may be dealing with more than road rash and a damaged bike. You may be facing surgeries, weeks or months away from work, and an insurance company that treats riders differently than other drivers. That's the reality for most motorcycle accident victims in Tennessee. Adjusters often carry an assumption that riders are reckless by default. They look for reasons to shift blame onto you, whether it's your lane position, your speed, or simply the fact that you chose to ride. That bias shapes how they value your claim from the very first phone call. Patterson Bray PLLC has represented injured clients for over 20 years. Our Brentwood, TN motorcycle accident lawyer understands the specific challenges riders face after a collision, and we are prepared to fight for the compensation you are owed. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Why Choose Patterson Bray for Motorcycle Accident Cases in Brentwood, TN? Local Legal Knowledge in Tennessee Managing Partner Chris Patterson has practiced law for more than two decades. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the Memphis Bar Association, and the National Crime Victim Bar Association. Governor Bill Lee appointed Chris to the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees, and he previously served as a director of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation. Chris earned his J. D. from... Brentwood Family Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are Brentwood family lawyers whose practice spans over 20 years and includes recognition from Super Lawyers. If a family law matter is affecting your life in Brentwood, the right attorney can help you protect your interests and find a way forward. A Brentwood, TN family lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can guide you through divorce, custody, support, and the issues that come with them. Our family law practice covers the full range of domestic matters, and we pay attention to both the legal and the personal weight of each case. We prepare carefully and offer advice you can use. We also weigh the long-term effects of each decision. Reach out to our office to talk through your circumstances and the choices ahead. Family Lawyer Brentwood, TN Family law deals with the legal questions and disputes that arise within families. It reaches divorce, the custody and support of children, alimony, the division of marital property, and agreements made before or during a marriage. These matters touch both money and close relationships, so they call for clear and steady guidance. What is decided can affect your finances, your home, and your time with your children. A family lawyer protects your rights, handles the procedure, and speaks for you in negotiation or in court. Our family law attorneys help Brentwood, TN clients navigate hard decisions and pursue results they can accept. The goal is an outcome that still makes sense once the case has ended.... Franklin Personal Injury Lawyer Personal Injury Lawyer Franklin, TN If you've been hurt in an accident in Franklin, you may be dealing with mounting medical bills, missed time at work, and phone calls from an insurance adjuster who wants you to settle before you know the full extent of your injuries. That pressure is intentional. Insurance companies profit by closing claims fast and cheap. The longer you wait to get legal advice, the more leverage the insurer gains. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. And Tennessee's one-year filing deadline gets closer every day. Patterson Bray PLLC has represented injured people across Tennessee for more than 20 years. Our Franklin, TN personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case for free, explain your rights in plain terms, and fight for every dollar of compensation you're owed. You pay nothing unless we recover for you. Why Choose Patterson Bray for Personal Injury in Franklin, TN? Two Decades of Injury Law in Tennessee Patterson Bray's Managing Partner, Chris Patterson, has been handling catastrophic personal injury cases and general litigation for over 20 years. He graduated from the University of Memphis School of Law and earned dual undergraduate degrees from the University of Tennessee. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the Memphis Bar Association, and the National Crime Victim Bar Association. He serves as a Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation. Chris was appointed by Governor Bill Lee to the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees and previously served... Nashville Car Accident Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are trusted car accident lawyers with over 20 years of experience. If you've been hurt in a car accident in Nashville and an insurance company is already pressuring you to accept a quick settlement, you need to understand your rights before agreeing to anything. What the adjuster offers in the first few weeks rarely accounts for the true cost of your injuries. Patterson Bray PLLC has spent more than two decades representing injured plaintiffs in Tennessee. Our Nashville, TN car accident lawyer will review your situation, handle insurance negotiations, and work to recover the compensation you deserve. Reach out for a free consultation. Car Accident Lawyer Nashville, TN A car accident claim arises when one driver's negligence causes a collision that injures another person. In Tennessee, the injured party has the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance carrier or through a civil lawsuit. The goal is to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other losses that result from the crash. Nashville sees a high volume of traffic along I-24, I-40, I-65, and the congested corridors downtown and through surrounding neighborhoods. Accidents at busy intersections, on-ramps, and construction zones are common. Many of these crashes involve disputed liability, multiple vehicles, or drivers without adequate insurance. An experienced car wreck attorney in Nashville, TN can identify every available source of recovery and push back against insurers who try to minimize what they owe. Types of Car Accident... Olivia Brunner: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Olivia focuses her practice primarily in the areas of probate and trust administration. During law school, Olivia worked in the Medical-Legal Partnership Clinic in conjunction with Bonheur Children’s Hospital, representing clients in housing, special education, and conservatorship matters. Additionally, Olivia worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Judge Mary L. Wagner and Honorable Valerie L. Smith of the Shelby County Circuit Court, where she gained firsthand experience in a courtroom and valuable research skills. Education The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Juris Doctor, cum laude The University of Memphis, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Minors in Social Media Marketing and Legal Studies, summa cum laude Work Experience Law Clerk, Honorable Judge Valerie L. Smith, Shelby County Circuit Court. Law Clerk, Honorable Mary L. Wagner, Shelby County Circuit Court. Extern, FedEx Logistics Gaby Wright: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Gaby Wright joined Patterson Bray in July 2025 as a Legal Assistant. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Memphis and her Master’s in Health Informatics and Information Management from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Gaby supports the Estate Planning Team by providing administrative assistance and ensuring efficient organized client service. Heath Taylor: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Heath Taylor is an associate attorney in the Memphis office of Patterson Bray PLLC and a member of the firm’s Litigation Team. He represents clients in complex personal injury litigation, high-net-worth divorce matters, and governmental defense, as well as representing various municipalities. An Arkansas native, Heath earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Memphis School of Law in 2025. During law school, he served on the Honor Council, was named 2025 Mock Trial Champion, and received the Best Motion Award for the 2025 mock trial competition, demonstrating excellence in both written and oral advocacy. He is also a published author, with his article, “Barking for a Change: A Proposal to Grant Dogs Special Legal Status and Apply a Best Interest of the Dog Standard in Divorce Litigation,” forthcoming in the Dartmouth Law Journal. Heath received his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Williams Baptist University, where he was a four-year baseball letterman and a two-time NAIA National Scholar-Athlete of the Year. In his spare time, Heath enjoys spending time with his Wife and family, hunting and fishing, and being outdoors. What Heath enjoys most about practicing law is the opportunity to challenge and continually develop his intellectual curiosity while providing meaningful, resultsdriven representation for his clients. Jonathan Amlong: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Jonathan focuses his practice primarily in the areas of estate planning and post death administration, as well as asset protection planning, charitable planned giving, and long-term care planning. During law school, Jonathan worked for the Mississippi Office of the Attorney General and served as an extern for the United States Attorney Office for the Northern District of Mississippi. Jonathan also served on the Ole Miss Law Trial Advocacy Board, an experience that honed his legal analysis skills and fostered his passion for client advocacy. Education The University of Mississippi School of Law Juris Doctor, magna cum laude Best Advocate – 2022 Steen Dalehite Reynolds Trial Competition The University of Mississippi Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Leadership, magna cum laude Bar Admissions Tennessee Memberships Memphis Bar Association Tennessee Bar Association Work Experience Law Clerk, Mississippi Office of the Attorney General Summer Assistant District Attorney, Tenth Judicial District of Colorado District Attorney’s Office, Pueblo, Colorado Extern, United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi Julia Denby: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Julia joined Patterson Bray in the Brentwood office in November 2025. Julia focuses her practice on estate planning and probate administration. A graduate of Belmont University College of Law, she gained valuable experience as a judicial extern to the Honorable Hope T. Cannon in the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Julia was deeply involved in pro bono work, serving on the Belmont Legal Aid Society executive board and receiving the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Law Student for Justice Award for over 140 hours of service. She is licensed to practice in Tennessee and Florida. Before law school, Julia earned her undergraduate degree in English while competing as a student-athlete at Birmingham-Southern College. Stacy Brown: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Stacy joined Patterson Bray in 2025 as the firm’s Intake Specialist and transitioned to the Probate and Trust Administration team as a Legal Assistant in July 2025. She graduated summa cum laude with honors from the University of Memphis, earning a Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Legal Studies. Prior to joining the firm, Stacy gained valuable experience as a legal intern, working in areas including bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, landlord-tenant matters, estate planning, and family law. In her current role, she provides essential administrative support to the Probate and Trust Administration team. Victoria Dowdy: Intake Specialist 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Victoria Dowdy joined Patterson Bray in 2025. She is a graduate of The University of Memphis where she earned both her Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science and Master of Arts in Political Science degrees. She has several years of administrative support and customer service experience. She enjoys building relationships with potential clients and helping them find the assistance they need. Nashville Probate Administration Lawyer Settling a loved one’s estate can feel overwhelming, especially while you are still grieving. Legal paperwork, court deadlines, and financial responsibilities often arrive all at once. A Nashville, TN Probate Administration Lawyer can help you understand the process and guide you through each step with clarity. We bring decades of combined legal experience across estate planning, business law, and tax matters. If you need steady, practical guidance during probate, contact Patterson Bray PLLC today for your consultation. Probate Administration Lawyer Nashville, TN Probate administration is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. This may involve validating a will, identifying and valuing assets, paying outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing property to beneficiaries. In Tennessee, probate proceedings are handled through the local court system and must follow specific procedural requirements. We understand that probate often feels complicated and time-sensitive. Personal representatives and executors are responsible for filing court documents, notifying creditors, managing estate accounts, and ensuring that distributions are made correctly. Mistakes can delay the process or create conflict among heirs. Our role is to provide structure and clarity so that you can move forward with confidence. As your probate administration attorney, we assist with every stage of the process. We prepare and file the necessary petitions with the court, guide you through inventorying estate assets, and advise on handling creditor claims. If tax issues arise, we draw on our background in tax matters to help address them efficiently. Our approach is... Brentwood Probate Lawyer Managing a loved one’s estate after their passing can feel like a heavy responsibility. There are court filings to complete, financial matters to organize, and deadlines to meet all while you are dealing with personal loss. A Brentwood, TN Probate lawyer can help you move through this process with clarity and confidence. We bring decades of combined legal experience across estate planning, business law, and tax matters. If you need practical, steady guidance, contact Patterson Bray PLLC today for your consultation. Probate Lawyer Brentwood, TN Probate is the legal process of administering an estate after someone passes away. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve validating a will, appointing a personal representative, identifying and valuing assets, paying outstanding debts, and distributing property to beneficiaries. Even estates that seem straightforward can involve procedural requirements that must be handled carefully. Our probate attorneys understand that serving as an executor or administrator often feels unfamiliar. Tennessee probate courts require specific documentation, notices to creditors, and timely filings. Missing a step can delay the process or create unnecessary complications. Our role is to help you understand your responsibilities and complete each stage correctly. As your executor lawyers, we guide you from the initial filing through final distribution. We prepare the necessary petitions, assist with gathering and inventorying assets, and advise on addressing creditor claims. If tax considerations arise, we draw on our background in estate planning and tax matters to provide thoughtful solutions. Our approach is organized and detail-focused, helping to... Nashville Divorce Lawyer Divorce is rarely just a legal process. It often involves difficult decisions about property, finances, and family relationships. If you are considering ending your marriage or have already been served with papers, a Nashville, TN divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights and what to expect. We bring decades of combined legal experience across estate planning, business law, and tax matters. For thoughtful guidance tailored to your situation, contact Patterson Bray PLLC today for your consultation. Divorce Lawyer Nashville, TN Divorce in Tennessee involves more than filing paperwork. It requires careful attention to issues such as division of marital property, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Each case is unique, and the decisions made during this process can affect your financial stability and family life for years to come. Our separation lawyers understand that divorce can feel overwhelming. Questions about who keeps the home, how retirement accounts are divided, or how parenting time will be structured often create uncertainty. Our role is to provide steady guidance and practical advice, helping you focus on informed decisions rather than reacting under stress. As your divorce lawyer, we begin by evaluating your specific circumstances. We review assets, debts, income, and any business interests to determine how Tennessee law may apply. Our background in business and tax matters allows us to approach financial issues with careful analysis. If your divorce involves closely held businesses, investment accounts, or real estate, we work to make sure those assets are addressed accurately.... Franklin Estate Planning Lawyer Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves decisions about your family, finances, and long-term wishes. A Franklin, TN estate planning lawyer can help you create a plan that reflects your goals and protects the people you care about. We have decades of combined legal experience across estate planning, business law, and tax matters. If you are ready to put a thoughtful plan in place, contact Patterson Bray PLLC today for your consultation. Estate Planning Lawyer Franklin, TN Estate planning is more than drafting a will. It involves organizing your assets, clarifying your wishes, and preparing legal documents that provide direction in the event of incapacity or death. A comprehensive estate plan may include a will, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations. Each element works together to provide structure and clarity. Our estate planning attorneys understand that many people delay estate planning because it feels complicated or uncomfortable to discuss. However, having a clear plan in place can reduce uncertainty for your loved ones and help avoid unnecessary disputes. Our trust planners make the process straightforward and tailored to your individual circumstances. As your estate planning lawyer, we begin by learning about your priorities. Whether you are focused on protecting minor children, planning for business succession, minimizing potential tax implications, or ensuring that specific assets pass to intended beneficiaries, we provide guidance that reflects your goals. Our background in business and tax matters allows us to address financial considerations with... Brentwood Personal Injury Lawyer An unexpected injury can interrupt every part of your life. Medical appointments, time away from work, and ongoing discomfort often create stress that goes far beyond the initial accident. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, a Brentwood, TN personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and what options may be available. We have decades of combined legal experience across estate planning, business law, and tax matters. If you need steady legal guidance after an injury, contact Patterson Bray PLLC today for your consultation. Personal Injury Lawyer Brentwood, TN Personal injury law is designed to help individuals recover compensation when they are harmed by another party’s carelessness or misconduct. These cases may involve car accidents, premises liability incidents, workplace injuries, or other situations where someone failed to act responsibly. A successful claim can address medical expenses, lost income, and other losses tied to the injury. Our accident lawyers understand that after an accident, your priority is healing, not dealing with insurance claims or legal procedures. Insurance companies may contact you quickly, requesting statements or offering early settlements. While these offers can seem helpful, they may not fully reflect the long-term impact of your injuries. Our role is to carefully review your situation so your claim accurately represents your losses. As your personal injury attorney, we begin by evaluating the details of the incident, gathering documentation, and assessing liability. We review medical records, accident reports, and any available evidence to build a clear... Franklin Probate Lawyer Trusted probate lawyers with over 20 years of experience. If you are dealing with the death of a family member and trying to figure out what happens next with their estate, the process can be overwhelming. There are court filings, creditor notices, asset inventories, and tax deadlines that all need attention, often while you are still grieving. Patterson Bray PLLC has been helping Tennessee families navigate the probate process for more than 20 years. Our Franklin, TN probate lawyer will walk you through every step, from opening the estate to distributing assets to the rightful heirs. If you need help with a probate matter in Williamson County, reach out to our office to schedule a consultation. Probate Lawyer Franklin, TN Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), appointing a personal representative to manage the estate, identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to the beneficiaries. In Franklin, probate matters are handled through the Williamson County Chancery Court or Probate Court. Some estates move through the process in a matter of months. Others, particularly those involving disputes among heirs, missing documents, or complicated asset structures, can take considerably longer. Having an attorney who understands the probate rules in Tennessee and the procedures in Williamson County makes the process far more manageable. Types of Probate and Estate Administration Services We Handle in Franklin Patterson Bray PLLC handles the full range of probate... Franklin Wills Lawyer Putting your wishes in writing is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your legacy. Without a properly drafted will, important decisions about your estate may be left to the court. A Franklin, TN wills lawyer can help you create a clear, legally sound document that reflects your intentions. We bring decades of combined legal experience across estate planning, business law, and tax matters. If you are ready to put a plan in place, contact Patterson Bray PLLC today for your consultation. Wills Lawyer Franklin, TN A will is a foundational estate planning document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your passing. It can also name guardians for minor children, designate an executor to manage your estate, and provide direction for specific personal or financial matters. While online templates may seem convenient, they often fail to address state-specific legal requirements or unique family circumstances. Our estate distribution lawyers understand that thinking about estate planning can feel uncomfortable or easy to postpone. However, having a valid will in place provides clarity and reduces the likelihood of confusion or disputes among loved ones. Our role is to guide you through the process in a straightforward and thoughtful way. As your wills attorney, we begin by learning about your priorities. We review your assets, family structure, and long-term goals so they accurately reflects your wishes. Our background in business and tax matters allows us to address more estates that may... Franklin Divorce Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are family lawyers recognized by Super Lawyers for results across Franklin and the surrounding region. If you are starting or responding to a divorce in Franklin, an experienced attorney can help you understand your options and protect what is important to you. A Franklin, TN divorce lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can handle the process from filing through final resolution. Our family law practice represents clients in divorces of all kinds, including those that involve children, significant property, or sharp disagreement. We prepare each case carefully and pursue a practical resolution. We also keep an eye on the long-term effects of each decision. Reach out to our office to talk about your situation and the way forward. Divorce Lawyer Franklin, TN A divorce formally ends a marriage and resolves the matters that come with separating, from dividing property to arranging care for children. Tennessee recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorces, and most cases proceed without a fault finding. Some couples settle every issue by agreement, while others need a court to decide. The number of disputed issues, and how far apart the spouses are, drives the difficulty of the case. A divorce lawyer manages the procedure, safeguards your rights, and works toward terms you can accept. Our divorce attorneys help Franklin, TN clients make informed choices and keep the process on track. Clear information at the start helps you make decisions you will not regret. The groundwork laid early often determines how... Franklin Family Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we invite you to consult a Franklin family lawyer with decades of experience guiding families through every stage of a family law case. If you are facing a family law issue in Franklin, having an experienced attorney on your side can make a difficult time more manageable. A Franklin, TN family lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can guide you through divorce, custody, support, and the other matters that affect your family. Our family law practice handles the full range of domestic issues, with attention to both the legal and the personal side of each case. We prepare thoroughly and give advice you can act on. We also keep an eye on the long-term effects of each decision. Reach out to our office to talk through your situation and your options. Family Lawyer Franklin, TN Family law covers the legal relationships and disputes that arise within a family. It includes divorce, the custody and support of children, alimony, the division of marital property, and agreements made before or during a marriage. Because these matters involve both finances and close relationships, they call for steady and informed guidance. The outcome can affect your finances, your home, and your time with your children. A family lawyer protects your rights, manages the procedure, and represents you in negotiation or in court. Our family law attorneys help Franklin, TN clients work through sensitive issues and reach outcomes they can live with. The aim is a resolution that holds... Testimonials JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwZGVmZXIlMjBhc3luYyUyMHNyYyUzRCUyN2h0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGY2RuLnRydXN0aW5kZXguaW8lMkZsb2FkZXIuanMlM0Y1OWJhNGNmNjMxYmYyMDY1OTEzNjBkZTUzZTMlMjclM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U= Brentwood Estate Planning Lawyer Planning for the future brings peace of mind, especially when your family, assets, and long-term wishes are involved. Working with a Brentwood, TN estate planning lawyer may help turn uncertainty into clarity through thoughtful, legally sound plans that reflect what matters most. Our team at Patterson Bray approaches estate planning with care, strategy, and respect for each client’s goals. If you are ready to take a meaningful step toward protecting your legacy, we invite you to reach out and start a conversation today. Learn more about your options by speaking with our trusted advisors who understand both personal and financial priorities. Brentwood, TN Estate Planning Lawyer Estate planning is the process of preparing for the management and transfer of assets during life and after death. This includes wills, trusts, asset protection planning, charitable giving strategies, business succession planning, and post-death administration. A Brentwood, TN estate planning lawyer helps align these tools with personal goals, family dynamics, and tax considerations, while keeping plans flexible enough to adapt as life changes. Many people delay estate planning because it feels overwhelming or uncomfortable. Concerns about cost, family conflict, or making the wrong decision often stall progress. What most individuals truly want is confidence—confidence that their loved ones will be protected, their wishes respected, and their hard work preserved. We focus on listening first, then building practical plans that address those concerns directly. Our firm brings a broad legal perspective to estate planning. Because we also work in business litigation,... Brentwood Business Litigation Lawyer Business disputes can interrupt growth, strain relationships, and put hard-earned investments at risk. When conflicts surface, clear legal guidance helps restore direction and protect what matters most. Our team at Patterson Bray works with business owners facing disputes who want practical answers and steady support. If you are searching for a Brentwood, TN business litigation lawyer, early action can make a meaningful difference. We encourage you to reach out and start a conversation about your situation so we may help you move forward with confidence. Brentwood, TN Business Litigation Lawyer Business litigation addresses disputes that arise when commercial relationships break down or contractual duties are questioned. These matters often involve breach of contract claims, partnership disagreements, shareholder conflicts, construction disputes, and business torts. Each case brings its own facts, deadlines, and financial pressures, which can affect both short-term operations and long-term goals. Most visitors arrive with similar concerns. There may be frustration over stalled deals, unpaid invoices, or disagreements with partners or vendors. There is often uncertainty about exposure, timelines, and how a dispute could affect future opportunities. What people truly want is clarity and a path forward that protects their interests while limiting disruption. That is where a focused legal strategy becomes valuable. As a Brentwood, TN business litigation lawyer, our approach begins with listening. We take the time to understand the business, the history behind the dispute, and the outcome the client hopes to achieve. Some matters benefit from firm negotiation aimed at early... Nashville Trust Lawyer Dividing property and managing an estate can lead to confusion and family conflict if plans are not clearly defined. One of our experienced Nashville, TN trust lawyer can help you take control of your legacy by outlining your wishes and protecting your loved ones from unnecessary disputes. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we guide clients through every step of creating, managing, and defending trusts, offering practical advice to help you make confident, informed decisions about your assets. Whether you need to establish a new trust, update existing documents, or resolve a disagreement, our attorneys provide knowledgeable support and personalized solutions that reflect your goals. Connect with us to schedule a consultation and begin building a clear, effective estate plan that safeguards your family’s future. Trust Lawyer Nashville, TN Trusts and estates encompass planning for the management of property during life and after death, including probate, asset management, and any court disputes over wills or trusts. A well-drafted will and trust can safeguard your legacy, provide clear instructions, and help your family avoid lengthy delays. Many families also utilize trusts for privacy, faster transfers, and guidance during periods of illness or incapacity. A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds title to assets for named beneficiaries under the written directions of the trustor. It can be revocable or irrevocable, funded with real estate, accounts, or personal property, and tailored to goals like caring for a child, giving to charity, or tax planning. For thoughtful choices and precise... Brentwood Trust Lawyer Establishing a trust is one of the most effective ways to manage your assets and provide long-term security for the people who matter most. A Brentwood, TN trust lawyer can help bring clarity to the process by designing a plan that protects your property and outlines your wishes in detail. At Patterson Bray PLLC, your priorities drive every clause, from initial drafting to careful updates as life changes. When disagreements surface, the team delivers focused counsel to resolve issues efficiently and keep administration on track. Schedule a time to talk and start shaping a plan your family can rely on. Trust Lawyer Brentwood, TN Trusts and estates address how property is managed during life and transferred after death. A well-drafted trust can protect what you have built, keep family matters private, and move assets without long court delays. Many Tennessee families choose trusts because they create order during difficult moments and reduce uncertainty when health or capacity changes. A trust is a powerful tool that places selected property under the care of a trustee, who follows your written directions for the benefit of named beneficiaries. The terms of the trust can be tailored to long-term goals, such as caring for a child, supporting a cause, or minimizing taxes. A trust lawyer in Brentwood, TN, crafts clear language that reflects your intentions, oversees proper funding, and connects the trust to your broader estate plan for effective management. Questions and disagreements sometimes arise, especially when emotions run high. In... Nashville Special Needs Trusts Lawyer Every parent or caregiver of a person with special needs shares one common concern, what will happen when they are no longer there to provide support. Establishing a special needs trust allows families to provide both stability and reassurance, offering a framework that safeguards benefits and secures long-term care. With help from an experienced Nashville, TN special needs trusts lawyer, you can put a comprehensive plan in place that protects your loved one’s future. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we understand the sensitivity of these decisions and take pride in helping families develop trusts that reflect their long-term goals. Contact us today to begin working toward a thoughtful, well-structured plan that provides lasting peace of mind. Special Needs Trusts Lawyer Nashville, TN A special needs trust is a legal arrangement that allows families to set aside assets for a loved one with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for vital government programs such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This type of trust allows funds to be used to enhance a beneficiary’s quality of life by covering expenses beyond basic necessities, including education, medical care, housing, and recreation. When establishing a special needs trust, the grantor names a trustee to manage the assets and distribute funds in accordance with the trust’s terms. The trustee has a fiduciary duty to act in the beneficiary’s best interest, making sure that resources are used responsibly and for approved purposes. With legal guidance, families can customize a trust to reflect... Nashville Probate Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we consult with clients on confidential probate case reviews for Nashville families navigating estate administration. If you have been named to settle a loved one's estate in Nashville, the probate process comes with court filings, deadlines, and duties that can feel overwhelming. A Nashville, TN probate lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can guide you from opening the estate through its final distribution. Our attorneys have handled probate and estate administration for Tennessee families for decades. We help executors, administrators, and beneficiaries carry out their roles correctly. Reach out to our office to talk through the estate and the steps involved. Probate Lawyer Nashville, TN Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person's estate after death. It confirms a will if one exists, appoints someone to manage the estate, and oversees the payment of debts and the transfer of property to the right people. When there is no will, the court applies state law to decide who inherits. The process protects heirs and creditors alike, but it also involves paperwork and firm deadlines. Some estates close quickly, while others take longer because of disputes, hard-to-value assets, or tax questions. Our probate attorneys help Nashville, TN families move through each stage with fewer delays. A lawyer can manage the filings, track the deadlines, and keep the estate moving toward a proper close. Types of Probate Cases We Handle in Nashville Probate covers a wide range of situations, from simple estates to contested matters. The... Franklin, TN Trust Lawyer Creating a solid trust is one of the most important steps in protecting your assets and your family’s future. Many people in Franklin turn to us because they want their hard work to benefit their loved ones, not get caught up in legal confusion or unnecessary taxes. When you work with Patterson Bray, our team may help you create a trust that reflects your goals and provides peace of mind. If you’re searching for a trusted Franklin, TN trust lawyer, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to get started. What A Trust Lawyer Does For You A trust lawyer helps you design and manage a legal plan that protects your assets and directs how they’re handled in the future. With the right trust in place, you can decide how your property, investments, and savings will be distributed after you’re gone—without going through probate court. This is especially important for those who want to reduce family disputes, protect privacy, and streamline the transfer of assets. Our clients often come to us feeling unsure about which type of trust best fits their needs. Some need a revocable trust for flexibility, while others prefer an irrevocable trust for tax advantages or asset protection. What they truly want is confidence—the kind that comes from knowing their estate is protected and their family won’t face added stress later. As your Franklin, TN trust lawyer, we handle every step carefully. We make complex legal... Nashville Community Property Trusts Lawyer Creating a community property trust can be an effective way for married couples to manage assets, reduce taxes, and plan for the future. Working with a Nashville, TN community property trusts lawyer provides the guidance needed to set up this type of trust properly. At Patterson Bray, we are here to help families protect their assets and create strategies that align with their goals. Contact us today to get started with the right legal support for your situation. Nashville, TN Community Property Trusts Lawyer A community property trust is designed to give married couples living in Tennessee the same tax benefits usually reserved for couples in community property states. By transferring assets into the trust, both spouses can receive a step-up in basis on the entire property upon the death of one spouse. This step can reduce capital gains taxes when the surviving spouse sells the property. Working with a Nashville community property trusts attorney allows couples to understand the requirements, meet state law standards, and make decisions that support long-term financial security. Many people come to us because they feel overwhelmed about protecting family wealth or minimizing future tax burdens. The real priority, however, is creating peace of mind. Couples want confidence that their assets are protected, their wishes will be honored, and their family will be taken care of without unnecessary legal or financial complications. With the right trust in place, these goals become achievable. We take time to explain how the trust... Memphis Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer Preparing for marriage brings excitement, but it can also raise important financial questions. A Memphis, TN prenuptial agreement lawyer from our experienced law firm may help couples establish clarity and security before walking down the aisle. At Patterson Bray, we provide guidance and personalized strategies to protect your interests. If you’re considering taking this step, reach out to us today to discuss your options and get the support you need. Memphis, TN Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract couples enter into before marriage. It sets out how assets, debts, and financial obligations will be divided if the marriage ends. While some may view this as preparing for divorce, it is more accurate to think of it as creating a plan that protects both spouses. With the assistance of our Memphis prenuptial agreement lawyer, couples can avoid uncertainty and focus on building trust by setting expectations early. For many couples, concerns may center on protecting family businesses, preserving inheritances, or safeguarding property accumulated before marriage. Others may want to address debts or plan for children from prior relationships. These situations are often complicated and can bring stress, but the real goal is fairness and peace of mind. Having an agreement in place can help both spouses enter marriage with confidence, knowing that important issues have already been addressed thoughtfully. Our firm approaches each prenuptial agreement with care and professionalism. We take time to understand your priorities and draft an agreement tailored to your... Memphis Adoption Lawyer Adoption is a meaningful step, and having the right support makes the process clearer and less stressful. When you are seeking guidance, our Memphis, TN adoption lawyer may provide direction and help you move forward with confidence. Our team at Patterson Bray is here to listen, build solutions that match your needs, and support your family’s goals. Contact us today to get the legal help you deserve. Memphis, TN Adoption Lawyer An adoption lawyer in Memphis provides legal services to families who want to welcome a child into their home. This process may involve private adoptions, agency placements, stepparent adoptions, or relative adoptions. While it can feel overwhelming at first, what most families really want is a straightforward path that allows them to build their future together. A Memphis adoption lawyer from our firm may guide you through every step and help you understand your rights and responsibilities. Each adoption case is unique, which is why tailored strategies are so important. Some families may be seeking to finalize an uncontested adoption, while others may face issues involving parental rights, interstate requirements, or court hearings. Our role is to provide practical legal solutions that make sense for your situation. Instead of focusing on obstacles, we aim to help you achieve the outcome that creates stability for your family. We also recognize that adoption can bring emotional challenges alongside the legal process. For many clients, it is a time of change filled with questions about the future. Having the... Nashville Private Family Foundation Lawyer Families looking to build a meaningful legacy often explore charitable giving through private foundations. At Patterson Bray, we provide clear guidance to make that possible. If you are seeking a Nashville, TN private family foundation lawyer, we can help you establish a foundation that reflects your values and long-term goals. Nashville, TN Private Family Foundation Lawyer When a family decides to create a private foundation, it is more than just a financial move. It is a commitment to future generations and the causes they care about. A Nashville private family foundation lawyer helps families draft governing documents, apply for tax-exempt status, and build a structure that works for long-term giving. These steps are important for compliance, but what families really want is peace of mind knowing their foundation is built to last. Private foundations allow families to direct their wealth into causes they value most, such as education, healthcare, religious initiatives, or community development. Unlike simple charitable donations, a foundation gives structure, continuity, and influence over how funds are used. However, foundations also come with significant responsibilities. Annual distribution rules, prohibitions on self-dealing, and IRS reporting requirements must all be handled correctly to avoid penalties. The foundation process begins with deciding the purpose and scope of giving. We help families explore whether their foundation will fund scholarships, support organizations directly, or operate their own charitable programs. From there, we draft governing bylaws, create succession strategies for leadership, and establish operational guidelines. These steps provide structure... Nashville Spousal Gift Trusts Lawyer When planning for the future, many families explore tools that allow them to transfer wealth while maintaining financial security. At Patterson Bray, we work closely with clients to design strategies that reflect their goals. If you’re searching for a Nashville, TN spousal gift trusts lawyer, our team is here to guide you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we may help. Nashville, TN Spousal Gift Trusts Lawyer A spousal gift trust is a legal arrangement designed to transfer wealth to a spouse in a structured and tax-efficient manner. It often appeals to families who want to manage assets responsibly while providing flexibility for future needs. By placing assets into a trust, the grantor can maintain some control while allowing the spouse to benefit. These trusts can also help minimize estate taxes and protect assets from creditors, which is why they are often considered part of a larger estate planning strategy. For many couples, the challenge lies in balancing immediate financial needs with long-term goals. Concerns about protecting wealth for children or grandchildren, maintaining privacy, and addressing potential changes in circumstances can create hesitation. What most families truly want is confidence that their estate plan reflects their wishes while avoiding unnecessary disputes or financial strain. This is where working with a Nashville spousal gift trusts lawyer becomes valuable. A lawyer experienced in this area can clarify the options, explain how a trust will function, and tailor it to meet unique family needs.... Nashville Retirement Benefits Trusts Lawyer When planning for the future, setting up a retirement benefits trust can help protect your savings while providing security for loved ones. At Patterson Bray, we guide clients through each step with strategies built around their unique goals. If you are searching for a Nashville, TN retirement benefits trusts lawyer, we can provide guidance that is straightforward and reliable. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your plans. Nashville, TN Retirement Benefits Trusts Lawyer A retirement benefits trust is designed to manage and distribute retirement assets, including pensions, 401(k)s, or IRAs. These trusts can help protect beneficiaries from unnecessary taxes, creditors, or poor financial decisions. Many families come to us worried about whether their savings will be secure or if their heirs will know how to handle the funds responsibly. The real need is for a plan that protects what has been earned over a lifetime while keeping things as simple as possible for beneficiaries. A Nashville retirement benefits trust lawyer may help structure the trust so that the retirement assets are directed according to your wishes. This process may include drafting clear instructions, selecting a trustee, and considering how distributions should be made. Without this type of planning, funds can be left vulnerable to mismanagement or disputes. Our goal is to take away that uncertainty and give you confidence in how your assets will be cared for after retirement or after you pass them on. We understand that... Nashville High-Net Worth Divorce Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are trusted divorce lawyers serving clients across Nashville for over 20 years. If you are considering or facing a divorce in Nashville, the decisions ahead can affect your finances and your family for years to come. A Nashville, TN divorce lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can guide you through the process and protect what matters most to you. Our family law practice represents clients in divorces of every kind, from amicable separations to contested disputes over property, support, and children. We combine careful preparation with straight talk about your options. Reach out to our office to discuss your circumstances and the steps ahead. Divorce Lawyer Nashville, TN Divorce is the legal end of a marriage, and it settles the practical questions that come with separating two lives. Those questions include dividing property and debt, deciding whether one spouse pays support, and setting arrangements for any children. In Tennessee, a divorce can be based on agreement or on fault, depending on the situation. The mix of issues, and how contested they are, shapes how the case unfolds. Working with a divorce lawyer means having someone to handle the filings, protect your rights, and push for a fair result. Our divorce attorneys help Nashville, TN clients weigh their choices and avoid mistakes that are hard to undo later. Good decisions early in a case tend to pay off at the end. Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in Nashville Every divorce is... Nashville Alimony Lawyer If you’re evaluating spousal support, a Nashville, TN Alimony Lawyer can help you understand what courts consider and how to present your case. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we combine decades of Tennessee family law experience, focused financial analysis, and straightforward communication. We build persuasive, evidence-based positions that reflect real budgets, real earnings, and sustainable outcomes. Contact us today. Alimony Lawyer Nashville, TN Alimony, often called spousal support, exists to address economic imbalance between spouses after separation. In Tennessee, courts weigh the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, education and training, the standard of living, health, and separate property, among other factors. Support can be rehabilitative (to help a spouse regain earning power), transitional (short-term adjustment), alimony in futuro (longer-term support), or alimony in solido (a lump-sum or specific obligation). Each type serves a distinct purpose, and the right approach depends on your facts. Our Nashville alimony lawyers start by gathering monetary information. That means current income, likely future earnings, benefits, and non-cash compensation. For self-employed spouses or owners, we examine cash flow, add-backs, and industry-specific cycles. For W-2 earners with incentive pay, we assess historical averages and volatility. Then our spousal support lawyers translate those figures into realistic budgets, considering housing, healthcare, childcare, debt service, and tax effects. A clear financial portrait supports support requests, or defenses, grounded in everyday life rather than guesswork. Evidence drives results. Our marital settlement lawyers gather work histories, licenses, continuing education, and re-entry timelines for spouses returning to the... Nashville Spousal Support Lawyer When spousal support is on the table, a Nashville, TN Spousal Support Lawyer can help you pursue an outcome that’s fair and functional. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we bring decades of combined experience, calm advocacy, and a practical approach that turns complicated finances into clear proposals. From first consultation to final order, you’ll know where your case stands and why. Spousal Support Lawyer Nashville, TN Support is about more than how your past relationship worked; it’s about how both households function moving forward. Courts look at the length of the marriage, each spouse’s resources, earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and health. They also consider whether one spouse needs time and training to re-enter the workforce or whether long-term support is appropriate. Our Nashville spousal support lawyers tailor strategies to your specific story, career sacrifices, caregiving roles, and the realities of current budgets. Our spousal payment lawyers begin with a detailed review of income streams and expenses. For salaried employees, we examine base pay, bonuses, and benefits. For owners and self-employed clients, we evaluate cash flow, debt service, and seasonality. Then we build a budget that reflects actual life, housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare, and debt obligations, so we can advocate for support that fits. Where needed, we bring in vocational or financial professionals to assess earning potential and clarify the numbers. Many cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation when both sides share reliable data. We craft proposals that are durable: tiered payments that step down... Nashville Child Custody Lawyer At Patterson Bray PLLC, we know that a child custody battle can be tumultuous. Your ex may or may not be very cooperative or kind during this negotiation. If you had children you shared with your spouse and are going through divorce, then you will need to figure out a child custody arrangement. Our Nashville, TN child custody lawyer empathizes with parents who are distraught over the thought of potentially losing their kids. We understand this could be an emotionally difficult time. Let us use the law and our compassion to guide you through a child custody case. For more information about how we can help, reach out today. What Is Considered For Child Custody Arrangements As a parent who may be going through a separation or divorce, you may be worried about how to make your case the strongest for obtaining child custody. What our child custody attorney can do is work towards showing how and why you are the most ideal parent to have custody of your children. As this proceeding is moving forward, it is important to take care of yourself as well. A child custody case can be grueling, particularly if your ex is making it more difficult than it needs to be. However, when you have us working for you, you can rest assured that we are handling the legal side with precision and care. For a child custody case, the judge is mostly concerned about what will be in the... Nashville Estate Planning Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we are estate planning lawyers with over 20 years of experience guiding clients through complex matters. If you are putting an estate plan in place in Nashville, the right documents can protect your family and carry out your wishes. A Nashville, TN estate planning lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can help you plan ahead with clarity and care. Our attorneys have guided Tennessee families through wills, trusts, and estate administration for decades. We shape each plan around the person in front of us rather than a standard template. Reach out to our office to talk through your goals and the steps involved. Estate Planning Lawyer Nashville, TN Estate planning is the work of deciding what happens to your property and your affairs, both during your life and after you are gone. It usually involves a set of documents that name who receives your assets, who manages them, and who makes decisions if you cannot. A clear plan can spare your family confusion, expense, and conflict. It also gives you a say in decisions that would otherwise be left to a court. Most plans begin with a will and grow from there to include trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. The right combination depends on what you own and what you want to happen. Our estate planning attorneys help Nashville, TN clients build plans that match their circumstances and their goals. Types of Estate Planning Services We Handle in Nashville Estate planning... Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Memphis, TN Your Legal Advocate When You Suffer Grievous Injuries Any serious injury feels like a catastrophe, but to reach the threshold, legally speaking, of catastrophic injury, a victim must be unable to fully recover, suffer permanent disfigurement or disability (or both). From Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to multiple compound bone fractures, a catastrophic injury can happen in many different situations. If your injuries were due to the negligence of another party, then you likely have solid grounds to file a suit for compensatory damages, covering your extensive medical care and other losses. Our Memphis, TN catastrophic injury lawyer can guide you through the claims process, so you have the means to access the best quality curative and palliative care. The litigators at Patterson Bray PLLC have decades of combined experience fighting for the rights of catastrophically injured people in all manner of personal injury claims. Our experience and extensive resources give us an edge that other law firms don’t have. We understand your needs, support you and your family, and plan the best approach to prosecuting your claim. Please contact us today for a free consultation. We Have Comprehensive Experience Pursuing All Types Of Catastrophic Injury Claims People can suffer a catastrophic injury in many situations. Car and semi-truck collisions are common ways that someone could suffer permanent disfigurement or loss of abilities, but that’s not the only way. Our personal injury law firm focuses exclusively on claims for victims who were injured through other people's... Head-On Collision Lawyer Memphis, TN Tough Car Accident Attorneys Protecting Your Rights One of the most deadly types of car collision is the head-on crash. Even if both vehicles are equipped with airbags, and the airbags deploy, the driver and front-seat passengers of each car may still sustain significant injuries, including brain trauma, facial damage, and paralysis. Even at slower speeds, there is the potential for grievous injury. If you or someone you love had been involved in a head-on crash caused by a careless or negligent driver, you could be eligible for a large settlement. Our Memphis, TN head-on collision lawyer can help you get the money you need for quality medical care and to cover your other losses. Many head-on collision cases are fairly straightforward, but because they’re often high-value, insurance companies take a very close look at claims that are filed. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we have extensive experience litigating tough traffic accident claims, including head-on collisions that resulted in grievous injuries. We offer a free consultation, so please call us today to book yours. Our Memphis Head-On Collision Lawyer Helps You Get Top-Dollar Compensation In the days following a head-on collision, you may be dazed, in a lot of pain, or even unable to take care of yourself. That won’t stop the insurance company from trying to talk you into a fast settlement, but be wary. Once you sign, you can’t go back for more money if it turns out that the settlement isn’t enough to... Dog Bite Lawyer Memphis, TN We Represent Victims When Man’s Best Friend Turns Vicious Fun, furry, and friendly, dogs are usually great companions, and most go their entire lives without any indication of violent or aggressive behavior. But, they’re still animals, and there’s a chance that even the most peaceful-looking dog will bite or attack. In Tennessee, dog owners aren’t always liable for injuries their dog causes. If a dog has bitten you, this could spell bad news for your wallet; you could be responsible for all your medical care, and get nothing for your other losses, like replenishing the wages you didn’t earn because you had to miss time from work to heal. Our Memphis, TN dog bite lawyer can evaluate your claim and help you hold the negligent dog owner accountable for the harm their pet caused you. Just because Tennessee’s dog bite laws seem to give canines a “free pass” the first time they actually bite someone, doesn’t mean that you’re completely out of luck in pursuing a lawsuit for compensation against the dog’s owner. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we have extensive experience litigating dog attack cases, including those where the owner claimed that the dog had never bitten. Our strong track record of successfully settling contentious personal injury claims speaks for itself. We can explain more in person, so please contact us today for a free consultation. Our Attorneys Overcome Common Hurdles To Dog Bite Injury Recovery Dog bite claims have challenges that many other personal... Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Memphis, TN Serious Legal Help For Severe Brain Injuries Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) change more lives than just the victim’s. Often, the entire family suffers. The dynamic changes, the household income may be cut in half, or one family member may be forced into a caregiver role for which they are ill-equipped. TBIs can produce moderate to severe brain damage, and even with the best of care, there’s a good chance that the victim will never be the same as they were before the injury-causing incident. Many traumatic brain injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence, either another person or an entity. If this is your situation, our Memphis, TN traumatic brain injury lawyer is ready to help you and your family get the compensation you need for the best quality care. The attorneys at Patterson Bray PLLC are skilled litigators with decades of combined experience handling all the different types of personal injury cases that produce TBIs. From semi-truck crashes to nasty slip-and-falls or assaults, we have the resources and experience you need for a successful outcome. Please contact our firm today for a free consultation. Dedicated Legal Advocacy For Brain Injury Victims And Their Families Our Memphis traumatic brain injury lawyer helps you understand your legal rights after being hurt in an avoidable accident. Under Tennessee law, if you were hurt because another party failed to properly care for your safety, you have the right to file a lawsuit for compensatory damages against... T-Bone Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN Skilled T-Bone Collision Attorneys Helping You Assert Your Rights A side-impact traffic collision, or “T-bone” (named for the shape the two cars make on impact), is one of the most devastating types of crashes, and one most likely to yield grievous injuries for all parties involved. Whether you’re in the car hitting another one head-on, or you’re smacked from the side by an oncoming vehicle, the chances of serious brain trauma, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage are high. If you or someone you love were in a side-impact car crash you didn’t cause, turn to our Memphis, TN T-bone accident lawyer. We can help you get the money you deserve to pay for top-quality medical care, repair or replace your vehicle, and cover all your other crash-related expenses. Please contact Patterson Bray PLLC today for a free consultation. How Our Car Accident Attorneys Help You After A Collision As you’re lying in the hospital bed, seriously injured, and wondering how you’re going to pay for your medical bills or when you’re going to be able to get back to work, the last thing on your mind may be suing for damages. When you work with our legal team, you have one less major worry: We take care of all the legal matters necessary to advance your claim, from investigating the cause of the crash and gathering evidence against the other driver to proving that they were negligent and that their negligence caused the crash.... 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN Full-Service Legal Advocacy After A Semi-Truck Crash Memphis’s location along some of the largest land and river shipping corridors in the country means that our city sees thousands of semi-trucks rumbling along I-40, I-55, and I-240 each day. With heavy traffic at all hours, a lot of tourists on the roads, and these massive machines, it’s a recipe for a disastrous commercial vehicle accident. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision with a semi-truck, our Memphis, TN 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical care and other losses. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we focus on handling complex truck accident claims. Our knowledge of federal and state regulations for truckers and shipping companies and decades of experience as fierce litigators make us the best choice to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your claim. Please contact us today for a free consultation. Truck Accident Claims Are More Complicated Than Car Crash Cases Any high-speed vehicle collision is likely to produce devastating injuries to passengers in a car or SUV, but when one vehicle outweighs the other by 10 tons, there’s a good chance that the occupants of the much-smaller vehicle will suffer permanently disabling harm. Recovery could take months, with no guarantee that you’ll regain your full abilities. Many people are out of work for months, which causes significant financial burdens. You’re entitled to claim full compensation for all necessary medical care,... Carson Klepzig: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Carson concentrates his practice in the areas of capital projects involving municipalities and private developers, municipal and local government law, organizational compliance, business acquisitions and dispositions, business formation, organization, and advising. During his time in law school, Carson completed both the Business Certificate and the Tax Certificate. He was an active member of the Business Law and Tax Society and contributed extensively to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Additionally, Carson served as Treasurer for the Street Law Society, showcasing his leadership and commitment to community service. His practical experience included, among other things, an externship with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Prior to law school, Carson achieved an undergraduate degree in Finance while being a student-athlete at the University of Mississippi and later at the University of Louisiana Monroe. This diverse background has provided Carson with a foundation in both finance and law, allowing him to offer comprehensive and informed legal counsel to his clients. Emily Horobetz: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Emily focuses her practice primarily in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. During law school, Emily was a member of the Moot Court Board where she strengthened her skills in oral advocacy, legal research, and legal writing. She represented the law school in three travel teams, competing in the National Moot Court Competition and two American Bar Association Moot Court Competitions. EDUCATION University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Juris Doctor Robert L. J. Spence, Jr. Moot Court Award National Order of Barristers, Member University of Memphis, Master of Business Administration University of Memphis, Bachelor of Arts, English, magna cum laude WORK EXPERIENCE Law Clerk, Law Office of Phillip R. Walker, PLLC Extern, United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee Bar Admissions Tennessee United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Elena Wiltgen: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Elena Wiltgen joined Patterson Bray PLLC as a legal assistant in July of 2024. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Centre College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French. Before coming to Patterson Bray, Elena worked with both local and national non-profit organizations. At Patterson Bray, Elena provides administrative support for the estate planning, probate, and trust administration teams. Margaret Soard: Office Manager 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Margaret Soard joined Patterson Bray in October 2024. She has over 5 years of experience in finance and payroll management. She earned her Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from the University of Memphis and her MBA from the University of Phoenix. Bicycle Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN Tennessee is a beautiful place for cyclists, and biking is a great way to cut down on gas costs and get some exercise. But roads in Tennessee can be tricky, especially in densely populated cities or in darker, rural areas with poor infrastructure. Like anywhere in the United States, riding a bicycle carries risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 700 people die each year due to injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. More than half a million cyclists end up in the emergency room from such accidents. Recovering from a bicycle accident can be a long, painful road, made even worse by exorbitant medical bills, ambulance fees, rehabilitation costs, and more. It can feel like you’re reliving your accident every day. However, you may have legal and financial restitution. By enlisting the help of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Brentwood, TN, you can work towards receiving the compensation you deserve after suffering an accident. Our attorneys at Patterson Bray PLLC have extensive experience with bike accidents and will work with you to build a case that gets the financial restitution you deserve. Now is the time to contact our Brentwood, TN bicycle accident lawyer. The Risks Of Bicycle Accidents Bicycles don’t have the protective housing of a car or seat belts. When you’re out on the road, it’s just you and your helmet protecting your body from the elements and other vehicles on... Apartment Shooting Lawyer Memphis, TN Tough Apartment Shooting Lawyer Memphis, TN Every American has a right to feel safe in their own home. You don’t have to own a home to be free of harassment or violence; owners and managers of apartment complexes and other rental properties are legally required to keep the premises safe for tenants and guests. Should they fail to do so and you are the victim of gun violence or another attack, you may have legal recourse against your landlord. Poorly managed or unkempt apartment complexes may create unsafe environments for tenants, which is a violation of your civil rights. Broken locks, inadequate lighting, damaged security gates or fences, a lack of surveillance cameras, and other security issues are all potential grounds for bringing a lawsuit against your landlord after an apartment shooting. To do so, however, you’ll need experienced legal representation, which is where Patterson Bray PLLC’s apartment shooting lawyer Memphis, TN comes in. Our legal team can fight for your civil rights and help you recoup damages after an apartment shooting. What Is An Unsafe Apartment Complex? To be successful with a lawsuit against landlords or property managers, you must demonstrate that your apartment complex is unsafe. Shootings are not the only crime that can merit filing suit. Some other crimes that may indicate an unsafe apartment complex include: Armed robbery Sexual assault and rape Physical assault Stabbings Carjacking Forced entry break-ins of apartments or vehicles Property owners and managers have a legal responsibility... Car Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN Skilled Brentwood, TN Car Accident Lawyer Advocating For You After A Wreck Traveling around Brentwood and the greater Nashville area can be dangerous. Between the heavy traffic one would expect in the state capital and one of Tennessee’s largest cities, plus plenty of year-round tourist and visitor traffic, there’s a good chance you’ll be involved in a car crash. If you are hurt in a collision, it’s likely because the other driver was negligent, such as playing on their phone while driving, paying more attention to the sights or street signs than the flow of traffic, or reckless driving like speeding or failing to follow posted traffic signs. You deserve solid legal representation to help you recover the money you deserve after a car collision, and our Brentwood, TN car accident lawyer can help make that happen. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we handle contentious, complicated car accident claims every day. We understand the limits of Tennessee injury laws and what is needed for a successful outcome for your claim. Don’t let the other driver and their insurance company bully you into a low settlement. Call our firm today for a free consultation. Winning Your Car Accident Case By Proving Negligence To successfully win your case in court or achieve a good settlement out of court, you and your attorney must prove that the other driver was negligent. Many car crashes are disputed initially; we gather plenty of evidence showing that the other party didn’t take... Construction Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN If you or a loved one was hurt while working in a construction zone, contact Patterson Bray PLLC to schedule a meeting with our Brentwood, TN construction accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation. Call today and learn what options you have to protect your rights and get the financial justice you deserve. The Job Of A Construction Accident Lawyer The first priority of our construction accident lawyer is getting to know you and every detail surrounding the circumstances that led to you getting hurt. We gather evidence like medical records, inspection reports, and witness statements to establish if your accident was caused by negligence. Reviewing OSHA regulations and the construction site's adherence to those mandates is crucial in our case. There can be multiple parties involved in a construction accident. Depending on the situation, the land or property owner could be at fault. If there was a problem with equipment or neglected safety standards, the company you work for could share some of the liability. Our Brentwood construction accident lawyer figures out who is responsible for your injuries and then files a claim accordingly. We do our best to reach a fair settlement out of court, however, if insurance companies are not willing to negotiate or if liability is being spread amongst multiple parties, it might be necessary to go to trial and present your case to a judge. Our construction accident lawyer supports you through every step of the process and works... Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN One of the most traumatic types of accidents anyone can go through is being hit by a car as a pedestrian. With so many people walking on the sidewalks every day, these incidents unfortunately happen often. Our team at Patterson Bray PLLC is fully aware of the impacts that these events can have on victims. People may be left with severe injury, monetary loss from missing work, and other damages. If you were recently hit by a moving vehicle, we urge you to reach out to our Brentwood, TN pedestrian accident lawyer about a case. You may be owed compensation from the driver responsible for how your health and life was negatively affected. We are ready to offer legal counsel today. Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents There are many contributing factors that could have led to the accident. The driver may have been texting or talking on their phone which made them too distracted to notice your presence. No one should be using cell phones while they are operating a moving vehicle. Drivers who get behind the wheel while intoxicated are dangerous to everyone on the road, particularly pedestrians. Impaired drivers may fail to stop at signs or street lights as pedestrians are walking across. Generally speaking, pedestrians have the right of way. Impatient drivers who are rushing to get where they need to be may not see a pedestrian walking in front of them. Other causes of pedestrian accidents can be bad weather, construction, cars... Brentwood Truck Accident Lawyer Plaintiff-focused truck accident lawyers preparing every case with experience and dedication. If you've been injured in a collision with a commercial truck near Brentwood, the aftermath can be disorienting. Medical expenses stack up before treatment is complete, lost wages grow each week you cannot work, and the trucking company's insurance carrier is already building a defense against your claim. Patterson Bray PLLC has represented injured plaintiffs across Tennessee for over 20 years. Our Brentwood, TN truck accident lawyer will evaluate the facts of your case, handle communications with the insurer, and pursue the full compensation you are owed. Contact our office for a free consultation. Truck Accident Lawyer Brentwood, TN A truck accident case arises when a collision involves a commercial motor vehicle and causes injury or death to another person on the road. These claims differ from standard auto accident cases in important ways. The vehicles are larger, the injuries tend to be more severe, and there are often multiple parties who may share legal responsibility. Trucking collisions in Brentwood and the surrounding Williamson County area frequently involve tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, flatbeds, and tanker vehicles traveling I-65 or local routes. Because commercial carriers must comply with both state regulations and federal safety standards, the legal analysis in these claims is more layered. A truck wreck attorney has to account for the driver, the carrier, the cargo loader, the maintenance provider, and sometimes the parts manufacturer. Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle in Brentwood Patterson... Nashville TN Law Firm The Nashville TN law firm of Patterson Bray PLLC is a reputable law firm known for its dedicated personal injury services with several cases litigated in the areas of car, truck, and bicycle accidents. Serving clients with a commitment to achieving justice, the firm offers compassionate and effective legal representation to those who have been injured due to the negligence of others. As a car accident lawyer with offices in both Memphis and Nashville, Patterson Bray PLLC understands the complexities that often accompany car accident cases. From dealing with insurance companies to negotiating settlements, the firm works diligently to ensure that clients receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The firm’s approach is client-focused, aiming to alleviate the burden on those recovering from their injuries. In cases involving truck accidents, the firm’s role as a truck accident lawyer is crucial. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies and insurers, making these cases more complex. Patterson Bray PLLC is experienced in handling the unique challenges of truck accident claims, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable. For those injured in bicycle accidents, Patterson Bray PLLC also serves as a skilled bicycle accident lawyer. The firm recognizes the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is dedicated to protecting their rights. Patterson Bray PLLC stands as a trusted advocate for personal injury victims, providing the legal support needed to move forward with confidence. They also understand that sometimes you need... Brentwood Divorce Lawyer Brentwood divorce lawyers committed to protecting what matters most to you. A divorce can reshape your finances, your living situation, and your relationship with your children, and steady guidance makes those changes easier to manage. A Brentwood, TN divorce lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can handle your case from the first filing to the final order. Our family law practice represents clients in every kind of divorce, from agreed cases to hard-fought disputes over property, support, and parenting. We prepare each case with care and keep your goals in view. Reach out to our office to discuss your situation and the road ahead. Divorce Lawyer Brentwood, TN A divorce is the legal process that ends a marriage and settles the matters tied to it, including property, debt, support, and the care of any children. Tennessee allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces, and most cases proceed without a fault finding. Couples may resolve everything by agreement or ask a court to decide the open issues. The number of disputed issues, and how far apart the spouses are, sets the difficulty of the case. A divorce lawyer manages the filings and deadlines, protects your rights, and works toward terms you can live with. Our divorce attorneys help Brentwood, TN clients understand their options and make decisions with clear information. Choices made at the start often shape how the rest of the case unfolds. Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in Brentwood Every divorce is different, and the issues that... Child Custody Lawyer Brentwood, TN Receiving Legal Assistance With Your Child Custody Decision If you require legal assistance with a child custody situation, our Brentwood, TN child custody lawyer can assist you. When in the process of a divorce or separation, child custody is the most important decision that must be made. Ensuring that all parties’ rights and interests, and especially those of the child are represented can be a difficult task. Our child custody lawyer can help you reach the best possible outcome for you and your family. Our team will provide dedicated, compassionate, and personalized service as we assist you with your child custody decision. To discuss your case and how we can assist you, contact Patterson Bray PLLC today. Ensuring The Bests Interests Of Your Children The most important priority in a child custody case is ensuring the safety and well-being of your child or children. Keeping the child’s best interest in mind is paramount when making decisions that will impact their present and your future. Making sure that your home is a safe and welcoming environment for your children is also important as you look to secure custody. Your home, the general area around your home, and the people that you have in and around your home should all represent a safe space for the children. Be active in your child’s life, and set the example of a loving, responsible figure in order to display that you are a positive influence in their life and will... Jurista de Crímenes en Apartamentos en Memphis, TN Un jurista de crímenes en apartamentos en Memphis, TN de la firma reconocida Patterson Bray puede imaginar lo aterrador que es que ocurra un crimen en su hogar. Su lugar de residencia se supone que debe ser un refugio seguro al cual puede retirarse y relajarse después de un largo día. Desafortunadamente, hay individuos que participan en una vida delictiva, irrumpen en casas o apartamentos con la esperanza de robar o cometer alguna otra violación de la ley. Si esto le ha sucedido a usted o a un ser querido recientemente y se han sufrido daños o lesiones, le recomendamos encarecidamente obtener ayuda legal de inmediato de un miembro de nuestro dedicado equipo legal. Ser perjudicado inesperadamente dentro de un apartamento o en las instalaciones puede ser devastador, por lo que es posible que desee buscar asesoramiento legal de nuestra firma. Patterson Bray ha estado practicando leyes durante décadas y comprende las leyes complejas que abarcan estos casos específicos. Guiados por nuestro conocimiento y el impulso apasionado de proteger los derechos de nuestros clientes, hemos recuperado con éxito millones de dólares en daños para nuestros clientes. ¿Quién es Responsable de los Crímenes en Apartamentos? Los propietarios tienen la obligación de asegurarse de que la propiedad sea segura para los inquilinos y cualquier visitante que pueda haber. Cuando una persona firma un contrato de alquiler, es comprensible que el inquilino asuma que se han establecido medidas de seguridad en la propiedad. Sin embargo,... Abogado de Crímenes en Apartamentos en Memphis, TN ¿Usted o un ser querido sufrieron una lesión catastrófica debido a un crimen violento en Memphis, quizás en un complejo de apartamentos, y necesitan la ayuda de uno de los mejores abogados de crímenes en apartamentos que Memphis, TN, tiene para ofrecer? ¿Un robo a mano armada que salió mal? ¿Un disparo? ¿Una apuñalada? ¿Tiene usted o su familia facturas médicas, gastos de funeral o tiempo perdido en el trabajo? ¿Se pregunta si algo debería haberse hecho para prevenir la lesión o la muerte? Las personas inocentes se convierten en víctimas porque asumen que todos los propietarios de viviendas y dueños de negocios son personas responsables que toman medidas básicas para prevenir crímenes violentos previsibles. Desafortunadamente, eso no siempre es el caso. NEGLIENCIA EN CUANTO A LA SEGURIDAD | PRIORIDAD A LAS GANANCIAS SOBRE EL BIENESTAR DE LAS PERSONAS ¿Usted o un ser querido sufrieron una lesión catastrófica debido a un crimen violento en Memphis, quizás en un complejo de apartamentos, y necesitan la ayuda de uno de los mejores abogados de crímenes en apartamentos que Memphis, TN, tiene para ofrecer? ¿Un robo a mano armada que salió mal? ¿Un disparo? ¿Una apuñalada? ¿Tiene usted o su familia facturas médicas, gastos de funeral o tiempo perdido en el trabajo? ¿Se pregunta si algo debería haberse hecho para prevenir la lesión o la muerte? Las personas inocentes se convierten en víctimas porque asumen que todos los propietarios de viviendas y dueños de negocios... Andrea Morgan: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Andrea joined Patterson Bray as a legal assistant in September 2023 after working as a closer at a real estate firm. At Patterson Bray, she is responsible for scheduling and providing administrative support for the Estate Planning team. Matthew Davidoff: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Matthew focuses his practice primarily in the areas of estate planning and post-death administration, as well as asset protection planning, charitable planned giving, business advising, and business formation. During law school, Matthew served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Annie T. Christoff, Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Matthew was a Staff Member of The University of Memphis Law Review, an experience that afforded immeasurable opportunities to enhance his legal writing capabilities, develop efficient research practices and engage with issues meaningful to his role as a legal practitioner. EDUCATION The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Juris Doctor, cum laude The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Bachelor of Education in Recreation and Sport Management, summa cum laude MEMBERSHIPS Memphis Bar Association Tennessee Bar Association BAR ADMISSIONS Tennessee Missouri Florida Colorado Illinois Idaho United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee WORK EXPERIENCE Attorney, Patterson Bray PLLC Law Clerk, Patterson Bray PLLC Extern, Honorable Annie T. Christoff, Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Law Clerk, ALSAC Audrey Davis: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Audrey focuses her practice primarily in the areas of probate and trust administration. Audrey is an active member of the Memphis Bar Association’s Estate Planning and Probate Section and the Young Lawyer’s Division. She has also been an Associate member of the Leo Bearman, Sr. American Inn of Court since 2024. Audrey earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis. During law school, Audrey worked in the Medical-Legal Partnership Clinic in conjunction with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, representing clients in housing, special education, and conservatorship matters. Audrey also worked as a law clerk for Rogers Brackin, P. C. She served on the Moot Court Board and the Student Bar Association for two years, acting as a Bar Governor and Student Body Secretary. Audrey earned her Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Sciences from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. EDUCATION University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Juris Doctor Dean’s Distinguished Service Award Dean’s Award for Excellence in Elder Law Robert Spence Top Oral Advocate, 2022 University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Bachelor of Science in Child & Family Studies and Political Science, magna cum laude WORK EXPERIENCE Law Clerk, Rogers, Brackin & Davis PLLC Extern, Disability Rights Tennessee BAR ADMISSIONS Tennessee United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Erin King: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Erin King joined the Patterson Bray litigation team in March 2023. She has 14 years of experience working as a legal assistant in multiple areas, including family law, insurance defense, labor and employment defense, rail grade crossing and FELA defense, personal injury, and wrongful death. BlueOval City, TN Truck Accident Lawyer A truck accident lawyer in BlueOval City, TN is quick to explain how valuable they can be as a member of your team. A massive megacampus built by Ford, BlueOval City is looking to become a beacon of renewable energy, production, and American industry. With heavy focus on electrifying the future, and a company history built on the backbone of the truck, Ford is constantly crossing boundaries to create the most powerful, efficient pickups on the market. Unfortunately, truck accidents can be brutal. A basic work pickup weighs between 4,000 and 7,000lbs; and a big rig with a trailer can be up to 80,000lbs. It is an incredible amount of mass to control perfectly, and accidents become much too common. In defense of this, Patterson Bray, PLLC has built a team of focused, driven lawyers with the experience needed to swing your case in your favor. If you have been in a vehicle collision, you may be seriously injured and in need of medical attention. It is important to consider the following steps If you are able to remove the vehicle safely off of the roadway, do so, in order to prevent additional accidents from occuring around you Call 9-1-1. Police and medical services will secure the area, verify injuries, control traffic Gather as much evidence as possible. Photos of the accident, vehicle VINs, license plates, and insurance information for all involved parties. Taking pictures of the scene solidifies evidence and allows the police... Julianne Parks: Legal Assistant 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Julianne Parks joined Patterson Bray PLLC as a legal assistant in 2023. She is a graduate of Rhodes College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Media. Before coming to Patterson Bray, she worked in television news, marketing, and programming. At Patterson Bray, Julianne enjoys assisting clients and providing administrative support for the estate planning team. Blue Oval City Car Accident Lawyer A qualified Blue Oval City, TN car accident lawyer can emphasize the importance of legal assistance when working on a car accident claim. The claims process can be confusing and challenging to navigate especially if you do not possess much legal knowledge, whether it’s about the law or your rights as a victim. To find out what you need to do to obtain the best possible case outcome, reach out to a lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC who can give you the specific advice that you are searching for. Patterson Bray PLLC has been providing clients with quality legal services and resources for many years. Our clients can depend on us to give them the legal information for their case no matter the complexity. When you have been in an accident, you deserve to get the help you need. From case evaluations to trial representation, we can support you in many ways. Whatever your needs are, we are ready to assist you and secure you the case results that you are entitled to obtain as a car accident victim. Steps After A Car Accident After a car accident, it is important to be aware of the necessary steps that you should take in order for you to resolve your case successfully. Your actions can shape the outcome of your case, affecting what kind of compensation you can get. Depending on what you do, you may be subject to more scrutiny. As soon as you... Rachel Meadows: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Avvo Reviews • Lawyers. com ReviewsRachel concentrates her practice in general civil litigation, personal injury, and family and domestic relations law. During law school, Rachel served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Vicki Daniels, Chancellor of the Third Chancery District of Mississippi, where she gained invaluable experience observing divorce and child custody proceedings. Rachel also served as an Executive Board Member of the University of Mississippi School of Law Negotiation Board, which allowed Rachel to hone her negotiation skills in a variety of contract disputes. Following law school and immediately prior to joining Patterson Bray, Rachel represented plaintiffs injured in motor vehicle collisions. EDUCATION University of Mississippi, Juris Doctor, cum laude University of Mississippi, Bachelor of Paralegal Studies with a Minor in Philosophy, magna cum laude MEMBERSHIPS Memphis Bar Association BAR ADMISSIONS Tennessee United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Defective Food Product Litigation Many consumers become injured from food-borne illnesses, and these injuries can result in legal claims for personal injury. It is easiest to bring a lawsuit for a defective food product that has made a consumer ill if the manufacturer or government has issued a recall or announced that the product has caused consumers to become ill. In other cases, it may be difficult to determine which specific food has caused the consumer’s illness. A plaintiff injured by a defective food product may sue anyone involved in the distribution chain, including the manufacturer, the supplier, and the store or restaurant that sold the food. Types of Claims in Defective Food Product Lawsuits Cases for injuries and illness from food products are brought as products liability claims. Therefore, plaintiffs can sue for negligence and strict liability. Under a strict liability theory, the plaintiff will only have to prove that the food was contaminated and that they got sick from consuming the food. Negligence cases may be more difficult to prove because the plaintiff will have to show that the manufacturer did not exercise reasonable care. A third type of claim plaintiffs can bring is a breach of warranty claim for the implied warranty of merchantability. Products should be safe for their intended use, and therefore have an implied warranty of merchantability that they will not cause injury to consumers when used as intended. Therefore, food has an implied warranty of merchantability that it will be edible, and if... Child Custody Lawyer Memphis, TN When a couple is going through a Tennessee divorce, it does not matter how “friendly” the process is, if the couple has children, that friendly divorce can quickly turn into a contentious child custody battle. It is perfectly understandable, after all, both parents will be losing some time with their child, whether they share custody, or one parent has primary custody and the other a set visitation schedule. If you are going through custody issues, contact a child custody lawyer in Memphis, TN to find out what your legal options may be. They can discuss your situation and decide what your best legal options are. In the meantime, the following is a brief overview of how custody laws work. Contact Our Office for Legal Assistance Memphis Child Custody Infographic Why hire Patterson Bray as your child custody lawyer in Memphis Controlling the Construction of Your Co-Parenting Arrangement Memphis Child Custody Law Statistics What Is a Child Custody Lawyer? Types of Custody There are two areas of custody that need to be decided when parents are splitting up: Legal custody: This custody determines who will make all the major decisions regarding the child’s medical, education, religion, and other important issues. The court can give both parents joint legal custody, meaning both parents have equal say and need to decide together. The court could also decide to grant only one parent sole legal custody, meaning that parent would be the one to make those decisions. Physical custody:... Judith Denham: Attorney 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599 Avvo Reviews • Lawyers. com ReviewsJudith focuses her practice primarily in the areas of estate planning and post-death administration, as well as asset protection planning, charitable planned giving and business formation. During law school, Judith served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Bernice B. Donald, Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and Justice Holly Kirby of the Tennessee Supreme Court. In her final years of law school, Judith was a Staff Member of The University of Memphis Law Review, an experience that afforded immeasurable opportunities to enhance her legal writing capabilities, develop efficient research practices and engage with issues meaningful to her role as a legal practitioner. Licensure State of Tennessee State of Alabama EDUCATION The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Juris Doctor Rhodes College, Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology & Sociology and a Minor in Spanish, cum laude WORK EXPERIENCE Attorney, Patterson Bray Extern, Justice Holly Kirby, Tennessee Supreme Court Extern, The Honorable Bernice B. Donald, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Law Clerk, Russell, Oliver & Stephens, PLC MEMBERSHIPS Staff Member, The University of Memphis Law Review (2019-2021) Secretary, Hispanic Law Student Association (2020-2021) Member, Association for Women Attorneys, Memphis Law Chapter (2018-2021) Memphis TN Law Firm There are many different things people need lawyers for from a Memphis TN Law Firm. Some of the most common include business dealings, for personal injury lawsuits, or for wills and estate planning. Patterson Bray can help you with all of this, and more. Our skilled lawyers are located in Memphis, TN and will be happy to set up a consultation with you to discuss your needs for a lawyer. Business Law If you have and run your own business, it is crucial that you have a business lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee on your team. You need to protect your business and assets in order to keep you and your family safe at all times. An experienced lawyer from Patterson Bray will know what to look for in your contracts and how to ensure your proprietary business and ideas are kept close to you. We will also make sure you have filed for the correct protections such as patents and trademarks that will keep other people from stealing your ideas. You have to pay upfront for a business lawyer, but it is just another investment you are making in your business. This expense is well worth it, as it is much cheaper to make sure nothing goes wrong than dealing with issues in the future. Personal Injury Law Getting hurt due to someone else’s negligence is not ever easy, but you should never have to pay financially or emotionally for an unfortunate incident that should not... Julie Mulanax: Paralegal 8001 Centerview Parkway, Suite 103 Memphis, TN 38018 PHONE: 901. 372. 5003 FAX: 901. 383. 6599Julie joined Patterson Bray in 2021 with 23 years of experience as a paralegal. A graduate of the Mississippi University for Women with a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies, she has extensive experience as a paralegal in multiple areas, including personal injury with an emphasis in medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and insurance defense. At Patterson Bray, Julie is responsible for client relations and communications, scheduling and providing administrative support in the areas of estate planning and post-death administration, asset protection planning, and charitable planned giving. Healthcare Directive Lawyer Memphis, TN There are several effective strategies that a healthcare directive lawyer in Memphis, TN might use so your wealth is managed properly and given to the correct beneficiaries. An estate plan is recommended for not only wealthy individuals, but anyone who has money and owns assets and personal property such as a house. Having legal documents set up before one’s passing can prevent a lot of legal complications. Determining which of your property goes to certain beneficiaries can prevent problems such as family members arguing over their share. An additional document that can supplement your estate plan is a healthcare directive, which pertains to your preferred medical treatment in the event of a serious health condition that affects your ability to communicate. For legal advice on healthcare directives, speaking to a lawyer such as one from Patterson Bray Attorneys, PLLC may help you decide how to approach your larger estate planning strategy. Healthcare directive lawyer in Memphis, TN You may be wondering why a healthcare directive is an important part of your estate planning. If you are ever incapacitated, a healthcare directive is a document (or compilation of documents) that states explicit instructions about your preferred future medical treatment and care. A Memphis, TN estate planning lawyer can explain that if done early, a medical directive can ensure that important decisions made on your behalf align with your preferences. Advance care planning is crucial for ensuring that your healthcare decisions are acknowledged and followed. In this... Highway Construction Negligence Lawyer Memphis, TN Millions of drivers travel through roads such as freeways and highways each day. As high traffic areas, they will need intermittent repairs and improvements over the years. Road construction is essential, but introduces new traffic hazards for passing vehicles, and increases the risk of an accident occurring. The presence of construction workers, large heavy machinery, and fewer lanes make road construction zones more dangerous for both workers and drivers. Victims involved in construction accidents often experience injuries, resulting in lost income and costly medical bills. An experienced and skilled lawyer like one from Patterson Bray can assist you with quality legal help to start your claim. Highway Construction Negligence Lawyer Memphis TN Construction accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Drivers must navigate many confusing signs and adjust to sudden lane changes and traffic patterns, all while in close proximity to tools and dangerous machinery. Inattentive or impatient drivers can make construction zones especially hazardous, and can cause accidents that result in mild to severe injuries. Sometimes, a construction company fails to provide sufficient signs or safely secure a construction area properly. No matter the severity of an injury, victims have the right to pursue legal action against the negligent party at the fault of an accident, as a Memphis, TN car accident lawyer can explain. To learn what steps you can take to file a claim, it may help to contact an attorney who can extensively evaluate evidence for your case. What To... Road Rash lawyer Memphis, TN At Patterson Bray, a Road Rash lawyer Memphis, TN community members depend on has represented victims of motorcycle accidents for many years. We have successfully achieved substantial settlements for our clients. We understand that motorcycle accidents in particular can cause some of the most painful types of injuries, and are here to help you pursue compensation for injuries, damages, and losses that you faced because of another’s carelessness on the road. If you or a family member was the victim in a motorcycle accident and was seriously hurt, then we strongly advise speaking with a dedicated member of our team today. A Painful Injury: Road Rash Roadrash from a motorcycle accident, otherwise called road burn, is a very painful injury that happens when a motorcyclist’s skin makes contact with the road and gets scraped. Road rash causes the skin to be worn, revealing raw and sensitive skin layers underneath. The extent of the damage can be deep enough to expose muscles, tissue, and bone. A motorcyclist that wears protective gear may still get road rash if the impact wore through clothing. Roadrash can range in mild to severe, where hospitalization is required for treatment. Furthermore, the motorcyclist may be left with permanent disfigurements because of the skin trauma. The Treatment Process Victims who have mild road rash can clean the area, cover in bandage, and apply ointments to protect against infection while aiding healing. We are not medical experts, so a Motorcycle accident lawyer Memphis,... Multicar Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN A multicar accident lawyer Memphis, TN families trust from Patterson Bray knows that most traffic accidents involve only two vehicles. However, accidents in which three or more cars were hit is categorized as a multicar accident. Should victims decide to pursue compensation, they may be able to resolve high payouts for their medical bills, property damage, and more. Because of the nature of these collisions, they fall under both commercial policies and personal injury. These accidents are complex, and are often the result of many influencing factors. The best way to protect your best interests is by speaking with a lawyer that is knowledgeable in multicar accidents specifically. So if you were part of a three car accident, or a big pile-up on the highway, you will need to know more information about how to receive full compensation for your damages and losses. Don’t hesitate to call Patterson Bray now for immediate help. Common Reasons for Multicar Accidents We probably don’t have to tell you this, but as humans, we make mistakes. If you suspect that you are partially at-fault for the multicar accident, you may still be entitled to some kind of compensation. Furthermore, you may not be aware of all the contributing factors of the accident, and another driver may have played a stronger part in the crash unfolding. As your multicar Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN victims trust can explain, here are some of the most common reasons why multicar accidents occur: Speeding:... Contingency Probate Lawyer Memphis, TN Before reaching out to a Contingency Probate lawyer Memphis, TN families trust at Patterson Bray for assistance, many people wonder whether they need a probate lawyer. Have you lost a loved one recently? Are you trying to avoid probate but don’t know where to begin? We’ll start off by saying that probate can be tricky, and can result in family conflict and taxes to the estate if not planned for properly. Here we have gone over what you need to know about probate law, such as what it is, how it work, and whether you need probate lawyer to help: Understanding The Probate Process At its essence, probate is the legal process that happens after someone has passed away. During probate, the reliability of the deceased person’s will is assessed, and then someone is appointed to be the executor of their estate. The executor will manage and distribute assets to those listed in the will. However, if there is no will, then probate is utilized to determine who and in what amount beneficiaries should receive assets. Probate usually begins after the deceased individual’s representative submits a petition to probate court. It ends when the court decides to officially close the estate. As your Probate lawyer Memphis, TN clients depend on can explain, the probate process covers various aspects of estate administration, including: Validating the will of the deceased Choosing an executor/representative of the estate Locating and calculating worth of assets within the estate Identifying beneficiaries... SUV Rollover Accident Attorneys, Memphis, TN If you’ve been injured in an SUV rollover situation, it’s important to speak with SUV rollover accident attorneys Memphis, TN motorists trust and it’s important to do so as soon as you can. Critical evidence related to your case may become compromised in the minutes, hours, and days following your accident. As a result, it’s imperative that you alert the experienced Tennessee legal team at Patterson Bray to your situation as soon as you’re able to do so. As soon as we’re alerted to your accident, we can begin working to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Whether you plan to sue others involved in your accident, hold the manufacturer of your SUV accountable for a defect in your vehicle, or you “simply” plan to negotiate a settlement with any insurance companies invested in your accident, it’s important to have experienced Memphis car accident attorneys advocating for your interests from here on out. Trying to manage the legal side of your accident aftermath all but ensures that you won’t receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you’re entitled. We’re proud to represent the interests of accident victims respectfully, efficiently, and effectively. Please consider allowing us to do the same for you and your family. Causation and Liability in SUV Rollover Accidents Before we can accurately assess the potential “value” of your case and advise you in regards to your legal options accordingly, we’ll need to do some work to evaluate issues of causation... Real Property Lawyer Memphis, TN When you are purchasing property and need to go through the process of having your property inspected and signing contracts, you should work with a real property lawyer Memphis, TN relies on from Patterson Bray. We understand that many people may be confused about working with a real estate agent and an attorney, but when there is a contract involved and you are making a large purchase, it can be incredibly helpful to have an attorney on your side to ensure you are making a wise decision. Call our office now if you would like to get to work on purchasing a property. How can an attorney help me with my closing? If you are purchasing a home or some type of property, you likely already realize that this is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime and you want to ensure that you are not overspending or getting a bad deal. While a real estate agent can be helpful during this process, they will not have the legal background necessary if an issue arises with the closing or if the selling party does not hold up their end of the contract. Your attorney can also help explain legal real estate documents and go over the details of contracts before you sign them so you know what you are getting into. Can’t I just use my real estate agent for the purchasing process? While a real estate agent will be the... Memphis Divorce Lawyer At Patterson Bray, PLLC, we have built a family law practice on over 20 years of client representation in Memphis. If you are going through a divorce in Memphis, the choices you make now can shape your finances and your family for the long term. A Memphis, TN divorce lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC can guide you through the process and work to protect your interests. Patterson Bray has deep roots in Memphis, and our family law practice represents clients in every kind of divorce, from quiet, agreed cases to contested disputes. We pair careful preparation with candid advice. Reach out to our office to discuss your circumstances and the path ahead. Divorce Lawyer Memphis, TN A divorce ends a marriage and resolves the legal and financial ties that come with it. That means dividing property and debt, deciding whether either spouse pays support, and arranging custody and parenting time for any children. Tennessee permits both no-fault and fault-based divorces, and which one applies depends on the facts. The mix of issues, and how much the spouses disagree, sets the tone for the whole case. A divorce lawyer handles the filings and deadlines, protects your rights, and works toward a result you can live with. Our divorce attorneys help Memphis, TN clients understand the process and make decisions with clear information. The choices made early often shape how the rest of the case goes. Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in Memphis No two divorces look the... Lyft accident lawyer Memphis, TN Our Lyft accident lawyer Memphis, TN victims call for help knows that it should come as no surprise that rideshare accidents are just as common as the average motor vehicle accident. There are a variety of ways that a rideshare accident can occur. These cases can be complicated, involve multiple parties, and you may find yourself contending with rideshare companies like Lyft to retain compensation for your damages. At Patterson Bray, we know that this time may be incredibly difficult, especially when recovering from injuries, which is why it will be in your best interest to contact our firm for help. Types of Rideshare Accidents People across the country and the world take advantage of the convenience and affordability offered by rideshare companies like Lyft. Not only are they accessible, in some areas, they are a primary mode of transportation. Like a traditional car accident case, there are many ways that a rideshare accident can occur for example: You were a passenger in a Lyft at the time of the accident and sustained injuries You were a passenger in another vehicle that was in an accident involving a Lyft driver You were the driver of another vehicle who was hit by a Lyft driver You were a driver of a Lyft who was hit by another vehicle The impact to follow from an accident can be incredibly damaging and could result in serious injuries that you will be left to recover from. Not only do... Will Law Firm Memphis, TN Our experienced will law firm Memphis, TN residents recommend, has seen firsthand the complications that can follow when someone passes away without a will. There are many reasons that developing a will should not be set aside for another day as your will has a critical purpose. Patterson Bray Attorneys can play a crucial role in ensuring you have identified an executor and mapped out every last detail. The Purpose of Developing a Will When considering whether you need a will, it’s essential to know that anyone with assets or final decisions that need to be made should create one. Wills aren’t just for people of a certain age anymore; in fact, even the younger population should consider having a will should the unexpected occur. A will is a legal document that outlines how property and assets will be distributed after their death. However, it’s essential to know that a will does far more than just outlining property distribution. Within a will, you can identify an executor, develop trusts, and identify minor children’s guardians. Identifying an Executor Lawyers at our will law firm in Memphis, TN, stress that one of the most critical components of a will is identifying an executor. An executor carries the weighty responsibility of settling the estate of the person who has passed away. The executor is charged with: Filing a request for probate Filing the death certificate and request with the court Carrying out the wishes of the deceased Paying... Trust Attorney Memphis, TN Developing a trust is a process best left to our trust attorney Memphis, TN residents rely on. When developing an estate plan, a trust may be a viable option for many reasons. Trusts can offer vast benefits; however, before choosing a trust, you will also want to have a clear understanding of the disadvantages. Patterson Bray can provide critical guidance in helping families make crucial decisions regarding developing trust. Several trusts can be chosen depending on your needs; however, we have outlined information about developing a living trust during the estate planning process. What is a Living Trust? A living trust is a document outlining your final wishes, including plans for your assets and how they will be distributed to beneficiaries. A will does not take effect until after your passing, while a living trust can take effect long before you are gone. There are two types of living trusts: Revocable Living Trusts A revocable living trust can take effect immediately and is controlled by you. This gives you the ability to make changes to designations and change stipulations as you see fit. In most cases, the grantor will have control until they pass away or become incapacitated. At this point, the contents will become the property of the trust, and the appointed successor trustee will oversee the trust. Irrevocable Living Trusts In most cases, once agreements for irrevocable living trusts are completed, they cannot be changed. The only time the terms of an irrevocable living... Memphis Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer Our Memphis electric scooter accident lawyer knows that electric scooters are becoming more and more popular. Instead of using more traditional methods to get around, many people enjoy using an electric scooter to get from point A to point B. While this may seem like a fun mode of transportation, if a person is riding an electric scooter negligently or recklessly, they could cause serious harm. We have had many clients speak with us about serious injuries they have received after being in an accident with someone riding an electric scooter. A Memphis personal injury lawyer wants you to know that you have the right to file a claim when someone else has injured you while they were on an electric scooter. Why are electric scooters so dangerous? We believe that with an abundance of caution, it is possible to ride an electric scooter safely and even have fun. However, electric scooters are fairly new and because many cities and states have pushed them out with few safety warnings or instructions, people who do not know how to ride them are doing just that. When you have a motorized vehicle of some kind and few instructions, dangerous things can happen. If someone injured you, contact our electric scooter accident lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee now from Patterson Bray. Are there different kinds of electric scooters? Yes, and it can be helpful to know which one you were injured with when speaking with your attorney. Some of... Taxi Accident Lawyer Memphis TN At Patterson Bray, a taxi accident lawyer in Memphis, TN has been dedicated to helping victims of taxi collisions receive restitution for their injuries and losses. It is not required by law that you obtain legal representation when handling the aftermath of the accident, however, it can certainly work in your favor. Making the right moves is essential to building a strong case, in which you can receive what you deserve and have your best interests protected at all times. Unfortunately, the taxi cab company or their insurance agency may try to minimize your claim or deny it entirely by either blaming you or stating that you do not have sufficient evidence of injuries and losses. Our Memphis Car Accident Attorneys can step in and provide assistance when needed and see to it that you are not being taken advantage of during this time. Why Taxi Accidents Happen There are a multitude of reasons why a taxi accident may happen. As a TN taxi accident lawyer in Memphis from Patterson Bray knows, rarely is it the fault of the passengers. The most common reasons for taxi collisions are due to speeding, reckless driving, weaving aggressively through traffic, following too closely behind other vehicles, and poor vehicle maintenance. Depending on the facts of the accident, there may be more than one party to list in your claim. For example, if the brakes on the taxi went out and the taxi driver was speeding, then both the... MVA Lawyer Memphis, TN Negligence Per Se Just about every personal injury claim or lawsuit, including motor vehicle accident cases, are based on the legal doctrine of negligence. This means that in order for the victim to receive compensation for the losses they have suffered because of their accident injuries, they have to prove that the accident that caused the injuries occurred because of the other party or parties’ negligence. This is also true in car accident cases. An MVA lawyer in Memphis, TN will often use different evidence to prove the negligence of the other party. They may use testimony from doctors, police officers, or accident reconstructionist to help prove the other party’s negligence. A car accident lawyer Memphis, TN trusts might also use the testimony of eyewitnesses to show there was negligence. So, how does the legal system define negligence? By law, a person is deemed to act negligently if they behave in such a way that a “reasonably cautious person” would not. This not only includes negligent acts, but also negligent failure to act. In a car accident injury claim or lawsuit, the at-fault person owed a duty of care to drive safely and obey all traffic laws. This is the duty of care that all drivers are held to. There are four elements that a Memphis, TN MVA lawyer must prove in order to prove the negligence of the at-fault party: The alleged at-fault party owed a duty of care to the victim. The alleged at-fault... Post-Divorce Modification Attorney Memphis, TN Divorce decrees are final orders that must be followed by parties and often resolve custody arrangements, child support, property division, and alimony. Sometimes, however, situations change, and the parties must return to court because the divorce decree needs to be modified. Some of the common reasons for post-divorce modifications include changes to child support, parenting time/visitation and spousal support (also known as alimony). If you find yourself in the position of being in a co-parenting relationship with your former spouse or another parent, but he or she is not upholding his or her responsibilities, it might be time to modify the divorce or custody decree. Similarly, if the parties have a change in financial circumstances, it might be time to modify child support or spousal support. Modifications to Parenting Schedules and Custody Orders As it relates to modifying custody or a residential parenting schedule, you must show that there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the best interests of the minor child(ren). It may be time to seek a modification if the other parent is: Not paying child support Not contributing to medical bills or health insurance Not contributing to school tuition Repeatedly late to pick-ups or drop-offs – or has not shown up at all Abusing drugs or alcohol Planning to relocate more than 50 miles away Has been convicted of a crime Seriously or terminally ill A change in children’s age, for example from toddlers to adolescents, may also be a... Memphis, TN Dependency and Neglect Attorney Dependency and neglect is a legal proceeding intended to protect children from harmful parents, custodians, or situations and to provide non-parents an avenue to obtain custody when it is in the best interest of the child. The main purpose of dependency and neglect proceedings is to provide for the care and protection of children whose parents are unfit or unwilling to care for them. Juvenile courts have exclusive, original jurisdiction over dependency and neglect cases, meaning no other type of court (i. e. Chancery, Circuit, Criminal, etc. ) may hear a dependency and neglect case. Dependency and neglect cases are typically tried in two phases: 1) the adjudication phase, and 2) the disposition phase. In the adjudication phase, the petitioner (the one making the allegations) must prove that the child is dependent and neglected within the meaning of the law. Tenn. Code Ann. Section 1-102(b)(12) provides the definition of dependency and neglect for the purposes of the law, and provides ten scenarios in which a child may be dependent and neglected. A child may be found to be dependent and neglected, among other situations, when: the child is without a parent, guardian or legal custodian; the child’s parent, guardian or person with whom the child lives, by reason of cruelty, mental incapacity, immorality or depravity is unfit to properly care for such child; the child is under unlawful or improper care, supervision, custody or restraint by any person, corporation, agency, association, institution, society or... Power of Attorney Memphis, TN If you believe you have found yourself in a legal matter involving a power of attorney dispute, or you need a power of attorney drafted, you should consult a lawyer who handles power of attorney in Memphis, TN. Power of Attorney Litigation As an estate-related legal matter, these types of cases tend to be rife with emotional attachments and an overwhelming amount of stress. Long term complications can result when one of the involved parties does not get their intended outcome. A good lawyer for power of attorney in Memphis, TN knows this and should make every effort to resolve the case in the best way possible. A power of attorney gives a named party the ability to make decisions on behalf of another person. When the named person fails to adhere to their duties and obligations, a dispute can arise. A lawyer for a power of attorney in Memphis, TN, such as one from Patterson Bray, can represent those who believe the named party acted negligently as well as the accused. Any situation involving abuse or mismanagement of a power of attorney can be devastating to the person who initially drafted the power of attorney, as well as any family members. A good estate and probate lawyer Memphis, TN trusts can represent all those involved in court, or through arbitration and mediation. Reasons for a Power of Attorney to Come Into Effect A power of attorney can be used for a number of reasons.... ## Posts Transcript: 00:00:00 Yes, child support in Tennessee can be modified so long as the new proposed child support order has a significant variance compared to the prior child support order in Tennessee. And what that means in Tennessee is when you run the child support worksheet, if the new order is 15% more or 15% less than the current child support amount ordered, then you're entitled to a modification. And so the way we do that is you run the child support worksheet by putting the number of days each parent has with the 00:00:36 child or the children. Putting in any credits for other children not related to this particular relationship. Credits for health insurance. Recurring medical expenses or work related child care. You put those credits in and the incomes of the parties on a gross monthly basis. If the child support worksheet puts out a number that is 15% higher or 15% lower than the previous amount awarded, then yes, you're entitled to modification. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 If your ex will not pay the child support that has already been ordered, you can do a number of things. One, you can file a petition with the court to hold that person in contempt. And you can ask if they have the ability to pay on an ongoing basis and they have failed to do it, you can ask that the court incarcerate your ex until they pay a purge payment. What that means is if they owe you 5,000, you can ask the court to incarcerate your ex until they pay up to 5,000. Sometimes courts will set set it at a lower amount. And what 00:00:33 we call that is the keys to the jail cell, meaning the second they pay the amount that's owed, then they can get out of jail. If they don't pay it, they sit there until it's paid. Uh, and that is only if a court finds that your ex had the ability to pay the support. The other way you can force uh your ex to pay child support is to have their wages garnished. You can get a court order that on a monthly basis or a bi-weekly basis, their pay stubs will be automatically deducted by their employer 00:01:02 and sent directly to you. And then the final way is you can get a judgment for past child support that is owed and you can have the money paid from their bank account or any other... Transcript: 00:00:00 A pourover will is just a legal document that acts as a safety net for trust centered estate plans. The pourover will effectively transfers any assets that you might have left outside of your trust, you know, usually by accident um to your trust upon your death. The example that I often use with clients is the Florida condo. So, let's set the scene. It's been some time since we met and you signed your trust. you're on the brink of retirement and you decide to purchase a condo in Florida. If you fail 00:00:32 to transfer the ownership of that condo to your trust prior to your death, then the pourover will would effectively transfer that asset to your trust upon your death. However, the caveat is that that pourover will needs to be probated. So the goal is really to never have to use the pourover will, but every trust centered estate plan should include one just in. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 So, a special needs trust or also known as a supplemental needs trust. You've probably seen these referred to as S&Ts. They are legal arrangements that allow a person with disabilities to receive income or assets without losing their eligibility for government benefits. A supplemental needs trust or an S&T holds funds managed by a trustee for the benefit of a disabled beneficiary. The intent behind creating an S&T is to improve a disabled beneficiary's quality of life by covering expenses that are 00:00:34 not already paid or covered by government benefits. There are a few types of S&Ts. So there's a firstparty S&T that is established by the beneficiary and is funded with the disabled beneficiary's own assets. A drawback to this type of S&T is that those assets that are owned by that first party S&T are subject to recovery upon a beneficiary's death by state recovery. Now, a third-party S&T is an is a trust that's established by a third party such as a family member for the 00:01:08 benefit of a disabled beneficiary. And that type of S&T is funded with third-party assets. those third party's assets, the assets that are owned by that third party S&T are not subject to state recovery upon the beneficiary's. This transcript was auto-populated. A negligent security case after a Memphis apartment shooting does not rise or fall on the shooting itself. It rises or falls on whether the apartment complex failed to provide the reasonable security that Tennessee law requires and whether that failure was the cause of the harm. Building that case requires specific evidence, much of which must be gathered quickly, and knowing what to look for and how to obtain it determines whether a valid claim can be successfully prosecuted. Prior Crime History as the Foundation of the Case Tennessee's foreseeability standard is the centerpiece of any Memphis apartment shooting negligent security case. Courts in Tennessee have held that the degree of foreseeability needed to establish a landlord's duty to protect against criminal acts requires prior instances of crime on or in the immediate vicinity of the property. The prior crime history at or near the apartment complex is therefore the most fundamental category of evidence in the case. Several sources provide that history: Memphis Police Department crime analysis reports, which can be requested for a specific address or radius and identify the number, type, and location of crimes within a defined time period CAP Index reports, which are commercial crime risk assessments that property owners and managers routinely use and which courts recognize as evidence of the known crime risk at a specific location Calls for service records from Memphis 911, which document every police response to the property and show what management knew or should have known about... Tennessee law does not require apartment complex owners to prevent every possible criminal act. It requires them to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable ones. When trespassers repeatedly enter a property and engage in criminal activity, the property owner is on notice that a foreseeable risk exists. Continued failure to address that risk can constitute a breach of the duty owed to residents and guests. The key legal concept is notice. Once management is aware that unauthorized persons are regularly entering the property and committing crimes, they have an obligation to respond. What constitutes a reasonable response depends on the nature and frequency of the trespasser activity and the resources available to address it. How Notice Is Established Evidence that management had notice of trespasser activity includes: Police call records showing repeated trespasser-related dispatches to the property Prior written complaints from tenants about unauthorized individuals on the premises Internal incident reports documenting confrontations with or arrests of trespassers Management's own security logs showing repeated trespass citations issued on the property Statements from residents describing ongoing trespasser presence over an extended period What Management Is Expected to Do When a property has a known trespasser problem, reasonable security measures in response might include repairing or installing perimeter fencing to control access, ensuring that all building entry points have functional locks, posting no-trespassing signs and actively enforcing them, contracting security personnel to conduct regular perimeter checks, and working with law enforcement to trespass known repeat offenders from the property. Cases involving a... A negligent security claim against an apartment complex is not built on the fact that a shooting occurred. It is built on evidence showing that the shooting was foreseeable, that the property's security measures were inadequate, and that those failures contributed to what happened. Gathering that evidence requires a focused investigation that begins as soon as possible after the incident. Delay is the enemy of a thorough investigation. Evidence disappears, surveillance footage is overwritten, witnesses move or forget details, and property management companies may repair or replace the very conditions that made the shooting possible. The earlier the investigation begins, the more complete the picture of what the property looked like on the date of the shooting. What the Investigation Targets The investigation in a Memphis apartment shooting case focuses on several distinct categories of evidence: Police and crime records showing prior incidents at the property and the surrounding area The physical condition of security features at the time of the shooting, including lighting, fencing, cameras, and access controls Witness accounts from residents, guests, and bystanders who observed conditions at the property Internal management records including maintenance logs, incident reports, and tenant complaints Any prior claims, lawsuits, or insurance records related to crime at the property Obtaining and Preserving Key Records Public Records and Crime Data The first step in any apartment shooting investigation is obtaining the complete call history for the property address from the Memphis Police Department. This record documents every time law enforcement was dispatched to that... Under Tennessee premises liability law, apartment complex owners and managers owe a duty to take reasonable measures to protect residents and guests from foreseeable criminal acts. This duty does not require making a property completely crime-free. It requires providing security that is proportionate to the known risks at that location. What counts as reasonable depends on the specific circumstances of the property, including its location, the history of crime on and around the premises, and what security measures were in place at the time of the incident. Tennessee courts evaluate reasonableness based on all of these factors together, not any single one in isolation. The Role of Crime History in Setting the Standard A property with a well-documented history of assaults, robberies, or weapon violations is held to a higher standard than one in a low-crime area with no prior incidents. The more foreseeable the risk of criminal activity, the more substantial the security response is expected to be. Management companies that operate properties in high-crime areas of Memphis cannot claim they were unaware of the risk when the property's own police call history shows repeated incidents over many years. What Reasonable Security Measures Look Like Tennessee courts have evaluated a wide range of security measures in negligent security cases. The measures most commonly examined include: Functional exterior lighting throughout parking areas, walkways, stairwells, and building entryways Operational access controls including key fob entry, secured gates, and working locks on all common area doors Surveillance cameras covering parking areas, building... Transcript: 00:00:00 Even after an individual dies, they will still receive bills and mail. The personal representative has the option of going to the post office or online to have the mail forwarded to their address. This is recommended because going through the individual's mail will allow you to have a better understanding of their assets and in particular their debts um such as bank statements, credit card statements, and so forth. bills, typically routine bills such as utilities, mortgage, those should continue to be paid if they're 00:00:34 automatically drafted. Continue to allow those to happen. But certain bills like cell phone bills, lawn care, internet, things like that potentially can be cancelled. And so once you have that death certificate, we recommend contacting those institutions, letting them know that the individual has passed, and then paying up any final balances so they can close those accounts. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 Tennessee does not impose an estate or inheritance tax for any individuals that died on or after January 1st, 2016. This was enacted by legislation in 2012, where the Tennessee legislature effectively abolished the inheritance tax in Tennessee. However, Tennessee individuals still need to be aware of the federal estate tax exemption because there still is federal estate tax. In 2026, the federal estate tax exemption for estates is 15 million. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 Whether a trust can be changed or terminated depends on whether that trust is revocable or irrevocable in nature. A revocable living trust can be modified or revoked by the trust maker at any time as the name suggests whereas an irrevocable trust those are more difficult to change. They can be modified um in a certain set of circumstances. They can be modified by court approval. the unanimous consent of all the beneficiaries. Um, if you've provided for a trust protector in that document, they can amend the trust as 00:00:38 well. Um, and provided that state law permits this, you can also decant a trust, an irrevocable trust into a new trust. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 You can avoid or simplify the probate process by utilizing certain tools such as joint ownership or beneficiary designations. Those methods allow you to transfer assets directly to beneficiaries or to the surviving owners um on accounts. Now, assets that are in your sole name or that are payable to your estate upon your death, those assets would need to be probated. A common example of an asset that could be in your sole name is real estate. If those assets that are left in your probate estate or that are in your sole 00:00:34 name are valued at less than $50,000, this is within the state of Tennessee. Um, and this is excluding real estate that could pass. A small estate affidavit may be filed in lie of a full probate proceeding. This transcript was auto-populated. Tennessee premises liability law requires property owners and managers to protect tenants and guests from foreseeable criminal acts. The word foreseeable is central to every negligent security case. A property owner is not automatically liable for every crime that occurs on their premises, but they are responsible for crimes that a reasonable person in their position should have anticipated and taken steps to prevent. Courts in Tennessee look at prior crime history as one of the most important factors in determining whether a crime was foreseeable. If similar crimes had occurred on the property or in the surrounding area, the owner had reason to know that criminal activity was a risk and had an obligation to respond to it. How Courts Evaluate Foreseeability When evaluating whether a crime was foreseeable, Tennessee courts consider factors including: The number and nature of prior incidents on the property itself Crime statistics and incident reports from the surrounding neighborhood Any prior complaints by tenants or guests about safety conditions Whether law enforcement had been called to the property repeatedly Whether management was aware of trespasser activity or drug dealing on or near the premises How Prior Incidents Are Documented and Used Crime History Records and Police Reports A well-developed negligent security case begins with a thorough investigation of the property's crime history. This involves obtaining police call records for the specific address going back several years, reviewing crime statistics for the surrounding area, and examining any internal incident reports that the management company may... Construction sites are among the most dangerous work environments in any industry. Falls from heights, struck-by incidents, equipment failures, and electrocution are responsible for a significant share of serious workplace injuries across Tennessee every year. When one of those injuries happens in Brentwood or the surrounding area, the injured worker or their family faces a question that isn't always easy to answer: who is legally responsible, and what does it take to prove it? What Negligence Requires in a Tennessee Construction Case A successful construction accident negligence claim under Tennessee law requires establishing four elements: Duty of care. The defendant owed a legal duty to the injured person. On a construction site, this duty can arise from multiple sources. General contractors owe a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions on the site. Subcontractors owe duties related to their specific work and the equipment they use. Property owners can owe duties depending on their level of control over site operations. Breach of that duty. The defendant failed to meet the standard of care their duty required. A breach might involve failing to secure scaffolding, ignoring a known hazard, failing to provide required safety equipment, or violating OSHA standards that define minimum safety requirements for the site. Causation. The breach caused the injury. This requires connecting the specific failure to the specific harm. A general assertion that the site was unsafe isn't sufficient. The claim must establish that this particular lapse produced this particular injury. Damages. The injury produced real, compensable harm,... Running a business in Brentwood means building something that has real value, often more value than any other single asset in the estate. It also means facing estate planning challenges that most standard plans aren't designed to address. A will that distributes personal assets cleanly can leave a business in a state of uncertainty when its owner dies or becomes incapacitated. Business owners who treat succession planning as a component of estate planning, not a separate exercise, protect both the company they've built and the people who depend on it. Why Business Succession and Estate Planning Must Work Together For many Brentwood business owners, the company represents a significant portion of their net worth. How that value is treated in the estate plan, whether it's held in a trust, governed by a buy-sell agreement, or simply listed in a will with no transition plan, determines what actually happens to the business when the owner is no longer there. Without a coordinated plan, several outcomes become possible and none of them are good. Heirs who have no interest or ability in running the business inherit a controlling interest. Partners or co-owners face uncertainty about who they're now in business with. Key employees and clients don't know whether the company will continue. And the estate may lack the liquidity to pay taxes and expenses without forcing a distressed sale of business assets. A Brentwood Estate planning lawyer at Patterson Bray can evaluate the business's structure and value alongside the overall estate to... Transcript: 00:00:00 If your ex violates the parenting plan and has to do with withholding your parenting time with your child, you can petition the court for what's called criminal contempt of court. There's two types of contempt in Tennessee. One's criminal, one's civil. The purpose of criminal contempt is to punish someone who has violated a court order, and it is to resolve a situation where the court can't return the item that was taken from you. And the way that works is in civil contempt, the judge can say, "You owed 00:00:34 $1,200. You did not pay it. You had the ability to pay it. You must pay it. " And the court can either enter a judgment that you can collect on or the judge has at its disposal the right to say you will go to jail until you pay this amount. If the violations are significant, that might be a material change in circumstances such that you can ask the court to modify your custody order or parenting plan and make it such that you are the primary residential parent or the parent making decisions. 00:01:07 So, for example, if the other parent withholds your parenting time, the court could modify the parenting schedule to give you additional days for that violation. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 The way Tennessee handles joint custody is that if you have a child out of wedlock and you file a petition to establish parentage, if you two agree that you should both be joint custodians of your children, then the court will enter an order to that effect. When we talk about joint custody, there are two types of custody. One is legal custody and one is physical custody. Legal custody is who's going to be making decisions about the minor child or children throughout their lives, such as non-emergency healthcare, education, 00:00:36 extracurricular activities, and religious upbringing. If you two have joint custody, then you will both have to decide together what that decision is going to be. If you can't agree, a court could make the decision on your behalf. If you and your other parent disagree about a non-emergency healthcare, you can include a provision that you will stick with the doctor's decision pending the resolution of the dispute in mediation or at court. The other type of custody is physical custody. If you have joint 00:01:12 physical custody, that means that both of you will be splitting your time with the children on a 5050 basis. And the way most folks do that is on a week-on week off basis. So if you two agree on joint legal and joint physical custody, you will simply enter an order to that effect that lays out that in a little bit more detail. This transcript was... Transcript: 00:00:00 Generally, an executive can be paid for their work. However, I do recommend checking your local court's requirements, the local court's rules of the county where the deedent resided at the the time of their death just to see if they have any particular procedures or rules when it comes to calculating that executive's fee. Generally, courts will um say that executives are entitled to reasonable compensation. And reasonable compensation is generally defined as including consideration of 00:00:31 the personal representatives time involved in the estate administration, how many hours it took them to complete it, whether there were third parties involved such as professionals that were assisting them along the way, the overall value of the estate. Some local courts, in particular in Shelby County, they have a graduated fee schedule scale where you can calculate the fee based on that scale. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 As personal representative, you are required to secure the deedants assets, including their real property and their belongings. Generally, for real property, I do recommend just making sure that any security system that's already in place, just continue to make payments on that, making sure that everything is working there. Also, make sure all locks are good and in place. If there are no locks, consider adding new locks to the residents. valuable items such as jewelry, coins, cash in the residence. I recommend putting those in 00:00:35 a safe or a lock box, securing those. Maybe the personal representative would want to take those and keep them in their possession during the estate administration. This transcript was auto-populated. Tennessee repealed its own state estate tax back in 2016, which was good news for families here. But the federal estate tax is still very much in play, and for families with significant assets, understanding how it works and what can be done about it is an important part of estate planning. The good news is that most Tennessee families won't be affected by federal estate tax at current thresholds. The not-so-good news is that those thresholds are scheduled to change, and for families with growing estates, planning ahead makes a real difference. How the Federal Estate Tax Works The federal estate tax applies to the value of everything you own at death above the applicable exemption amount. The IRS adjusts this threshold periodically, and the current exemption is substantial enough that most individual estates don't exceed it. The challenge is that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which significantly raised the exemption amount, is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts. If that happens, the exemption reverts to roughly half its current level, adjusted for inflation. For families whose estates are in the range that might be affected by that change, planning now rather than waiting for legislative certainty is the more prudent approach. When an estate does exceed the exemption, the federal estate tax rate on the excess is 40 percent. That's not a trivial number. Patterson Bray PLLC works with Memphis families to build estate plans that address tax exposure thoughtfully, making sure... Most people assume that their will is the document that decides where their assets go after they die. For some assets, that's true. For others, it's completely wrong. And the gap between those two categories is larger than most Tennessee families realize. Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, bank accounts with payable-on-death designations, and certain investment accounts all pass directly to whoever is named as beneficiary, regardless of what your will says. A will can't override a beneficiary designation. The designation wins every time. How This Can Go Wrong Think about what that means in practice. You update your will after a divorce to remove your ex-spouse. But you forget to update the beneficiary designation on your 401(k). When you die, that account goes directly to your ex, because that's what the designation says. Your will is irrelevant to that asset. Or you name your minor children as beneficiaries on a life insurance policy without realizing that minors can't directly receive large sums of money. The court appoints a guardian to manage the funds until they reach adulthood. That's not necessarily who you would have chosen, and it involves court oversight you probably wanted to avoid. These aren't edge cases. They're common. And they're entirely preventable with proper coordination between your beneficiary designations and the rest of your estate plan. Patterson Bray PLLC works with Memphis families to make sure every piece of their estate plan is aligned, including the designations that most people forget to review. What Assets Are Affected... Choosing a trustee is one of the most consequential decisions in your estate plan. And it's one that a surprising number of people make quickly, defaulting to whoever seems like the obvious choice without really thinking through what the role involves. The person you name as trustee will be responsible for managing trust assets, dealing with financial institutions, communicating with beneficiaries, filing tax returns, and ultimately distributing what you've worked a lifetime to build. That's a serious job. Not everyone is cut out for it, regardless of how much you trust them personally. What a Trustee Actually Has to Do Before you can choose the right person, it helps to understand what you're asking them to take on. A successor trustee in Tennessee steps in either when you become incapacitated or after you pass away. From that point forward, they're responsible for: Locating and securing all trust assets Notifying beneficiaries and relevant institutions Managing investments and property prudently Paying outstanding debts and taxes Keeping accurate records and providing accountings Distributing assets according to the trust's terms Depending on the complexity of your estate, this work can stretch over months. It requires organization, attention to detail, financial literacy, and the ability to stay focused under emotional pressure. Patterson Bray PLLC helps Tennessee families think through trustee selection as part of building an estate plan that works in the real world, not just on paper. Qualities That Actually Matter Family hierarchy isn't a reliable guide here. The oldest child isn't automatically the... Choosing an executor is one of the most important decisions in the estate planning process. For many people, the most trusted person in their life doesn't live in Tennessee. Maybe it's a sibling in another state, an adult child who moved away, or a close friend who relocated years ago. The question comes up often: can that person actually serve? The short answer is yes, in Tennessee. But the full answer requires a closer look at local court rules that vary from county to county. Tennessee Law and Out-of-State Executors Tennessee does permit out-of-state individuals to serve as the personal representative of an estate. That's the good news. But state law sets a baseline, and individual courts can layer additional requirements on top of it through their local rules. Tennessee's probate court system establishes the framework that governs these appointments, but what happens at the local level depends heavily on which county is handling the estate. This is where a lot of families get caught off guard. They name someone in a will, that person moves out of state, and no one revisits whether there are practical obstacles to that appointment when the time actually comes. What Shelby County Requires Shelby County has specific requirements that apply when an out-of-state executor is involved. In that jurisdiction, the court will typically require that a bond be in place to protect the estate's assets. A bond functions as a financial guarantee. It protects beneficiaries in the event the executor mismanages or misappropriates... Transcript: 00:00:00 Once a court has put into place a a custody order, if you want to modify it, most of those orders are through a parenting plan and it will require that for certain disputes before you come to the court that you send a request to your other parent that you want to resolve those disputes in a process called mediation. you will submit your proposed revisions to the custody order or the parenting plan and hopefully result as im mediation. If not, you can file a petition with the court that entered your original custody order so 00:00:38 long as it continues to have jurisdiction and which is most cases. In that petition, you have to allege and prove that there has been a material change in circumstances affecting your children. Once you meet that threshold, if a court agrees that you have proven that there's been a material change in circumstances, the court will then consider your proposed amended custody or your proposed amended parenting plan. And then the court will go through the original custody factors to determine if 00:01:06 the new plan is also in the best interest of the children. In this day and age, a material change in circumstances might be that your original order was entered when the children were three and now they reached the age where they are 10 or older and they need a different order because schools changed, their routine has changed. And so if that wasn't... Transcript: 00:00:00 If you have a custody order in place, whether a child is born out of wedlock or you have a parent parenting plan from a divorce, there is a statute in place that is the parental relocation statute. If you already have a custody order in place, you must comply with that statute prior to relocating out of state with your children. The way that works in Tennessee is you simply send a notice to the other parent that you intend to relocate, where you intend to relocate, and why you intend to relocate. If the other parent and you 00:00:33 agree that you can relocate and you agree on a new custody order or a new parenting plan that lays out the schedule post relocation, you can submit that to the court and the court will approve it. If you don't agree, then the person who is intending to relocate must petition the court to get permission for the relocation. And if the court approves that relocation, the court will need to adopt a new parenting plan or a new custody order that lays out the new residential schedule post relocation. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 Main duties of the personal representative involve identifying estate assets, collecting those assets, securing those assets. The personal representative is also responsible for notifying any beneficiaries under the will, notifying any errors at law if there is not a will. They're also responsible for notifying all known or reasonably ascertainable creditors and calls to issue notice to creditors in two newspapers of general circulation in the county where the deedent resided at the time of their death. In Tennessee, 00:00:33 additionally, the personal representative is responsible for requesting a release from Tinare and notifying Tinare of the estate administration and that release is also um supposed to be filed with the court. And then finally um once the applicable creditor period has expired the personal representative will pay any outstanding debts um any valid claims make distributions to the beneficiaries or the heirs at law request receipts and waiverss from those beneficiaries or alternatively file a final accounting 00:01:04 and close the estate with the. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 So, it depends if a probate administration has been opened. If a probate has been opened and a personal representative has been appointed, the personal representative is required by law to notify any known or reasonably ascertainable creditors. They're also required to issue notice to creditors and have it published in two newspapers of general circulation in the county where the individual resided at the time of their death. Absent a probate proceeding, creditors have um up to one year from the individ individual's date 00:00:29 of death to open their estate and file a claim against it. So, if there is no pending probate administration, there's nothing for you to do at that point. Um because creditors have to go through the avenues of law to properly file a claim and try to collect from the estate. This transcript was auto-populated. This is probably the most common estate planning misconception out there. A lot of people have a will, feel like their affairs are in order, and never think much more about it. And a will is better than nothing. But it has real limitations that a revocable living trust doesn't share. Understanding the difference isn't just academic. For many Tennessee families, it's the difference between a smooth, private transfer of assets and a lengthy court process their loved ones weren't prepared for. What a Revocable Living Trust Actually Does A revocable living trust is a legal entity you create during your lifetime to hold your assets. You transfer property into the trust, you name yourself as the initial trustee, and you manage everything exactly as you would have before. Nothing practical changes in your day-to-day life. What does change is what happens when you die or become incapacitated. Because the assets are held in the trust rather than in your individual name, they don't pass through your probate estate. Your successor trustee steps in, follows the instructions you left in the trust document, and distributes assets to your beneficiaries without court involvement. It's private. It's faster. And it gives you far more flexibility to customize how and when your beneficiaries receive what you leave them. Patterson Bray PLLC has helped countless Memphis families build estate plans centered around living trusts that actually accomplish what their clients intend. How It Differs From a Will A will is a set of instructions... Most people spend time thinking about their financial accounts, real estate, and investments when putting together an estate plan. The sentimental stuff, grandma's china, dad's watch collection, the handmade quilt that's been in the family for generations, often gets overlooked entirely. And that's where a lot of family disputes start. The good news is that there are practical, legally sound ways to handle personal property in your estate plan. In our video, A Memphis sentimental family items estate planning lawyer walks through the main approaches in the video above. Each one has its own advantages depending on your situation. Three Ways to Address Personal Property in Your Estate Plan 1. Create a Personal Property Memorandum This is one of the most flexible tools available for handling sentimental items. A personal property memorandum is a separate written document that lists specific personal belongings and names who receives each one. What makes it especially useful is that it sits outside your will or trust. That means you can update it whenever you want without going through the formal process of legally amending those core documents. Life changes. So do family dynamics, and your collection of meaningful belongings tends to grow over time. A memorandum gives you the freedom to make those adjustments without attorney fees every time you change your mind. To be valid and enforceable, the memorandum must be referenced in your will or trust. Your estate planning attorney can build that reference in from the start so the document works... Probate gets a bad reputation, and honestly, a lot of it is deserved. It's not the end of the world when an estate goes through it. But it's slow, it costs money, and it plays out in a courtroom rather than quietly within the family. Most people, once they understand what it actually involves, would rather avoid it if they can. The good news is that with the right planning in place, avoiding probate in Tennessee is entirely possible for most families. What Tennessee Probate Actually Involves When someone dies with assets titled solely in their name, those assets generally have to pass through the Tennessee probate court before they can reach the beneficiaries. The executor files the will, the court validates it, creditors are notified, debts are paid, and eventually the remaining assets get distributed. That process is governed by Tennessee's probate statutes, which the Tennessee General Assembly maintains and periodically updates. From start to finish, a straightforward Tennessee probate typically takes several months at minimum. More complicated estates, or ones where disputes arise, can take considerably longer. During that entire period, your beneficiaries are waiting. The costs add up too. Court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, and administrative expenses all come out of the estate before a single dollar reaches your family. And probate is public. Anyone who wants to know what you owned and who got it can look it up. For families who value privacy, that's a real concern. What Triggers Probate in Tennessee Not... Being hit by a car changes everything fast. Medical bills start arriving before you've even finished processing what happened. You're missing work. You're in pain. And somewhere in the middle of all that, you're supposed to figure out whether to file a claim and what it might even be worth. Tennessee law gives injured pedestrians the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver for the full scope of what they've lost. But knowing what types of damages are actually available? That's where a lot of people don't have the full picture, and insurance companies count on that. Economic Damages Cover Your Measurable Losses These are the losses you can put a number on. Bills, pay stubs, receipts. They form the backbone of most pedestrian accident claims because they're concrete and verifiable. In a Tennessee pedestrian accident case, economic damages typically include: Past and future medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and medications Lost wages from time you couldn't work during recovery Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term The cost of in-home care or assistance with daily functioning Property damage, such as a broken phone, damaged clothing, or other personal items Future costs are where things get more involved. A serious injury doesn't always resolve cleanly. You might need follow-up procedures, long-term treatment, or permanent accommodations at home or at work. Attorneys work with medical and financial professionals to project those numbers accurately so that a settlement doesn't leave... Transcript: 00:00:00 In Tennessee, if you have a child during your marriage and you go through the divorce process, or if you have a child out of wedlock and you have a separate proceeding, the court is going to look to... 00:00:14 a parenting plan or a custody order that is in the best interest of your children. And there are 14 factors in some what we call catch-all factors for our courts to look at in making a decision as to what's in the best interest of the children. The court will go through weighing the evidence, 00:00:34 on each of those factors, and then we'll say this factor weighs in favor of mom, this factor weighs in favor of dad. Combining all those factors, a court will then say this residential parenting schedule, this holiday schedule is what's in the best interest of the children. 00:00:50 In Tennessee, courts are directed by the legislature to try to fashion a parenting schedule that is as close to 50-50 as possible. The other thing courts will do on a custody decision is make a determination as to who is going to make decisions about the children's major life events, such as education, extracurricular activities, non-emergency health care. And the court will go through the same factors in making those decisions as well. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 So, in Tennessee, you have to have resided within the state for at least six months in order to qualify for filing a divorce in Tennessee. So long as the grounds did not occur here, if you reside in Tennessee for a month or two and you and your husband or you and your wife both live in this state and the grounds for divorce occur in Tennessee, then the residency requirement is shortened. And what I mean by that is if you and your spouse move to Tennessee from California, for example, and your spouse commits adultery while you two 00:00:42 are residing in the state of Tennessee, that is sufficient for Tennessee to have jurisdiction over the divorce. The caveat to that is if you two have children or not. If you have children, you will have to wait the six months in order to file your divorce in Tennessee because Tennessee will not have subject matter jurisdiction from the prior state to handle a custody decision. If you don't have children and you're simply seeking a divorce without a custody dispute being involved, then the court 00:01:15 can take that prior to the six months residency requirement. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 How long it takes to get a divorce in Tennessee really depends on a number of factors. If you agree on everything before the court and sign a marital dissolution agreement and a parenting plan order and you have an uncontested, irreconcilable differences divorce without children, the shortest a divorce can be in Tennessee is at least 60 days. There's a statutory waiting period. If you have children, that's a 90-day statutory waiting period. Those are the shortest divorces you can get. 00:00:28 If it is a complex divorce with a large amount of assets that require valuation, where we are getting expert appraisers to value the assets of the divorce, and you and your spouse are arguing about how your estate should be divided, couple that with disputes over custody and the residential parenting schedule and child support. 00:00:52 A divorce could last for years if you two cannot agree on how to resolve your differences. And the reason why it can take years is that when parties cannot agree on those issues or some of the issues, then we have to do discovery to find out what is your opinion of those issues. 00:01:11 assets, what do you think should be part of the marital estate, not part of the marital estate? How should those be valued? How should they be divided? What residential parenting schedule should you have for your children? Who should be in charge of making major decisions? 00:01:26 We have to figure... Transcript: 00:00:01 If you and your spouse are trying to get a divorce and you present your spouse with a plan to resolve the issues before the court, meaning the division of the assets, the division of the debts, if you have children, what that parenting schedule and plan is going to look like. If your spouse will not agree to that, then the way you will resolve that is by filing your complaint with the court and serving the complaint on your spouse. Once the complaint has been served, you can then tee up a potential trial where 00:00:36 a court will make decisions about vowing your assets, dividing up your assets and liabilities, making decisions about the parenting schedule, the parenting plan. Before you get to a trial, a judge will require that you go through a mediation process where you try to try to resolve your differences with a third party neutral. And if you can't get it resolved in mediation, then you will be scheduled for a trial and the judge will make decisions about those items on you and your spouse's behalf. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript. If you have an executor that lives out of state, it'll be dependent on the state's requirements, the state's laws, on whether an out-of-state executor can serve. In Tennessee, out-of-state executors are allowed to serve as personal representatives of one's estate, but there may be additional requirements based on that court's local rules that you'll definitely want to check or have an attorney look into first. Specifically in Shelby County in particular, if there is an out-of-state executor involved, the court will likely require that bond be in place to ensure the estate assets. Other counties might require that a co-executor be involved with the out of state executor. And that co-executor would generally be somebody that lives here in the state of Tennessee. So, if the will does name an individual that is out of state, consider consulting with one of our attorneys to make sure that you're fulfilling the court's requirements to administer the estate. Transcript: There are a few ways you can handle sentimental family items in your estate plan. The first way would be to establish or create a personal property memorandum. A personal property memorandum is a simple document that specifies which of your personal items goes to which beneficiaries. That personal property memorandum is a document that is separate from your will or your trust thereby allowing you to make changes and updates to that memorandum without formally or legally amending your will or your trust. Another way of handling sentimental family items is to gift them during your lifetime. Finally, I will say just from an administrative point of view, any gift of tangible personal property, if its fair market value exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion for that year, you will want to make sure that you file a gift tax return to report that gift to the IRS. So, if you gift an item of personal property to somebody now and that item of personal property exceeds $19,000, just make sure you timely file a gift tax return to report that gift. Transcript: 00:00:00 If the only asset is a vehicle, generally probate is not required, assuming that vehicle is paid for. If you do have a paid for vehicle, um, and that seems to be the only asset. In Tennessee specifically, the Secretary of State website has a form that's called an affidavit of inheritance. You would list the vehicle information, the new owner's information. The new owner would sign off on that form. and then the next of kin to the individual. So whether it's their surviving spouse or their 00:00:28 children, they would also sign that form. And essentially what they're doing is relinquishing their rights to that vehicle. Once that form is completed, the new owner will take that signed form, a copy of the deedent's death certificate, and then the original title and take that to their local county clerk's office in order to get title transferred into their name. If the vehicle is not paid for, generally there probably is going to be some type of probate process involved just so that we 00:00:57 can deal with the note that's tied to the vehicle. Possible you could do a small estate affidavit dependent on the value of the vehicle if the value is less than 50,000 or a full probate may be required if the value is over 50,000. So generally no probate required if there is a vehicle. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 Once an estate has been opened in court, the personal representative is required to notify all known or reasonably ascertainable creditors. The personal representative is also required to notify any unknown creditors. And this is done by producing a notice to creditors that is then published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the deedent resided at the time of their death. That notice to creditors essentially says that the estate's been opened, that an executive has been appointed. It provides 00:00:32 information about the deedent, when they died, also provides a time frame, which is four months in Tennessee. That notice creditors is then also provided to any known creditors that we are aware of. And so that officially puts them on notice to file a claim against the estate if they have one. Or else, if they don't file within the fourmonth time period, they're barred from collecting on that debt. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 If a parent violates a custody order and that custody order has to do with major decisions about the the child's care or about the other parents visitation or parenting time, there are two things that you can do and ask the court for relief to resolve those issues. The first thing is if those violations are sufficient enough, it might be a cause for you to ask the court to modify the parenting plan or the custody order. If the other parent is making decisions about the other child that is causing 00:00:34 harm to the other child and that parent is the legal custodian or the person who is in charge of making major decisions about the child's care, you can ask the court to change that and the court might agree with you and make the other parent the person in charge of making those major decisions. The other thing you can do if a parent is not complying with the court's custody order is you can file a petition for contempt. And there are two types of petition for contempt of Tennessee. As it relates to custody 00:01:04 orders, if one parent refuses to let you have your parenting time, not only can you ask the court to change the schedule so that you have more time, but you can also ask the court to hold that parent in contempt and in fact incarcerate them for withholding your parenting time as a punishment because... Transcript: 00:00:00 One of the number one questions I get from clients is am I responsible for paying my loved ones debts? And the answer to that question in general is no. If your name is not on that debt and not tied to that debt, you are not personally responsible for that debt. There are avenues provided by law that creditors must go through in order to try to collect a debt from a deceased individual. If the estate has not already been opened, they must petition the court to open the estate, file a valid claim with the court, and then the 00:00:30 court through its processes will determine if the claim is valid. In general, creditors have from one year from the deedent state of death to open force open the deedants's estate, file a claim, and try to collect on that debt. If they don't do so within the one-year time frame, they're barred from collecting on that debt. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 If you want to ensure that your pets are cared for in your estate plan, I would suggest that you appoint a caretaker for your pets. A caretaker should be a person that you trust to provide daily care for your pet. Another option would be to establish a pet trust. A pet trust is just a formal legal arrangement that provides legally binding instructions and funds for your pet's care after your death. You can set aside specific funds to cover costs for food and veterinary care. Person that you name as the 00:00:33 caretaker of your pet and the person that you name as the trustee of your trust can be totally different. I would suggest that you name at least one backup just in case the person that you have chosen to serve primarily in that role cannot serve. And then finally, um I would also suggest as a last resort, maybe naming a veterinarian, animal rescue organization, or animal sanctuary to ensure that your pet will continue to receive care after your death. Obviously, you'll want to talk with especially the veterinarian if you 00:01:03 choose to go that route. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 There are a few ways you can handle sentimental family items in your estate plan. Uh the first way would be to establish or create a personal property memorandum. A personal property memorandum is a simple document that specifies which of your personal items goes to which beneficiaries. uh that personal property memorandum is a document that is separate from your will or your trust thereby allowing you to make changes and updates to that memorandum without formally or legally amending your will or your trust. 00:00:34 Another way of handling sentimental family items is to gift them during your lifetime. Finally, I will say just from an administrative point of view, any gift of tangible personal property, uh if its fair market value exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion for that year, you will want to make sure that you file a gift tax return to report that gift to the IRS. So, if you gift an item of personal property to somebody now and that item of personal property exceeds $19,000, just make sure you timely file a gift 00:01:09 tax return to report that This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 The personal representative is generally the one in charge of administering one's estate after they have passed. The court is in charge of appointing that personal representative. It can be an individual or an entity. If the deedent died with a will, their will will typically name who that person is that they want to serve. In the will, that person is generally called an executive or an executric. If no will, then the court gives preference to the deedants next of kin. As far as who will serve as the personal 00:00:31 Representative, in order to qualify as a personal representative in Tennessee, you must be over the age of 18 and you must have not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or served time in a penitentiary. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 If you have an executive that lives out of state, it'll be dependent on the state's requirements, the state's laws on whether an out-of-state executive can serve. In Tennessee, out-of-state executives are allowed to serve as personal representative of one's estate, but there may be additional requirements based on that court's local rules that you'll definitely want to check or have an attorney look into first. Um, specifically in Shelby County in particular, if there is an out-of-state 00:00:34 executive involved, the court will likely require that bond be in place to ensure the estate assets. Other counties might require that a co-executive be involved with the out ofstate executive. Um, and that co-executive would generally be somebody that lives here in the state of Tennessee. So, if the will does name an individual that is out of state, consider consulting with one of our attorneys to make sure that you're fulfilling the court's requirements to administer the estate. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:01 - 00:01:09 A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone to act on your behalf. You can name one person or a set of individuals to act together or to act in succession with each other. These documents are highly recommended in the event that you are incapacitated or unavailable to make decisions for yourself. These documents are effective during your lifetime and you can have generally either a financial power of attorney or a medical power of attorney. This transcript was AI-generated. Life doesn't stand still after divorce. You might get a job offer across the state. Your ex-spouse remarries. Your teenager's needs shift as they grow older. When these changes happen, your existing custody agreement might not work anymore. Tennessee law recognizes this reality. The state provides a legal process for modifying custody arrangements when circumstances genuinely warrant a change. Understanding Tennessee Custody Modifications Tennessee courts don't actually use the term "custody agreement. " They call these documents parenting plans. Your parenting plan spells out where your children live, when they visit the other parent, and who makes major decisions about their lives. You can't just rewrite this plan on your own. Modifying a parenting plan requires meeting specific legal standards that Tennessee law sets out clearly. The process looks very different depending on whether both parents agree to the changes or if one parent objects. Modification By Agreement When both parents see eye to eye on changes, things move much more smoothly. The process is straightforward: Draft a proposed modified parenting plan File it with the court that issued your original order Attend a brief hearing if your county requires one Get a judge's signature on the order Here's something many parents don't realize. Even when you both agree, you can't skip court approval. A judge must review the changes to confirm they serve your child's best interests. This requirement protects children from agreements that might seem convenient for parents but could actually be harmful. When Parents Disagree Contested modifications... Divorce changes nearly everything about how parents share time with their children. One of the most difficult questions that can arise is whether one parent can move away with the child. In Tennessee, the answer isn't simple, and the law takes these situations seriously. Tennessee's Relocation Law Tennessee law requires the parent who wants to move with the child to get permission first. If you're the primary residential parent and want to relocate more than 50 miles away (or out of state), you must either get the other parent's written consent or seek court approval. This applies whether you're moving across the county line or across the country. The law defines relocation as any move that materially changes the geographic location of the primary residential parent. Distance matters. A move from Memphis to Nashville requires the same legal process as a move from Tennessee to Texas. What Courts Consider Tennessee judges evaluate relocation requests using specific factors outlined in state law. A Memphis divorce lawyer can help you understand how these factors apply to your situation. Courts don't automatically approve or deny relocation requests. Instead, they weigh multiple considerations: The reason for the proposed move The educational, health, and leisure opportunities available in the new location Whether there's a realistic opportunity for visitation in place of the current arrangement The child's preference, if the child is mature enough to express one Whether the parent has a history of allowing or facilitating the other parent's involvement The distance of the proposed... You can't just create an estate plan and forget about it. That's not how this works. Life changes constantly, and your plan needs to keep up with those shifts. Most people get this in theory, but they struggle to know when they actually need to sit down and make updates. When Life Events Require Updates Major life changes almost always mean it's time for a fresh look at your estate plan. These aren't suggestions. They're the moments when outdated documents can create serious problems for your family. Think about updating your plan after: Marriage or divorce Birth or adoption of a child Death of a beneficiary or executor Significant changes in your financial situation Starting or selling a business Purchasing substantial assets like real estate Moving to a different state Each situation can dramatically alter what you need. A divorce might mean removing an ex-spouse as your power of attorney or trustee. Simple as that. Having a child requires naming guardians and adjusting beneficiary designations, which changes everything about how your assets get distributed. The Three-to-Five Year Rule Even without major life events, you should review your estate plan every three to five years. This gives you a regular checkpoint to assess whether your documents still reflect your wishes and current circumstances. During these reviews, a Nashville trust lawyer can help you evaluate whether your trustees, executors, and beneficiaries are still appropriate choices. People's relationships evolve. Someone you trusted a decade ago might not be the right person today, and... Violence at an apartment complex leaves victims feeling powerless. That's not how it should be. Tennessee law actually provides meaningful protections through the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights, and these protections give you real leverage throughout criminal proceedings. You've got rights. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-38-101, you can: Receive timely notification of court proceedings Submit victim impact statements Be informed of case developments Request restitution from offenders Consult with prosecutors before plea agreements Whether you suffered physical injuries or witnessed something traumatic, these rights apply to you. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we make sure victims understand how these protections actually work when you're dealing with the court system. Working With Prosecutors As A Victim Let's be honest about something. Prosecutors represent the state, not you personally. But that doesn't mean you're shut out of the process. Tennessee law requires prosecutors to make reasonable efforts to keep you informed about hearings, plea deals, and sentencing decisions. You can request meetings with prosecutors. They should explain why they're making certain charging decisions and answer your questions about what's happening. Don't agree with a plea deal? You can voice those concerns directly to the judge during sentencing hearings, and judges do listen. Civil Claims Against Property Owners Criminal prosecution isn't your only option. Many Memphis personal injury lawyers handle civil claims against apartment complexes for negligent security, and these cases can result in significant compensation. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. Did management know about previous crimes... You shouldn't have to sacrifice your safety just because you're renting. Property owners in Memphis have a legal duty to keep their buildings reasonably secure, but plenty of them skip the basics that could actually prevent assaults, break-ins, and worse. When landlords ignore security problems they know about, they can be held responsible for what happens next. We've handled too many cases at Patterson Bray PLLC where simple precautions would've made all the difference. These are the seven safety measures you have every right to demand from your landlord. Adequate Exterior And Interior Lighting Dark parking lots attract trouble. So do poorly lit stairwells and shadowy walkways between buildings. Your landlord needs to provide: Motion-sensor lights in parking areas Bright pathways from your car to your door Working lights in laundry rooms, hallways, and other shared spaces A schedule for replacing burned-out bulbs Good lighting stops crimes before they happen. It also shows that management actually cares about security. If someone attacks you in a dark corner of the property, that missing light becomes a key piece of a negligent security case. Quality Locks And Secure Entry Points Those cheap builder-grade locks? They don't protect much. Push for deadbolts on your apartment door and functioning locks on every window. Doors to common areas should close and lock on their own. Has your building dealt with break-ins? Then you need better locks, period. Broken locks that stay broken for weeks tell a story about negligence. Write down every maintenance request about... Tennessee lawmakers passed several criminal justice reforms in 2024 that took effect in early 2025. If you're a crime victim living in an apartment or rental community, these changes matter. They affect how courts handle gun violence cases and what protections you have. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we're watching how these updates play out for people seeking justice and compensation after being hurt. Stricter Penalties For Gun Violence In Multi-Unit Housing Offenders who discharge firearms in apartment complexes, condos, or other rental properties face mandatory minimum sentences. This wasn't always the case. The legislation responds to something residents have complained about for years. You can't control who enters your building or hangs around the parking lot. Yet you're expected to feel safe there. The new law treats these locations with the same seriousness as schools and parks. Any residential structure with three or more separate units qualifies. Courts now recognize that people living in shared spaces deserve heightened protection under Tennessee law. Domestic Violence Firearm Restrictions The 2025 updates expanded Tennessee's approach to domestic violence cases. Individuals subject to protective orders now face much stricter requirements for giving up their weapons. They've got 48 hours after being served with an order of protection to transfer firearms to law enforcement or a federally licensed dealer. Key changes you should know about: Courts must verify firearm surrender at every protection order hearing Law enforcement can retrieve weapons from people who don't comply Violating surrender requirements is now a felony, not just a... A shooting at your apartment complex changes everything. You're left dealing with trauma, medical bills, and questions about how this could've happened. Sometimes, the answer lies with the people who own and manage the property. Under Tennessee premises liability law, landlords can be held accountable when their negligence creates conditions that make violent crime more likely. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we work with victims to understand whether they have a legal case. What Negligent Security Really Means Negligent security isn't about blaming landlords for every bad thing that happens. It's about holding them responsible when they don't take reasonable steps to protect people from dangers they should've seen coming. A Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer can help you figure out whether a landlord's failure to maintain basic security measures played a role in what happened. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. That includes addressing known security problems and putting protections in place that match the crime level in the area. When they don't, people get hurt. What Counts As Forseeability This question matters more than almost anything else in these cases. If a property has a track record of violent incidents, another shooting isn't exactly surprising. Courts look at whether the landlord knew about previous criminal activity or should have known based on what was happening around them. What counts as evidence of foreseeability: Police reports showing prior violence at the complex Tenant complaints about feeling unsafe Criminal activity is happening regularly in the neighborhood... Most people don't read their lease before signing, and that's a mistake. This document is a binding contract, and what you agree to today affects your rights for the entire tenancy. Look at the basics first: how long you're committed, what you'll pay each month, when rent is due, and what happens if you're late. Additionally, early termination clauses deserve special attention. Life happens, and you might need to break your lease. Some landlords charge two months' rent as a penalty. Others require you to keep paying until they find a replacement tenant. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we've seen tenants blindsided by provisions they never knew existed. Landlord Responsibilities Under Tennessee Law Your landlord can't just collect rent and disappear. Tennessee law requires them to maintain habitable living conditions. That means functioning plumbing, heat, and electricity. Structural problems like leaky roofs or crumbling walls? Those need fixing, too. Here's what landlords must handle: Keeping shared spaces like hallways and laundry rooms reasonably clean and safe Repairing appliances they've provided (if your lease includes a stove or fridge, they're responsible for it) Dealing with pest problems that aren't your fault Following local housing and safety codes When your landlord drops the ball, documentation becomes everything. Take photos. Save every email and text. Keep copies of repair requests. You'll need this evidence if things escalate. Safety Disclosures And Hazard Warnings Landlords have to tell you about certain dangers before you move in. Homes built before 1978 come with mandatory lead-based paint disclosures.... > Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:04 In Tennessee, once you have filed a complaint for divorce, if you and the other parent can agree on a temporary basis as to what the day-to-day schedule is going to be with your children, who's going to be making decisions about non-emergency healthcare, education, those sorts of things, you can enter with the court a consent order that lays out those specific things. If you cannot agree, you can petition the court for what's called a temporary parenting plan. And the court will consider both 00:00:32 - 00:01:25 you and the other parties proposals as to what is in the best interest of the minor children during the divorce process. And you'll submit a proposed plan that lays out between now and the divorce. Here's going to be the weekly schedule with the children. Here is going to be the holidays that each parent will get with the minor children. an amount of temporary child support that will be paid during the pendency of the divorce and who's going to make major decisions about the children 00:00:59 - 00:01:55 during the divorce. The good news about all of that is that it is a temporary order. A lot of parties get concerned that once they agree to a temporary order, they are locked in place permanently with those restrictions. That's not necessarily the case. The court can revise a parenting plan that is temporary up until the date of the final decree without it... Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:09 The short answer to that is no. If you die without a will or a trust that specifically says that you are leaving everything to your spouse, Tennessee and testasy laws would then determine how your property will be divided. So if you died without any children, then your spouse would inherit the entire estate. However, if you died with surviving children, then your spouse would receive approximately a third of your estate and the remaining twothirds would be divided between your living children or their descendants. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:14 Yes. Uh, you can generally disinherit someone in your will. I would say if you want to disinherit somebody, you just want to make sure that you are explicit. I do want to point out that under Tennessee law, you can generally disinherit your children, your family, that you cannot totally completely disinherit your spouse. Your spouse is entitled to a portion of your estate known as an elective share under Tennessee law. The amount that your spouse can claim via the elective share is based on the length of the marriage. 00:00:37 - 00:01:15 If you want to limit your spouse's inheritance rights at your death, there are a few ways you can do that. One being a prenuptual agreement um in which your spouse agrees to wave their claims to your estate. Another way to accomplish this would be to divorce your spouse. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:00:55 If a deedent died with a joint bank account at the time of their death, then at their death, the joint account passes automatically to the surviving joint owner. Probate is not required, and it doesn't matter what the individual's will said as far as how that account passes. In order to get the account retitled into the name of the sole joint owner, you will likely need to provide a death certificate to the financial institution so that they can remove the deedent's name. Going forward, the 00:00:28 - 00:00:37 account funds will be solely owned by the surviving joint owner on the This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:08 You will be updating your estate plan throughout your life. Your estate plan should be updated when there are family changes such as births, marriages, divorces, adoptions, all those kinds of things. You should also be reviewing and updating your estate plan when there are financial changes such as a new job or a business venture. If you've received an inheritance or if there are significant fluctuations in your assets, you will want to make sure that your estate plan is updated and complies with the new 00:00:34 - 00:00:59 state laws. Lastly, I would say you should update your estate plan to also be consistent with certain legal changes. Updates to federal estate tax laws may impact the effectiveness of your plan. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:00:26 If you have a custody order once you have been divorced, and so long as the children are still minors and that custody order comes from Tennessee, you cannot relocate more than 50 miles from your current address or outside the state of Tennessee without the court's permission or the other party's agreement. And the way you go about that process is under Tennessee's relocation statute. 00:00:26 - 00:00:54 the first step is you have to send a letter to the other parent explaining that you intend to relocate and why you are relocating and if the other parent doesn't object you can submit an updated and revised parenting plan order to the court if the other parent does object you go through a relocation petition process with the court where the court has to decide is this move 00:00:54 - 00:01:05 proper, can the other parent move, and if the parent can move, what should be the new parenting schedule, what should be the new parenting plan, and what is in the best interest of the minor children. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:00:21 no matter if your custody order came from a divorce or you have children out of wedlock if you have a custody order in place that you have agreed with your other partner as to how to raise the children those orders stay within the jurisdiction of the court until the children turn 18 or they become they're no longer minors when you have 00:00:21 - 00:00:44 those agreements you can petition that judge to modify your custody order and you can ask the court to modify who is making decisions about the children's care what the holiday schedule is going to be what the day-to-day schedule is going to be for children out of wedlock you can ask the court to modify the legal and physical custody of the children 00:00:44 - 00:01:11 And for children born in a marriage and that go through a divorce, you can ask the court to modify the parenting plan and modify those things within the parenting plan. And if those changes are in the best interest of the children, the court can make changes to your order as to who is making decisions about the children's day-to-day care, who's making decisions about major events in their life, and what the schedule with each parent will be. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:00:24 A trustee should be someone trustworthy, financially responsible, and someone that could be impartial or objective regarding your assets, the distribution of those assets, and your wishes. An individual could be a trusted family member or a friend. A corporate trustee could be an attorney, a CPA, an accountant, or a bank. 00:00:24 - 00:00:35 There are certain advantages or disadvantages with either of those. I would say an individual trustee is likely to have a more personal understanding of your wishes and family dynamics. 00:00:36 - 00:01:00 But the caveat to that is an individual may also feel overwhelmed in that position. Personal relationships can lead to disagreements or other conflicts of interest. On the other hand, a corporate trustee, they operate more at arm's length. They also offer professional expertise and can provide objective decision making. Just like to point out, though, that a corporate trustee tends to cost more than an individual trustee. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:08 I would say there is no right age to establish a will or a trust. I would say, you know, obviously the sooner the better. That could be as young as 18 years old depending on your assets and your objectives. Triggering events to establish a will or trust. Could be changes to your family or financial situation. Ultimately, I would say that the best time to start putting a will or a trust together is when you have assets or loved ones that you wish to protect. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:14 An estate planning lawyer can provide many benefits for a client. Estate laws are complex. They're always changing. They vary from state to state. An estate planning lawyer can ensure with their legal expertise that your estate plan complies with current laws. Also, an estate planning lawyer can help you create a more personalized estate plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Working with an estate planning lawyer can also help you structure your estate plan to protect your wealth and you 00:00:36 - 00:01:29 assets from creditors, lawsuits, and ultimately I think that working with an estate planning lawyer can in total ensure family harmony. Really, working with an estate planning lawyer can help you create a well-defined plan that can minimize fighting, confusion amongst your family members or friends after your death. Also ensures that your loved ones are taken care of and that your wishes are respected. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:00:10 For children that are born out of wedlock and do not go through the divorce process, they don't necessarily have a parenting plan in Tennessee. 00:00:10 - 00:00:36 they will have a custody order from a court in tennessee that is jurisdiction over the minor children and over the parties and a court will decide essentially the same thing as children in a divorce we just call it a little bit different in a divorce context you have a parenting plan that lays out what's the day-to-day schedule and who's making decisions about the minor children's care that's essentially the same thing for legal and physical custody 00:00:36 - 00:00:54 Physical custody is who is going to have the children on what dates and the other parent will have visitation on the remaining dates. That's physical custody. Sometimes you'll have joint physical custody where the parties split their time with the minor children on a 50-50 basis. 00:00:54 - 00:01:16 The legal custody is essentially the same thing as decision making in a parenting plan. It is who is in charge of making the major decisions about the children's care while they are minors. That is the religious upbringing, the education, the non-emergency health care, and the extracurricular activities of the child. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:14 There are two types of guardians ad litem in Tennessee when it comes to custody cases. There are guardians ad litem for what we have in Tennessee that are called dependency and neglect proceedings. You also have guardians ad litem for regular custody cases where parents cannot agree and are asking a court to decide who should be the custodians of the minor children. And what guardians at light do in both of those scenarios is they are appointed by the court to represent the best interest of the children. At the end of the day, 00:00:37 - 00:01:29 the court is going to take into consideration a number of factors as to who should be awarded custody of the minor children. Considering those things will shape a plan that's in the best interest of the minor children. And sometimes parents cannot agree as to what's in the best interest of the minor children. And so the court will appoint a lawyer for the children to argue on the children's behalf what is in that child's best. This transcript was auto-populated. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:12 A parenting plan in Tennessee is for children of divorce in which a court is going to lay out the day-to-day parenting schedule. It will also lay out who is going to make decisions about the children's future. And those are the major decisions, not just the day-to-day decisions such as the education of the children, the religious upbringing, the extracurricular activities, and the non-emergency healthc care decisions for the party's children. That can be a joint decision or a court can award one 00:00:37 - 00:01:36 of the parties as being in charge of making those major decisions about the children's upbringing. The other thing that's included in a parenting plan in Tennessee is the award of child support. courts use the Tennessee child support guidelines to calculate that child support and then that will also be incorporated into the parenting plan order so that everything that involves the children from the until they are 18 in Tennessee is in some order that explains where they're going to be on a 00:01:07 - 00:01:19 day-to-day basis and who's making decisions about their care while they are still minors. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:06 The first thing that any court must do is make a determination of which assets are owned by the parties are part of the marital estate and which assets are their separate property. For the most part, anything that a party acquires from the date of marriage to the date of divorce is going to be a part of the marital estate, whether it's an asset or a liability. The next step that a court will do is place a value on each of those assets. There are some assets that we need to get appraisers for like a 00:00:33 - 00:01:38 piece of real estate or acreage and sometimes even business interest. We'll have uh certified business appraisers come in and value that asset. And then you'll have competing experts explain to the court why the court should accept one value over the other. The next thing that the court does in Tennessee is what's called an equitable distribution of the marital estate. In Tennessee, courts have the discretion based on a number of certain factors. For example, if the husband makes a lot of money each 00:01:06 - 00:01:30 year and the wife is the economically disadvantaged spouse, the court might award that economically disadvantaged spouse more of the estate so that things are fair in the longer Run. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:08 If someone dies without a will in Tennessee and they have assets in their sole name or payable to their estate, then their estate is subject to Tennessee's intestate laws of succession. If someone dies in Tennessee with a surviving spouse and no children or grandchildren, then their estate passes entirely to the surviving spouse. If the individual dies with a surviving spouse and descendants meaning children and grandchildren then their estate the spouse is entitled to onethird of the estate or a child share whichever is 00:00:34 - 00:01:47 greater with the remaining passing to the children. For example, if individual dies with a surviving spouse and two children, their estate would pass onethird to the surviving spouse with the remaining twothirds passing equally to the children. If an individual is not survived by a surviving spouse or children, then their estate passes to their parents if living. If no living parents, children or descendants of children or surviving spouse, then their estate passes to their siblings or descendants of their siblings. If no 00:01:10 - 00:01:38 surviving spouse, children, siblings, or parents, then their estate passes one half to their paternal grandparents or descendants of the same and one half to their maternal grandparents or descendants of the same. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:00 - 00:01:07 If an individual dies with assets in their sole name or payable to their estate that are equal to or less than 50,000, then a small estate may be proper administration. Small estate administrations are initiated in the county where the individual resided at the time of their death by filing a petition for small estate administration or sometimes referred to as small estate affidavit with the court clerk. It's important to note that small estate affidavit cannot be filed until after the expiration of 45 days from the 00:00:34 - 00:01:20 individual's date of death. When filing small estate affidavit, bond is typically required that is equal to the value of the probate assets being administered. You can file a small estate affidavit without having attorney, but it is recommended that you consult an attorney prior to make sure that you're conforming to the procedural requirements for a small estate administration. Driving through Memphis often means navigating busy streets, heavy traffic, and intersections where accidents are more likely to occur. These locations are more than just traffic choke points; they can be sites of life-changing injuries when drivers aren’t careful. For those who have been in a serious crash, working with a Memphis, TN car accident lawyer provides clarity during a stressful time and helps confirm that your rights are protected. At Patterson Bray, we bring decades of combined legal experience to helping victims of car accidents seek the compensation they deserve. Why Dangerous Intersections Are Important To Know About Many people assume car accidents only happen when drivers are reckless or distracted, but the reality is that certain intersections carry higher risks because of traffic patterns, poor visibility, or confusing layouts. Recognizing these hotspots helps drivers stay alert and cautious. It also highlights why legal representation matters; accidents at these intersections often involve multiple vehicles, insurance disputes, and complicated questions of liability. When we step in, our role is to untangle those complications and provide straightforward, effective solutions. High-Risk Areas Across The City One of the most notorious intersections is Poplar Avenue and Ridgeway Road, where retail, office, and residential traffic all collide. Congestion is a daily challenge, and accidents here often result from drivers rushing through yellow lights or misjudging turns. Another frequent trouble spot is Germantown Parkway and Walnut Grove Road, where heavy shopping traffic and constant lane changes make collisions almost unavoidable during peak hours. The I-240... This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: Probate is a court supervised process of administering an individual's assets after they pass. Probate is initiated in the county where the individual resided at the time of their death by filing a petition to open their estate and appoint a personal representative. The personal representative is known as an executive if the individual died with a will or known as an administrator if they died without a will. In Tennessee, the probate process is a minimum of four months if it's initiated within one year of the individual's date of death. During the probate process, the personal representative is in charge of identifying and collecting the deceased assets, preserving those assets, paying off any outstanding debts, taxes, funeral expenses, and then finally distributing their estate to either their beneficiaries or their heirs at This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: The only assets subject to probate are assets in the individual's sole name or payable to their estate. Other assets, jointly held assets pass automatically to the surviving joint owner at the individual's death. Doesn't matter what your will says or if you have one. Similarly, assets with beneficiary designations pass automatically to the named beneficiary. Notably, even if your will says I leave my life insurance proceeds to Jane, but the contract with the life insurance institution says you leave it to John, the assets will pass John. If you want to avoid the probate process, consider naming your loved ones or your intended beneficiaries as joint owners on your accounts or where applicable naming your intended beneficiaries as a beneficiary on your beneficiary designated assets. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: The way Tennessee handles alimony is a number of different ways. There are in Tennessee four different forms of alimony. And the purpose of transitional alimony is to help a spouse transition out of divorce. And what that is supposed to mean is that when you're married and uh parties are paying for their bills on a joint basis, one party might make less than the other party is accustomed to having a portion of their bills paid by the other party. The other forms are rehabilitative, incelo, and infuturo. Rehabilitative is if the other spouse needs to go to school or get some type of educational or vocational training so that they can get a job and pay for their own bills. That is so they can be rehabilitated. And so that is also a short-term duration of alimony. The other two types of alimony are for long-term marriages. Incelo is a set sum that's paid by one spouse to the other and for the most part it's usually paid in monthly installments. Infuturo is alimony for the remainder of the other spouse's life. And the catch to infruturo versus incelo is that infruturo can be modified by a court at any time after the initial award. Incelo is typically non-modifiable. Those are the four ways that Tennessee handles the types of alimony. Um how that is paid and how that is calculated can depend on a number of different issues. This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: If your ex has an alimony obligation that they are refusing to pay, the way we resolve those cases is by filing a petition for civil contempt. There's two types of contempt in Tennessee. Uh, one of those is called criminal contempt and one is civil contempt. The difference between those two is civil contempt is designed to enforce an obligation that can be resolved by making them turn over or pay something that's owed. Criminal contempt is simply designed to enforce a court obligation where you are seeking to punish someone. And the reason we don't call it civil there is there's no way to get back something that was owed. Whereas with civil contempt, the court can not only enforce the obligation, it can make them return to you or give to you what is owed. When we file that petition for contempt, we show to the court this person has the ability to pay and they simply did not do it. And so we want either them to be fined or incarcerated for failure to comply with the court order. And two, we want the court to make them pay this money with interest. And when you file a contempt action in Tennessee, you can ask for your attorney fees to be rewarded to you. So if you have to hire me or another lawyer to enforce an alimony obligation, you can ask the court to say, "Look, it's not fair to... Dividing property during a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when retirement accounts are involved. These accounts often represent years of hard work and careful planning, so we want to handle them in a way that protects both value and future security. In Tennessee, we focus on evaluating all marital assets as a whole and then determining a fair division, which may not always mean splitting each asset exactly down the middle. This approach often helps us preserve retirement accounts whenever possible. How Marital Assets Are Valued In Tennessee When dividing property, the first step is to determine the total value of all marital assets. Let’s say the combined value of everything is $100,000. While it might seem like each spouse would automatically receive $50,000 in value, there’s often some flexibility in how that division looks. This is because we can offset certain assets against others. For example, instead of splitting a retirement account in half, one spouse might receive other assets that match their share in value. By taking this route, we can avoid unnecessary complications, fees, and tax consequences that can come with dividing certain retirement accounts. This method works especially well when there are enough non-retirement assets available to balance the division. Why Preserving Retirement Accounts Can Be Better We often recommend leaving retirement accounts untouched when possible. Retirement savings are meant for the future, and dividing them during divorce can trigger unintended consequences. By reallocating other marital assets, we can meet the division requirements without reducing the... When a marriage is ending, things can feel even more uncertain if one spouse moves out of state. It’s common to wonder whether you can still file for divorce in Tennessee or if your spouse’s new location changes where your case can be heard. The good news is that in many situations, you can still file right here in Tennessee, even if the other party now lives elsewhere. How Tennessee Determines Jurisdiction Tennessee law allows a divorce to be filed here if either of two conditions are met. First, if both spouses have lived in Tennessee for at least six months before filing, the state has jurisdiction over the divorce. It doesn’t matter that one person has since moved away; the six-month residency rule is enough for Tennessee to handle the case. Second, jurisdiction can also be based on where the grounds for divorce occurred. If the reason for the divorce happened in Tennessee, the state can take the case even if you and your spouse lived here for less than six months. For example, if both of you moved to Tennessee just a month ago, but the other spouse committed adultery while in Tennessee, that is a sufficient basis for Tennessee to have jurisdiction. Importance Of Filing First Timing is important when it comes to jurisdiction. If you file in Tennessee before your spouse files in another state, and Tennessee has the legal grounds to hear the case, your divorce will move forward here. However, if your spouse files... Transcript: 00:03 there are a number of ways a court or the parties through an agreement can handle how to deal with a marital residence in a divorce a lot of folks that come to see us have one home and they have a question of who's going to get to reside in the home during the pendency of the divorce and who's going 00:20 to get to reside in the home once the divorce is over during the dependency of the divorce if you two can get along and work through your differences without fighting one another oftentimes folks will stay in the home together until they have a resolution and a financial 00:36 plan in order as to how to pay for two separate homes if you can't get along and you are in fear of your spouse and you need them out of the home when we file our complaint for divorce we can request from the court an immediate injunction that says this other party 00:57 must remove themselves from the home and cannot come to the home during the pendency of the divorce so that that way you know that you are safe and that does occasionally happen where we need to ensure that wife or husband and the children are safe from the other party 01:12 because of a history of domestic violence This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:01 retirement accounts can be divided a number of ways in in a divorce In dividing retirement accounts or a home or any other asset it's important to remember that not everything is exactly split 50/50 What we like to do in Tennessee is to value all of the marital 00:22 assets and kind of add them up And for simple purposes of this video if you have a 100,000 in assets 50,000 would essentially go to one spouse and 50,000 would essentially go to the other spouse Although there can be some subjectivity to those numbers If you're able to do 00:39 that without dividing up retirement accounts that's usually the best way to handle retirement accounts is pay one person their 50,000 without touching retirement accounts Any other type of retirement account can be done a little bit more simply If it's an IRA you can 00:53 simply have the IRA rolled over to the other party through that IRA account holder So if you have an IRA at Erade for example we can simply go to Erade with your final decree divorce and say so much of this is supposed to be rolled over to the other spouse And so one what 01:11 I would say is to the extent you can avoid touching your your retirement accounts that is the best possible outcome And so we can move different assets around at the time of divorce to avoid doing that But if you must we... Transcript: 00:01 a living will is also known as an advanced directive it is limited to medical decisionmaking and allows you to communicate your specific preferences regarding life support feeding tubes and organ donation whenever you are unable to state those preferences on your own 00:21 last will in testament or irregular will is a document that contemplates the transfer of your assets upon your death This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:01 a revocable trust is a flexible trust meaning that it is amendable modifiable revocable you can make changes to it during your lifetime because you retain so much control over a revocable trust you do not enjoy protection from your creditors or any lawsuits your assets 00:27 are subject to those things with a revocable trust at your death the assets remain part of your estate they are includable in your estate an irrevocable trust they're generally permanent trust meaning that the terms are fixed and generally cannot be modified without 00:45 specific legal action and in specific circumstances now because you don't have as much control over an irrevocable trust you are afforded greater protection from creditors and lawsuits depending on the kind of irrevocable trust at the time of your death the assets that were transferred to that 01:05 trust could be outside of your estate which would provide significant tax advantages This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:01 a will and a trust are both estate planning vehicles that facilitate the transfer of your assets upon your death for example a will is only effective upon your death a will typically requires probate probate is just a court supervised process where a court deems a 00:24 will valid or invalid and then subsequently hopefully governs the transfer of assets to your name beneficiaries under your will once a will is admitted to probate the will becomes part of public record meaning that anybody in the general public can go online look up your will see who is 00:43 inheriting how much and what they're inheriting for clients of mine that have property in multiple states i always advise that a probate proceeding might have to be initiated in each state where the property is held by contrast a trust is effective during your lifetime and a 01:01 trust also does something that a will does not in that it provides your successor trustee with access to your trust assets in the event of your incapacity and you're unable to access those assets yourself or manage them yourself a trust also if properly funded meaning if all of your assets are 01:20 payable to your trust or owned by your trust at the time of your death can avoid a probate proceeding lastly with respect to property in multiple states a trust also avoids a multi-state probate proceeding This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:03 a prenuptial agreement in Tennessee is a contract between two parties that are intending to get married that divides their assets and liabilities and other marital obligations to one another in the event of death or divorce and what I mean by that is when you get married in Tennessee you have 00:26 certain marital rights by law that are set by the legislature set by what we call statute and those marital rights include a number of things like a homestead exemption as well as an elective share of the other spouse's estate and when you meet with an estate planning lawyer at Patterson Bray we can 00:44 explain to you all of those marital rights that you have and lay out how your will can or will not affect those marital rights and a lot of folks spend a lot of money on lawyers fighting over how their assets should be divided and so for some folks they want to make 01:02 their lives more simple if they get divorced it's not because they intend to get divorced at some point in the future a lot of parties sign a prenup because they love this other person and they want to have a plan in place to make their lives more simple and black and 01:18 white and less gray and less clear so that if something does happen to their marriage they already have a plan in place that they both know and understand and... Transcript: 00:03 if your spouse moves out of state and you are contemplating a divorce you can still file your divorce in Tennessee regardless of the fact that they have moved Tennessee takes jurisdiction over a divorce matter so long as both parties have resided in Tennessee for six months 00:23 or if the basis or the grounds for the divorce occur in Tennessee And what I mean by that is if you and your spouse live in Tennessee for uh one month you previously lived in a different state for a longer period of time but the other person commits adultery in 00:43 Tennessee That is a sufficient basis for Tennessee to have jurisdiction because the reason for the divorce occurred within the bounds of Tennessee Otherwise if you've lived here for six months that's sufficient It doesn't matter that the other party has moved out of state 00:60 You can file in Tennessee and Tennessee would have jurisdiction over the divorce so long as you are the first to file the divorce If your spouse moves to another state they file on that state and that state takes jurisdiction That state's jurisdiction is going to control so long 01:17 as that court has the appropriate jurisdiction over both of the parties This transcript was auto-populated. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a distracted driver, you are not alone. In 2018 alone, at least 2,841 people were killed in distracted-driving crashes on U. S. roads and highways, accounting for nearly 8 percent of total road deaths. You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of the accident alone. The reassuring news is that you have options for compensation and accountability from the at-fault driver. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer Memphis, TN residents trust will allow you to fully understand these options. Once you’ve made an informed choice as to how you want to proceed, the capable, compassionate, and dedicated Memphis, Tennessee automobile accident law firm of Patterson Bray will advocate on your behalf at every step along the way. Specific Bans and General Negligence Every state in the country specifically bans certain distracted driving behaviors. Nearly all states have adopted a ban on texting while driving, and 21 states have banned the use of handheld cellphones behind the wheel. Drivers caught violating these bans can be fined. Unfortunately, the threat of fines has done little to significantly curb these dangerous behaviors. When a distracted driver causes an injurious accident, the victim doesn’t need to rely on these cellphone-related bans to pursue legal action. Instead, he or she can file a personal injury lawsuit alleging negligence or recklessness on the part of the distracted driver. Our Memphis, Tennessee automobile accident law firm can help you to negotiate with insurance providers in... Vicarious liability is a legal term that means to hold a party responsible for the actions of another person. When a company car is involved in an accident, vicarious liability would refer to holding the employer responsible for the actions of the employee who was driving the car. The reason an employer can be held responsible is because the employee is their agent – as long as they are on company time. Fault Considerations If your employer has paid for your company car, in order for the other party to recover from your employer, you, as the driver of the company car, must be at fault. If you are not at fault, then the other party will generally not be able to pursue your employer for damages. When Vicarious Liability May Apply Vicarious liability only applies in certain situations. Our car accident lawyer in Memphis, TN might first determine whether or not the employee was acting within the scope of their job at the time of the collision. For instance, let’s say that an electrician service dispatches an electrician for a standard house call. On the way to the house, the electrician becomes distracted and collides with another driver. In this case, the other driver will likely be able to file a claim against the employer under vicarious liability. Vicarious liability typically applies when at least one of the following holds true: The employee was running errands for the employer The employee was traveling to or from an appointment The... Our experienced car accident lawyer Memphis, TN residents call understands that many victims may be in shock and traumatized after an car accident. Thus, there is a strong understanding that when it comes to auto accidents, there are not only physical damage aspects that should be taken into consideration, but long lasting mental trauma from accidents, is also accounted for as well. Furthermore, based on the severity of the physical and mental damage that was caused by an car accident, this is where the amount of compensation can and will be determined, by a lawyer. However, in order to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, it is important to stay calm and follow these steps: Obtain a Copy of the Police Report. Police should be called to a car accident scene to take a report, especially if any individuals suffered serious injuries. When a person fails to contact the police at the scene of an accident, it takes away credibility, and people will be asked why they did not call the police sooner. Moreover, a police report includes important information about the car accident, including where it happened and who was involved. Remember to ask for a copy of this report before you leave the scene. Take Photos. If you are physically capable, try to take a few photos of the accident scene with your cell phone camera. Clear photos of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and any skid marks on the road may help your... In the past, couples seeking divorce in Tennessee had to prove specific legal grounds—such as adultery, abandonment, or cruelty—to convince the court that the marriage should end. This often added emotional and legal strain to an already difficult process. Fortunately, Tennessee now allows couples to pursue a "no-fault" divorce based on irreconcilable differences, significantly simplifying the path to separation when both parties are in agreement. A no-fault divorce means that neither spouse has to prove the other did anything wrong. Instead, you and your spouse simply acknowledge that the marriage cannot be saved. This option is only available when both parties agree on all terms related to the divorce. That includes how property and debts will be divided, whether alimony will be paid, and—if you have children—how custody and support will be handled. To proceed with a no-fault divorce, you’ll need to prepare and sign two important legal documents: Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) This document outlines how you and your spouse will divide your assets and debts, and whether any alimony will be provided. It serves as the financial blueprint for your post-divorce life. Permanent Parenting Plan If you share children, this plan sets out custody arrangements, decision-making authority, parenting schedules, and child support responsibilities. It must be detailed enough to help both parents co-parent effectively and avoid future disputes. Once both documents are signed and filed with the court, and both parties confirm they wish to divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, the court will review and—if everything... If you're considering divorce in Tennessee, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether your case will be contested or uncontested. This distinction plays a major role in how long the process takes, how much it costs, and how much stress you might experience along the way. At the heart of this difference are two key questions: Do both spouses agree on the grounds for divorce? Do both spouses agree on the terms of the divorce? An uncontested divorce typically means both spouses are on the same page. They agree that the marriage cannot continue due to irreconcilable differences, and neither disputes the court’s authority to grant the divorce. Just as importantly, they also agree on all the terms—how assets and debts will be divided, whether alimony will be paid, and, if children are involved, how custody and child support will be handled. With a full agreement in place, the divorce process is often quicker, less expensive, and less emotionally taxing. A contested divorce, on the other hand, doesn't necessarily mean one spouse is refusing to get divorced. In many contested cases, both parties agree that the marriage is over—but they can’t agree on how to resolve important issues. Disagreements may arise over property division, financial support, or parenting responsibilities. When that happens, the court must step in to decide the outcome, which can lead to longer timelines, increased legal fees, and more complex proceedings. Understanding the difference between contested and uncontested divorce can help you plan your next... Transcript: 00:00:03 For a long time in Tennessee, if you wanted to get a divorce, you had to prove grounds. And by grounds, I mean you had to have some legal cause as to why a court would grant your divorce. One of the ones people traditionally know is adultery. You had to prove that there was some reason to a court that you two should be divorced. What Tennessee has done is put together a ground called irreconcilable differences. And the way that no fault divorce works is you can allege irreconcilable differences as 00:00:35 your ground. And if you and your spouse are able to agree to a resolution on all issues, you will sign two documents. What's called a marital dissolution agreement and a parenting plan if you have children. under the marital dissolution agreement that lays out your agreement on the division of all your assets, all of your liabilities, and any alimony or other issues between the two of you. And it becomes a contract between the two of you that is accepted by the court to resolve the issues before the court. And if you have a 00:01:08 parenting plan because you have children that were born during your marriage that will lay out the parenting schedule who is making parenting decisions and the child support that's going to be paid by one parent to the other. If you can agree on all those things and agree to a divorce on the basis of... Transcript: 00:00:03 difference between a contested and an uncontested divorce in Tennessee is two things. One, traditionally an uncontested divorce is where neither of you are contesting the grounds. And so you go through what we call an irreconcilable differences divorce process where the two of you do not contest that you're entitled to a divorce. rather you're both agreeing that one of you or both of you is entitled to a divorce and so you're not contesting the fact that the court can award a divorce. Sometimes parties come 00:00:38 to lawyers and say we agree that we are entitled to a divorce from one another. However, we do not have an agreement on how we're going to divide up our assets, how we're going to divide up our liabilities, who's going to pay child support and how much, what, if any form of alimony is going to be paid and how much and for how long. Those are the things that people can test. And so, while they may not dispute that one party's entitled to a divorce, they dispute how they're going to resolve those issues once they are divorced. This transcript was auto-populated. After a car accident, our attention usually shifts to the immediate priorities like getting medical care, checking for damage, and contacting insurance. But the actions we take in the days and weeks that follow can have a serious impact on any claim we may pursue. It's easy to make avoidable mistakes, especially when emotions are high and the situation is unfamiliar. By identifying some of the most common missteps early on, we give ourselves the best chance to recover fair compensation with the support of a Memphis, TN car accident lawyer. Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away Even if we feel okay after a collision, it’s still important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, but delaying treatment can raise doubts about whether the injury was caused by the accident. Insurance companies may use that gap in care as a reason to reduce or deny a claim. Prompt medical attention creates a clear link between the crash and any physical harm. Talking Too Freely To The Other Driver’s Insurance Company After a crash, we may get a call from the other driver's insurer asking for a statement. While it may seem harmless to share what happened, this can be risky. Offhand comments or inconsistencies can later be used to challenge our version of events. It's always better to stick to basic information and decline to give a recorded statement without first discussing the matter with legal counsel. Failing To Document The Scene Photos,... When an injury happens because of another person’s actions, compensation is often pursued through negotiation instead of going to trial. Personal injury settlements are common because they offer a quicker resolution and allow both sides to move forward without a lengthy court process. That said, no two cases are alike. The value of a settlement depends on several specific factors that influence how much a claim is ultimately worth. As we review these key points, it becomes clear how each piece plays a role in the outcome. If you're facing this situation, it may be helpful to speak with a Memphis, TN personal injury lawyer about your legal options. The Extent Of The Injury And Medical Care The type and severity of an injury directly affect how a settlement is valued. A broken bone may require weeks of recovery, while a spinal injury can lead to lifelong care. The more serious the injury, the more likely the claim will include not just current treatment but projected future costs. Settlements often take into account not just hospital bills, but also rehabilitation, follow-up visits, and any necessary long-term accommodations. Medical documentation is one of the most important pieces of evidence in support of these claims. How Liability Is Determined And Shared Liability is a major factor in whether a settlement will happen and how much compensation may be offered. If the other party is clearly at fault, it usually leads to a stronger negotiating position. However, if fault is disputed or both... After a car accident, one of the first things we typically have to handle is the insurance company. While insurance is supposed to help cover losses and move the process along, the reality can feel a bit different. These companies are still businesses that prioritize their bottom line, which means they don’t always act in the best interest of those filing claims. Whether it’s our own insurer or the other driver's, knowing how these companies operate is important. Their involvement often shapes the outcome of a personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured in a crash, speaking with a Memphis, TN car accident lawyer early on can help you prepare for what lies ahead. Initial Contact And The Claims Process Soon after a crash, we usually get a call from an insurance adjuster. Their job is to gather information and assess the situation, but we need to be careful about what we say. Even casual comments about how we’re feeling or what we think happened can be used to limit compensation. It's not uncommon for adjusters to record statements or ask for signed authorizations. These requests might seem routine, but they can also open the door to digging through unrelated medical history or twisting details to their advantage. Filing a claim should be a straightforward process, but it rarely is. The insurance company will look at police reports, medical records, and vehicle damage estimates. They may also conduct interviews with witnesses or even hire investigators. The more severe the accident,... Transcript: 00:00:03 for years and years when people filed a lawsuit the only way they could resolve their case was to have a settlement outside of court or to have a judge decide the case on the merits as the law has changed over time lawyers and judges have worked to try to create a system in which parties can get out of the judicial process as fast as they can and the two ways we do that are through mediation and arbitration arbitration is what you hear of when you might want to file a dispute against your insurance 00:00:36 company and they require that you handle that outside of the court system and an arbitrator makes a decision the difference with mediation is that someone is not making a decision on your behalf mediation allows the parties in a neutral space to come to an agreement to resolve their claim against one another the mediator solely works on behalf of the parties to try to get them to a resolution he looks at the facts on both sides looks at the law on both sides and advises the parties here are the risks in taking your case to court 00:01:15 this might be a reasonable resolution they can't give you legal advice but they can tell you here's here are the risks you're facing if you take this to court and it might be worth taking this settlement so that you're not in court for a long time... Transcript: 00:00:01 when it comes to family law the thing that most people think about is divorce divorce includes division of marital assets marital debts alimony and when divorce involves children it also includes custody arrangements child support who's going to make decisions on the child's behalf that is everything that's incorporated in an original divorce outside of divorce there are a lot of children born out of wedlock those also have custody decisions and ramifications we file petitions to establish paternity set child support 00:00:42 get custody set there as well and oftentimes those also have modifications involved outside of that realm family law also includes adoptions there are a number of times people want to bring children into their family and one mechanism for doing that is adoption there are also attorneys that specialize in surrogacy procedures and making sure that there is contracts in place for the surrogate and for the future parents of that child a relatively new area of the law in Tennessee is that when you have 00:01:16 an adoption you can have what's called a a pack a postad adoption contact agreement that's relatively new in Tennessee other areas of family law the biggest one I have not mentioned is contempt proceedings but that is the bulk of what we do on a day-to-day basis This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:03 I tell my clients that they should file first the reason that you want to file first for a divorce in Tennessee is that if you and your spouse are both contemplating a divorce some spouses will start moving assets from joint bank accounts or changing titles to certain assets or changing the beneficiary status on health insurance life insurance car insurance in Tennessee when you file your complaint for divorce the court has put in place what's called a mandatory injunction by law that prohibits parties 00:00:38 from hiding assets moving assets changing the beneficiary status on insurance policies and most importantly in custody situations that mandatory injunction prohibits the parent from relocating with minor children outside of the state of Tennessee or within 50 miles of the residence of that parent as soon as you file and serve that complaint and so from a strategy standpoint there isn't a huge need to file but in order to secure your assets and make sure that both parties are behaving appropriately and that your 00:01:17 assets aren't going to be withheld or hidden that injunction is very critical at the beginning of divorce and so yes it it can matter that you be the first to file so that you can have those Protections in place This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:03 the technical answer is yes under Tennessee law if your child has reached the age of 12 they have the right to State their preference as to which parent they prefer to live with in a custody situation the caveat is that in Tennessee the court takes into consideration a number of factors in making custody decisions and other custody related decisions about what the visitation schedule is going to be who's going to be making parental decisions the court doesn't just rely on the child's preference and so yes a child 00:00:40 can testify to that however a court does not have to use just the preference in making a custody decision the other thing I would say about children testifying is at the end of the day what's best for children is that parents are making decisions and that they are co-parenting and making decisions and telling their child as a unit this is the decision we have made to the extent parents even though they are separating can sit down and say this is the decision we have made children have better outcomes and so to the extent we 00:01:14 can avoid children being involved in their parents' divorce that's always our goal at Patterson Bray sometimes it is necessary in contested litigation but to the extent we can avoid that we certainly want to do that because we don't want children involved in their parents divorce This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:03 I think the first thing that a lot of people make a mistake on is they don't secure Council on the front end they make a lot of assumptions about Tennessee law and how that's going to affect their financial rights in the divorce a lot of clients come to me and say look this is going to be very easy we've already separated everything into our own accounts I never owned anything with his name on it or he never owned anything with her name on it and a lot of people assume that in Tennessee marital assets are governed by 00:00:37 what names are on which assets that's not necessarily the case in Tennessee and so unfortunately a lot of people make assumptions about how their finances are going to play through the divorce process I advise everyone to seek counsel at the get-go so that way they have a fair and full understanding of how their finances are going to be impacted in a divorce process This transcript was auto-populated. Transcript: 00:00:01 I think the biggest thing you should expect from your divorce attorney is that you get answers from them when you ask those questions I hear from clients all the time that their biggest frustration with their divorce attorney is that they have paid a retainer they call and email their attorney and then they don't get a response or they get a response and it's kind of a half-hearted response the lawyer has not reviewed the documents that they sent to them they have not reviewed the recording or the 00:00:33 video and clients are going through one of the most troubling times in their life and they need not only a lawyer who's going to look out for their best interest from a legal perspective but someone who can understand the plight that they are going through a lot of my clients are going through custody situations where they are having to share time with the other parent for the first time in their life and that's not only a challenge for them but it's a challenge for their child and having an attorney who will pick up the phone 00:01:09 respond to your emails is one of the most critical things in a divorce case and so my heartfelt answer is I would expect that your divorce lawyer is listening to you and responding to your questions and answering those questions as best as they can This transcript was auto-populated. Tips for Managing Familial Conflict With an Estate Plan One of the biggest concerns and one of the primary reasons for creating an estate plan is mitigating the risk of familial conflict should you become incapacitated or pass away. The harsh reality is that the tragic and unexpected can occur at any moment, and you must be as prepared as possible. Familial conflict can be devastating to relationships within the family; it stands to put your estate at risk when you ultimately pass away. When loved ones pass away, emotions run high. As such, there are times when conflict can be more likely if one is not careful. This is true when it comes to estate plans because if emotions are running high, there can be conflict and arguments that occur if there is not a proper understanding of an estate plan, how it works, or who gets to keep various assets, when it comes to estate plans, and more. Safeguarding your estate plan should be one of your top priorities, and our Memphis, TN estate planning lawyer can provide you with the guidance you need. The following are tips to consider to help prevent family conflict from occurring when the time comes: Make Sure to Communicate Your Plans While you certainly won’t want to share your estate plan with everyone you know, there are key people with you should make sure you communicate your plans to. This can help to manage expectations for when the time comes. These conversations... > Call Our Office Today If you have a legal matter and would like to speak with one of our attorneys, contact our office at 901.372.5003. We offer two convenient locations – in Memphis and Nashville – and are happy to meet and discuss what your specific legal needs are and how we can help.