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Author: Angel Kane

ANGEL KANE has been practicing law since 1995. Angel was a member of the University of Memphis Law Review and served as a judicial law clerk while in law school. A graduate of the University of Memphis Law School, Angel has practiced in Memphis and Lebanon, Tennessee.

New Year’s Eve Safety

We wish you a Happy New Year from Kane and Crowell! New Year’s Eve is, arguably, the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s busiest weekend for patrolling and ensuring safe driving. Every year, THP conducts multiple roadblocks around the New Year holiday. Some of these roadblocks are announced ahead of time, and some are not. Hopefully this information will help you maintain New Year’s Eve Safety.  Just in time, the THP has announced the following roadblocks in our area:

Criminal Law

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What To Expect During A Divorce

Many clients who come to us for advice during a divorce are going through it for the first time and have many questions. Although the process can be complicated, knowing the basic information can help put a client at ease.

Divorce can be a difficult situation for every party involved. It is the legal undoing of two people’s assets, liabilities, and everything in between. Knowing what to expect and being prepared for the inevitable changes are essential during a divorce.

Contested or Uncontested

The first decision to be made is whether the divorce will be contested or uncontested. If you can agree, the divorce is uncontested, and the process is more straightforward. If you cannot agree, the divorce is contested and requires negotiation, mediation, and, in some cases, a trial.

In an uncontested divorce, the parties or their attorneys complete the necessary paperwork and file it with the Court. If children are involved, parents must take a parenting class and file the certificate of completion with the Court.

In a contested divorce, one party will begin the process by filing a complaint. The other party will then file their answer to that complaint and, possibly, a counter-complaint. The parties or their attorneys will then enter the negotiation phase. If negotiation is unsuccessful, the parties must attend mediation with a third party. In most cases, an agreement can be reached in either of these two phases. In some cases, mediation is not successful and the parties must have a trial to allow a judge to decide the issues, which can be lengthy.

Waiting period in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the mandatory waiting period for a divorce from the time of filing is 60 days if the parties have no minor children and 90 days if the parties have minor children. This means the divorce cannot be finalized until the time period runs.

If you or someone you know is contemplating divorce or have been served with a complaint for divorce, contact us to get answers to your questions and let us assist you in making the best decisions. Call Kane and Crowell at  (615) 784-4800 or request a consultation to discuss your specific case.

Divorce, Family Law, Kane Law

Know Before You Post: Social Media, Search Warrants and Your Case

At Kane & Crowell, Attorneys at Law, we emphasize the significance of social media in legal cases. Your online posts can become evidence, just as you can use others’ posts in your case. Accessing these posts, especially deleted or hidden ones, often requires complex steps. Ideally, capturing screenshots or images of relevant posts is essential. For inaccessible posts, you may need a subpoena or court order.

Criminal Law, Kane & Crowell

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Why Am I Required to Take a Parenting Class to Get a Divorce?

Everyone going through a divorce in Tennessee has to take a court-approved parenting class if you have minor children at the time of your divorce. According to www.tn.gov, this class provides parents with the essential information to handle interactions with their children and each other during and after the divorce process. These seminars aim to assist divorcing families in navigating the traumas of divorce without adding more stress.

Divorce, Family Law, Parenting Class

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Step-Parent Adoption

Blended families are sometimes hard to navigate. The goal of the courts is to keep families intact. However, that is not always possible or the best scenario and times Step-Parent Adoption is a good option. Some biological parents decide to have their child adopted by the step-parent. In Tennessee, a step-parent can adopt a child in a couple of ways.

Adoption, Family Law, Parents Rights

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New TN Laws – Will They Affect You?

On July 1, 2017, the state of Tennessee enacted several new laws. Do any of the new laws affect you?

  • The state increased penalties for convicted felons in possession of a gun. The offense can be increased, depending on their previous felony.
  • Retroactive child support is now limited to the past five years of child support. Unless the court finds good cause to make an exception.
  • The illegal use of a telecommunication device is a new offense. Watch what you do on your cell phone!
    • Don’t publicly release the residential address of a police officer. It’s a Class B Misdemeanor if negligent and a Class A Misdemeanor if intentional.
  • Property owners can put purple paint on their trees to serve as a no trespassing sign.

Understanding and staying informed about the state law is essential for every citizen of Tennessee. Keeping up to date on Tennessee law ensures you can navigate the complexities of the legal system and make informed decisions.

Here are some ways you can stay informed about new TN laws.

  1. Local Bar Associations: Connect with local bar associations like the Tennessee Bar Association (https://www.tba.org/) to access legal resources and stay informed about recent developments. Bar associations often host events, seminars, and conferences that provide insights into changes in Tennessee law.
  2. Official State Resources: The Tennessee state government provides information through official websites. The Tennessee General Assembly’s website (https://www.capitol.tn.gov/) is an excellent resource for finding the state’s constitution, statutes, and other legislative information.
  3. Legal Blogs and News Outlets: Stay current with legal news and analysis through reputable legal blogs and news outlets. Websites like the Tennessee Bar Journal (https://www.tba.org/journal) and local newspapers cover legal developments and provide insights into how laws impact the community. Subscribe to newsletters or RSS feeds to receive regular updates.
  4. Community Legal Clinics: Community legal clinics and workshops organized by legal aid organizations, law schools, or local bar associations. These events provide an opportunity to learn about specific legal issues, ask questions, and receive guidance. Check local event listings and community centers for information on upcoming legal clinics.
  5. Social Media and Online Forums: Follow legal professionals, organizations, and government agencies on social media platforms. Many legal experts share insights, articles, and updates on these platforms. Online forums and discussion groups can also be valuable resources for asking questions and engaging in conversations.

Staying Informed

Staying informed about Tennessee law is a continuous process requiring a multifaceted approach. Utilizing official state resources, legal databases, local bar associations, news outlets, educational programs, community events, a trusted attorney, and online platforms will help you build a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. By staying informed, you empower yourself to make informed decisions, advocate for your rights, and contribute positively to your community.

Read more here on all of the new TN laws:

133 new Tennessee laws take effect July 1

If you have legal questions and need the assistance of an experienced attorney, Contact us at

Changes in Law, New Laws

Do you know what a Living Will is?

After a Last Will and Testament, the most important legal document is a Living Will. I think it is of the utmost importance.

A Last Will and Testament is the document that is most familiar. This document states how your assets will be devised upon your passing. On the other hand, a Living Will determines how you will live at the end of your life.

Document is for your family, What is a Living Will?, Will you be on life support?

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Uncontested Divorces – If your spouse has a lawyer, do you need an attorney?

We often receive calls from people whose spouse has presented them with legal documents asking for a divorce. The divorce, however, is something they both want; all they have to do on their end is sign the papers they are presented with.

Is signing uncontested divorce papers without consulting with an attorney a good idea? That’s a tough call.

Do you need a Laywer?, If your spouse has as laywer?, Uncontested Divorces

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