Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Pendente Lite Hearings in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice discusses the purpose of Pendente Lite Support hearings in Tennessee. Pendente Lite, Latin for "pending litigation," is a good way to establish temporary child support until the final divorce hearing. Attorney Larry Rice explains that the Divorce Referee only considers income, expenses and the Child Support guidelines when deciding temporary support at the Pendente Lite hearings. Other factors that would contribute to granting a fault divorce in Tennessee do not hold much weight at a Pendente Lite hearing.

To view this entire video, follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MCGn4jOwpU

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Parenting Issues in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice discusses the importance of not involving children in the divorce process. He recommends still parenting together by emphasizing each parents' love for their children and by not criticizing the other spouse in front of the children. Larry Rice also addresses the main components and faults of the Child Support Worksheet in Tennessee. He concludes by reiterating his point to parent together and to not talk badly about the other spouse.

To view the entire video, follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8mdqj1eUYA

Clerking at Rice Law: by Blair Beaty

Over the past few weeks I have been able to see two important sides to being an attorney. First, a divorce attorney must be tough and able to stand up for their client when that client is unable to do so. Secondly, a divorce attorney must be compassionate and understanding of the client’s position and what the client is going through emotionally.

Friday started off with the opportunity to see first-hand how tough and intimidating a lawyer can be by attending motion hearings with Mr. Rice. While opposing counsel began to cry during the hearing, Mr. Rice maintained his ground in a very professional and respectful way, never letting opposing counsel’s actions throw him off his game.

Later that day, I got to witness the compassionate side of being a divorce attorney. A client came to the office for what she thought was a meeting to discuss her case. It was the day before her birthday and the office had purchased a gift for her - a pink tool belt and tool kit! She was so excited when she opened her gift. After the excitement died down a bit, we all sat around and laughed as she told us stories from her day. She told us that coming to the office was “the best part” of her day.

Divorce attorneys must play a very difficult role. When clients walk through our doors, they are at their lowest point and going through one the most difficult times of their lives. Each step of the way can be painful. This week I saw two very different ways an attorney can “be there” for their client. Yes, attorneys must be tough and stand ground for their clients, but they should also take a few moments to be encouraging to their clients. It just may be “the best part” of someone’s day.

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Modification of Child Support in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice discusses the conditions in which child support and alimony can be modified. He explains that there must be significant unforeseen circumstances such as a fifteen percent increase or decrease in the party's income in order for child support to be changed. Mr. Rice also discusses the differences between alimony in solido and alimony in futuro, stating that only alimony in futuro can be altered under certain circumstances.

To view the entire video, follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGEaZDogXMQ

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Marital Dissolution Agreements in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice discusses how spouses should approach negotiating before signing the Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA). He explains the complexity of the MDA and advises couples to seek counsel when it is time to draft the MDA. Larry Rice also suggests the appropriate setting for a successful negotiation between spouses before signing the Marital Dissolution Agreement.


To view the entire video, please follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJsDofb0eiw

Clerking at Rice Law: by Zoe Sams

When you make mistakes in law school, they are generally of minor importance and only effect the person who made the mistake. If you make a mistake in a paper or misread a question on an exam, you might see a reduction in your grade; however, if you make a mistake in the “real world,” the consequences affect everyone. More importantly, the mistake may affect the client.

Mr. Rice told us that everyone makes mistakes but what matters is how you handle them. The first thing a clerk should do is report the error. It is easier to fix a problem if it is caught early. You can not let the fear of getting into trouble stop you from reporting the mistake. Second, do what needs to be done to fix the error. Ask for help if needed. Third, learn from your mistake and move forward.

As clerks in our first few weeks here at the firm, we have each made mistakes; however, the feeling of inclusion from the entire firm has helped us to work through them and move forward. The firm refers to itself as a team, and it is easy to see why. Each member of the team helps and gives advice whenever possible. Even though we are all new, the firm has made us feel part of the team. We have been included in the firm lunches, outings, and even the firm picture. It is little things like these that make it easier to move past the mistakes and focus on new projects.

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Legal Separation and Annulment in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice defines legal separation and annulment. He explains that couples usually resort to legal separation because they are avoiding accepting the fact that the marriage is over and they need a divorce. However, under rare circumstances legal separation can be a good thing. Larry Rice also discusses annulments and describes them as alternatives to divorce when you find that the marriage was void from the beginning.

To view the entire video, follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue6wmCnit-I

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee

Attorney Larry Rice discusses the various legal grounds for divorce including, but not limited to, adultery, habitual abuse of alcohol or narcotics, living separately for more than two years, willful or malicious desertion, conviction of a felony, bigamy, and inappropriate marital conduct, which is the most common ground for divorce. He also defines fault and no-fault divorces, explaining the differences between the two types.

To view the entire video, please follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4KaKl7OUMA

Clerking at Rice Law: by Chelsea Conn

When I first learned that I would be a clerk at Rice, Amundsen & Caperton, I knew that this position would offer a wide variety of experiences in the legal field. I never knew, however, that being a clerk at a law firm could teach me more about legal procedure and practice than I had learned in my first year of law school. Mr. Rice makes certain that the clerks witness and learn from every thing that goes on in the firm. We have been able to accompany Mr. Rice to court on several occasions to witness the result of motions or petitions we have drafted.

The legal community is very different than what I had anticipated. There are so many things that law school can not possibly prepare us for and having the opportunity to get real world experience is exciting.

Some of our day to day duties include drafting. We have been given drafting assignments that range between drafting a letter for opposing counsel to drafting a motion or order for the court. Before drafting anything, we will sit with Mr. Rice or an associate at the firm and go over what each and every document should contain. I think that one of the best learning experiences so far is being able to work at improving my legal writing abilities through drafting legal documents for review. However, I think the most important thing I have learned is how essential it is to have a mastery of the Tennessee Rules of Court. The Tennessee Rules act as a strategic guide for attorneys and I never realized how important the Rules could be in a case. By not only memorizing the rules but also understanding them, an attorney can make or break a case.

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Domestic Violence in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice discusses the twists and turns of abusive relationships and the vicious cycle that couples in violent relationships become caught in. He also discusses the effects of spousal abuse on children and how the parent can take initiative and get out of the situation before the effects on the children and family escalate.

To view the complete video, please follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z04mFE_t0TY

Memphis Divorce Attorney: on Discovery in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice discusses the stressful components of the discovery process when going through a divorce. He elaborates on the rules of discovery and the challenges both the attorneys and clients face when preparing the discovery.

To view the entire video, please follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LMH2-vA7JE