Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Contempt in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice talks about the forms of contempt and the consequences of violating a court order. He defines the two types of contempt, civil and criminal, and explains the various ramifications when one does not comply with a court order, ranging from a simple monetary fine to a more severe punishment such as jail time.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0Ru4ljMDQY

Clerking at Rice Law: by Blair Beaty

I recently got to take part in a Motion Hearing in a new setting- in front of a Divorce Referee. Instead of a judge sitting at the bench, the Divorce Referee, Opposing Counsel, and clients are gathered around a table. The Divorce Referee is usually a lawyer who is no longer practicing family law who is chosen to determine the outcome of the Motion on a more expedited basis.

I walked into the hearing assuming that the dialogue between Opposing Counsels and clients would be much more relaxed and conversational due to the setting. Boy, was I wrong.. The clients, sitting on opposite ends of the table, shared nothing more than a few darting glares at each other. The Opposing Counsel made her presence known by constantly interrupting and making underhanded remarks regarding our client. The attorney I was assisting, who is always rational and respectful, kept it together like no one I had ever seen....until the end. The time had come for the Divorce Referee to make her ruling and the Opposing Counsel would still not allow our attorney her opportunity to speak. So our attorney did what you are taught in law school never to do, she interrupted and raised her voice and made her point known. And then the Judge said, “You know what, you’re right Counselor!”

Did I learn about child support payments? Of course. Did I learn how the court grants arrearage payments? Absolutely. The biggest lesson I took away, however, was exactly what the attorney said to me when we walked out of that courtroom with a “win” under our belt.... “Sometimes, you have to fight fire with fire.”

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Attorney/ Client Priviledge in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice speaks candidly on the significance of confidentiality agreements between clients and attorneys as well as between the clients and the employees. He also explains the exceptions of the agreement, such as the attorney's legal obligation to report any criminal intent suggested by the client's actions or words.

To view the entire video, please click the link below.

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

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Alternative Dispute Resolution in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice speaks about the importance of resolving divorce cases early in order to avoid trial. Mr. Rice explains the specific steps necessary for a successful mediation by emphasizing the unique Rice Law Firm approach to mediation. He also highlights the key components of his distinctive approach, explaining the importance of portable equipment such as a laptop and a printer.

To view the entire video, please click the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liz9Eijjmlk

Clerking at Rice Law: by Zoe Sams

I was recently given the opportunity to attend mediation. I went into it with preconceived notions about the process, but after everything was said and done, I was surprised at the lesson I had learned. I learned how important it is to be aware of what the process may be like for your client. Personally, I cannot imagine what it would be like to go through a divorce; however, during mediation, I was able to get a better understanding of what it must be like for our clients.

In mediation, they are expected to make rational decisions (with the help of their respective attorneys, of course) concerning the dissolution of something as personal as their marriage, as well as make decisions concerning what they will need for their future. To me, the task seemed daunting, and it is hard to imagine what it would be like considering the added emotional elements that the client must be feeling.

During the mediation, I was also able to witness how attorneys manage to work with their client in this emotional state, while keeping the professional mind-set needed for negotiations. This is one trait that cannot be learned in a book or classroom, but by practice. I appreciate the opportunity to witness attorneys who can make that transition.

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Alimony in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice speaks about Tennessee law for alimony. Mr. Rice's lecture enlightens listeners on the reality of alimony, including the different types of alimony and the factors that influence the final rulings for alimony in divorce cases.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP9b7-U36VY

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Divorce Trial in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice discusses the divorce trial process. You have gone through the entire divorce process and things couldn't get resolved, so you have made it to the last and worst step. Mr. Rice emphasizes on the importance of telling the truth. Tell your lawyer everything from the very beginning. Telling the truth makes it much easier. Tell the court the truth because it will probably come out anyways and will destroy your lives about one thing and destroy the truth your telling about everything else... so, tell the truth. Mr. Rice informs you on how to prepare for trial. We don't know what the Judge is going to do until the Judge does it, and then sometimes we still do not know what the Judge is going to do. So, if you have your case tried, work with your lawyer, tell the truth, and realize the system isn't always perfect. Judges are trying to do what they think are right.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1hqHVVZ1Fo

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: Justice Won

A respected lawyer from a well known law firm tried to spring a trap on me. He failed. I was sent a response after I left the office Thursday for my motion set at 9 am Friday. In cooperation with another lawyer he tried to conjure up a conflict to get a judge to recuse himself on the Friday before trial was to start Monday. With no preparation time I had to appear at court.
Credit goes to my great team - Nick, Jen, Jan, Chelsea and the others who did my research while I waited to be called on at court. My clerk arrived with the cases minutes before I was called on. I appreciate my opposing counsel in the divorce matter (a different lawyer) who was truthful to the court. I respect the Judge who saw through it.
It is great to see justice come through and that my team can foil a plan that two lawyers cooked up on their own timeline and sprang on us at the last moment.
Some commentators wrote:

"Stories that that make me glad I practice in a district full of small towns. For the most part things like continuances really are still done with a phone call & a verbal agreement. If a local lawyer tries to pull that kind of thing, ALL lawyers will know it very soon, a reputation is born, and karma can be a real....."

"My "first" divorce lawyer did the same thing, Virginia. He was in it for the money and the more he could prolong things, do unnecessary depositions, call me to his office for interviews numerous times asking the same questions he had already asked, cancel hearing dates (that would have ended the "cash cow"), until after more than two years and thousands of dollars, I FIRED him."

"In my case, my lawyers seemed to join in the game. What a vicious inhuman practice, especially as children are involved. NOW TO LARRY...yes...win with intelligence, competence, compassion and justice."

"You've got a great staff Larry not to mention you're a great lawyer. I'm HOPE your client appreciates ya'll."

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on the facts about Snooping in a Divorce Case in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice discusses the importance of not snooping in a divorce case. It can get you in a lot of trouble. Watch out because you could be charged with a criminal sanction. Snooping will hurt you, more than it can help you.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZEjLcEBqxE

Clerking at Rice Law: by Chelsea Conn

Being a clerk for Larry Rice is all about gaining experience. Recently, Mr. Rice allowed me to accompany him to a deposition. I think one of the more interesting things about a deposition is how personal the questions can be and how the face-to-face interaction between opposing sides can bring out tension and nervousness between attorneys and the respective parties. Reviewing the transcripts can offer a different view of how the interaction actually played out. In the past, I have been given the task of indexing depositions for key components. Often, when reading over a transcript, it seems as though the actual deposition and what I am reading are two different conversations. Mr. Rice’s humor and good will, however, are not lost in the transcription. It is abundantly clear that Mr. Rice remains respectful to both the opposing party and their attorney. While depositions can be a tough and emotionally-draining experience, it is important to remember to respect each other in order to keep the process moving along smoothly. Depositions are an invaluable means to obtain discovery and allowing law clerks to observe these depositions and the techniques used gives us the opportunity to fine-tune our communication skills.

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Relocation in Tennessee

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice discusses the importance of Relocation. Does the moving primary parent have a good reason to go? Mr. Rice recommends that you want to do what is in the best interest of the children.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDRhQgxZH2c

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Property Division in Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee Divorce Attorney Larry Rice gives an overview of how to divide property in divorce cases. He explains the two different types of property: separate property and marital property. Larry Rice defines separate property as any property acquired prior to the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during the marriage. He also discusses marital property and states that judges tend to consider other factors such as income and separate property when determining how to divide the spouse's marital property.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5Cwu4DRAvg