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.

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.

The Legal Profession- Where It Pays to Be a Hoarder by Courtney Sharp

When most people hear the word “hoarder,” less than tasteful visions of TLC’s reality television show come to mind escorted by sensations of anxiety, claustrophobia, and panic that make even the strongest of stomachs queasy. Little do most people know, there is another species of “hoarder” that make a living off of their salvaging skills, and depend on their ability to do so in order to be proficient in their careers. Allow me to introduce you to the legal profession. Now when I say that lawyers are hoarders I do not mean that behind Larry Rice’s door you will find garbage in excess and an emotional resistance to removing any piece of trash from his office (though you will find a few dead animals in there so BEWARE). I am not implying that there is a psychological imbalance that accompanies every Bar member that requires them to host 75 cats and 125 dogs in a 1500sq foot house in Midtown. What I mean by “lawyer hoarders” is that each and every attorney has to pay an exquisite attention to detail in ensuring there is a copy or original of absolutely everything it is they do in their capacity as an attorney. Whether it’s keeping all personal notes while working on a case, making copies of correspondence before mailing it out, copying fax receipts, keeping all documents used during preparation for a hearing, drafting of a pleading, or trial, attorneys must make a habit of keeping absolutely everything to both protect themselves from malpractice lawsuits should they arise, for appeal purposes or even for further disputes in the future. Forgetting to make a copy or document work done on a case can be detrimental to an attorney and in some situations, can cost them their license. This advice is relevant to more than just attorneys however, because keeping and organizing all important paperwork is a habit we all should become accustomed to. Each attorney and paralegal here at Rice, Amundsen & Caperton, PLLC has a unique way of copying and documenting every move that is made on a day to day basis and has a way with making this hoarding business look attractive. You never know when you will need a certain receipt or proof that you, in fact, paid a bill; so keeping it in an easy to find place can save you time and money should any of these situations arise. Again, putting a little work in on the front end to organize and copy important documents can really save your tail in a time of need down the road.

Snooping 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.

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.

“I Fought The Law, and I Won; I Guess” By: Jennifer Bicknell

From June 26, 2013 to today, September 4, 2013, I have had something hanging over my head. It has caused me to lose sleep and made me fearful just driving down the street. What was hanging over my head was a speeding ticket I picked up on the way to Tunica. As a non-speeder with a clean driving record this ticket carried with it visions of climbing insurance rates and horrific court costs and fines in Mississippi for this Tennessee girl. From the minute I drove away from the officer my mind was going. I knew I had not been going as fast as he said I was because my cruise-control was set and I began formulating my argument to the judge. Besides the speed, other factual errors were on the ticket and I formulated arguments around those as well. For over two months I thought about this ticket and how I was going to win in court. Today was the day! I pulled together my evidence which included the ticket itself, the registration for my car, a picture of my license plate, notarized affidavits from my friends who were in the car with me, and my cross-examination prepared for the officer. All exhibits were stickered and in folders in order of how I planned to introduce them to the judge. I also had originals and copies ready to give to the judge and keep for myself. I confidently make the claim that I was the most prepared person to appear before that judge to defend against a speeding ticket. I owe my preparedness to the education I am receiving as a law clerk at Rice, Amundsen & Caperton. Watching Larry Rice and his staff prepare for court greatly influenced my level of preparedness today. I arrived fifteen minutes early and sat in the packed courtroom. I listened to the other people go before the judge and as I sat there for the first hour the butterflies in my stomach began to lessen so I was glad for the wait. As I sat there for the next hour I was not only observing the judge, but all the commotion going on around the courtroom between lawyers, clients, and officers. After the second hour we were dismissed for lunch so I had yet one more hour to wait. When we reconvened, I knew my turn mas coming up quickly. The butterflies returned but I was ready and excited. This would be the first time I had made any argument before a real judge, this was the first cross-examination I would make with a real witness; and this could either go in my favor or go badly for me. Then, the judge called my name (mispronounced it actually but I would never correct a judge on that point). My folders in hand I approached the judge and confidently responded to his question, “Not guilty, Your Honor!” At that plea, the judge dismissed the charges because the officer was not in court. I said “Thank you, Your Honor,” turned and left. That was it? While I very much appreciate the disposition of my case, what a let-down! I was prepared and ready to defend myself and I said less than ten words to the judge? Yes, this is the way it works apparently. All-in-all, the outcome was to my advantage; my insurance will not be affected, no fines or court costs to pay, and as a bonus my Bar application still will say no moving violations on it. It felt good to walk into court prepared today and the rush I felt going into court, even on this little matter, makes me certain that I want to spend my law career in the courtroom.

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.