Monday, September 30, 2013

Memphis Divorce Attorney Larry Rice: on Pendente Lite Support 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.

Friday, September 27, 2013

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.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Stressed, Overwhelmed, and Worn Out by Courtney Sharp

Everyone knows what it feels like to be stressed, overwhelmed, and worn out. Even the most organized people have seasons where they can barely keep their head above water. Whether these feelings come from just keeping up with the mundane idiosyncrasies of life or from an intense career profession, our time is often spent managing and controlling these negative emotions that can be detrimental to our physical and emotional health. In law school, the competitive nature of the program combined with the heavy work load lends itself to a “there is always work to do” mentality. While this mindset can be quite productive, it can all too easily suck the joy out of doing anything that isn’t on the “to do list” of the day. Even if I treat myself to an evening away from the books, my mind is burdened with the outlines I should be finishing, review problems I should be doing, and how my competition is gaining an edge on me by working an extra day. We often long for graduation, hoping it will bring mental freedom to our brains and afford us the ability to truly be present in our relationships. In reality, however, the burden of the “there is always work to be done” mentality never goes away, regardless of your profession. Just because this burden exists does not mean that we should succumb to it and let it take hold on our lives- we must prioritize and give effect to what is most important to us in order to salvage both our productivity and our sanity. I learned quickly clerking for Larry Rice that regardless of what important deadline we may be up against or what important event is impending, we always take time to celebrate each individual staff member’s birthday. Our secretary has a running list of every employee’s favorite cake for that very purpose. It drives home the point that our friends and family are a top priority and should be celebrated. In the end, it’s not our appellate briefs or great motion arguments that we will want beside us, but our loved ones. On the same note, Larry always encourages each employee to take an hour for lunch (preferably out of the office). He is a strong advocate for getting some fresh air and getting out of your workspace so you can return more invigorated and with greater mental clarity. Personally, I have realized how truly important it is to take some “me” time to get my mind right, especially in times of high-anxiety. Taking even an hour away from my work to drive down Poplar helps me to appreciate the small things (like happy hour at Sonic), and helps me keep a positive outlook. It’s amazing how my focus will improve after a quick drive listening to my favorite song with a Route 44 Strawberry Water in my hand. Sometimes, even in the midst of the struggle, you just have to treat yourself. Hold fast to your priorities because no matter what season of life you face, there will always be more work to do. The “to do list” will always be there, but your loved ones (and your sanity) won’t be.

Monday, September 23, 2013

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.

Friday, September 20, 2013

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.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Morale at Work: by Jennifer Bicknell

They say in life it’s the little things that matter; and at work that cannot be closer to the truth. If the morale at work is low, people tend to be dissatisfied with more and more. Conversely, if morale is high, people are more willing to work harder to do a good job. I got to thinking about office morale this week. Larry announced that this week was “Doggie Week” at work and we each could to bring our dogs to work for the day. Now, for those who do not know the love of a good dog, this may not sound like that good of an idea, but for 96% of the rest of the readers you understand what I am writing about. We love our dogs and want everyone else to love our dogs. This one gesture got us dog lovers even more excited to come to work on the day we brought our furry baby to work. Remember, it’s the little things. “Doggie Day” just got me thinking about all the other little things that make a big difference at work. Walking by the candy tray and sneaking a Butterfinger, or two; being able to schedule a massage on the firm right about the time law school is getting stressful; being remembered on your birthday; and having Larry make his morning rounds to make sure everyone is ok and that you have everything you need. These are the little things that make people feel appreciated and keeps morale around the office high.

Monday, September 16, 2013

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.