Should contempt proceedings have a right to counsel?

Very interesting article today in the New York Times. Having done numerous Criminal contempt cases for child support violations, I can attest to the difference having an attorney makes. I can't even count the number of times I have seen someone try to fight a contempt petition pro se and get themselves in trouble just by not knowing proper courtroom etiquette. However, I have also seen judges in Davidson County obtain appointed counsel for indigent citizens facing criminal time in a contempt case, particularly with back child support. Regardless, the article is a good read whether you are a Nashville family lawyer or just interested in child support.

The New York Times article can be found here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/us/24scotus.html?_r=1&src=twrhp

xposted to Tumblr

TN Changing Driver's Licenses

Tennessee has begun phasing in new driver's licenses designed to prevent fraud. The IDs contain a new hologram and a barcode.

Full article available HERE from the Tennessean.
Photo from the Tennessean.

TN Supreme Court to look at alimony

The Tennessee Supreme Court is about to delve into family law and take a look at lifetime alimony payments, so good Nashville Divorce attorneys better pay attention.

At issue, a 43 year old woman who had been married 21 years way awarded a lifetime alimony payment on appeal from her divorce, which took place in Sumner County.

For more information, click HERE for the article in today's Tennessean or cut and paste the following link:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110310/NEWS03/110310010/2066/NEWS03/TN-Supreme-Court-considers-change-alimony-payments-

- Morgan Smith, Attorney, www.lawonyourschedule.com

Tsunami in Japan, How You Can Help

Today, an 8.9 earthquake hit Japan and released a horrifying tsunami on the island nation. If you are looking for ways to help, check out this CNN article. It lists several options for helping.

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/11/tsunami-aid-and-relief-how-you-can-help/