Author Archives: Paul Jeter
Parental Rights When Your Child Has Visitation With The Other Parent
In 2014, A Williamson County Judge was instrumental in changing Tennessee parental rights law to allow both parents to remain informed of their child’s life. The modification of the law which went into effect on July 1, 2014 is intended to reduce a parent’s attempts to alienate a child’s relationship with the other parent. The amendment to the law makes it mandatory for parents to share information about their child. A parent exercising visitation or parenting time must provide the other parent with, among other things:
- a telephone number where the child may be reached, and
- deliver all letters, packages and other materials sent to the child by the other parent as soon as received, and
- notify the other parent of any hospitalization, major illness or injury or death of the child, and
- provide the name, address, and telephone number of the child’s school or information to the other parent that the child is being homeschooled, and
- if leaving the state for more than 48 hours, provide the other parent an itinerary which shall include the planned dates of departure and return, the intended destinations and mode of travel and telephone numbers.
There are other requirements that parents must comply with as well found in T.C.A. § 36-6-101.
If a parent does not abide by the law, that parent can be held in contempt, which could mean going to jail, paying a fine, and paying the other parent’s attorney fees. Complying with the amended law can also be considered when attempting to modify or change custody of a child.
Call Paul at 615-256-4747 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation to discuss any problems with parental rights that you might be facing. The Paul D. Jeter Law Firm is located in the Historic Washington Square Building in Downtown Nashville and Paul has successfully represented clients from all over Tennessee, including: Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Dickson.
How Much Auto Insurance Should I Have?
My insurance agent called me the other day for my yearly review of my auto insurance coverage. The discussion we had reminded me that many of my clients and other drivers in Tennessee do not have sufficient coverage to protect themselves in case of injuries from a car wreck. There are a great number of people in Tennessee that are driving without insurance even though it is required by law.
Tennessee requires that a driver have $25,000/$50,000 in liability coverage. Remember that liability coverage only covers other people who are injured and not the at-fault driver. $25,000 covers one injured individual and $50,000 would cover all injured parties who were hurt in a car wreck. $25,000 is not very much money to cover severe injuries and resulting medical bills from car wreck. So, how do you protect yourself if someone hits you with minimum or no coverage? Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is the answer. Tennessee law does not require UM/UIM coverage but it will cover you in the event that you are injured in a wreck with an uninsured or underinsured driver. UM coverage can be purchased on your policy and can be used in place of the insurance of the other driver when that person does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages. UM/UIM coverage is the best way to assure that you can protect yourself in the event that you are in car wreck with an uninsured/underinsured driver.
As a driver, you also want to have a policy that protects you and your family if you are at fault in a car accident. You do not want to be driving with minimum policy limits and risk losing your personal assets, including your home, because you don’t have enough car insurance. If you do not have enough automobile insurance, an injured person can come after your personal belongings to recover for his or her damages. The safest and most financially sound decision you can make is to have higher than required liability coverage and UM/UIM coverage. Here is what I would recommend that you have for insurance coverage:
- A minimum of $250,000/$500,000 in liability coverage to protect your personal assets.
- A minimum of $250,000/$500,000 in UM/UIM coverage to protect yourself in the event that you are injured by an uninsured/underinsured driver.
- A $1,000,000 liability and UM/UIM umbrella policy to serve as a back up to your liability and UM/UIM policies in case of a very serious injury.
In the case that you cannot afford these amounts, I would still never carry a policy lower that $100,000 in liability and UM/UIM coverage. It is always a good idea to call your insurance agent and check what type of coverage you have and make sure you are taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family.
If you have any questions regarding insurance or have been hurt in a car wreck, call Paul at 615-256-4747 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation. The Paul D. Jeter Law Firm is located in the Historic Washington Square Building in Downtown Nashville and Paul has represented clients from all over Tennessee, including: Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Dickson.
Parents, Kids and Divorce
This is a guest blog from my college roommate and Clinical Psychologist, Salmaan Toor. He offers some great advice on how to help children handle the divorce process.
There is no easy way to say it, a divorce breaks up a family. However, a divorce doesn’t have to leave a family broken. Divorce can be very messy. If you are a parent getting a divorce, there are many ways that you can make the process easier on your kids. Here are a few suggestions on how to help your kids through a divorce:
It’s not your fault. You would be surprised by how many kids feel that the divorce is their fault. Kids tell me they think their parents are getting divorced because they didn’t brush their teeth enough or because they cry when they fall. It’s very important to let your children know that the divorce has nothing to do with them, and has everything to do with the parents.
Minimize exposure to conflict. Don’t fight in front of your kids, just don’t do it. No, it doesn’t help them learn that fighting is a part of a relationship. They have their entire lives to learn that, including their own peer and romantic relationships. When conflict arises, save the conversation for a later time when the kids are at school, at a friend’s house, or when you and your spouse can assure privacy.
Allow your children to process their feelings. Your kids may seem okay, but they are feeling and thinking all sorts of things. Give them a space to process their feelings. Ask them regularly how they are feeling about everything and keep in contact with teachers and other adults in their lives. If they don’t want to talk to you, find a therapist or a trusted family member or friend that they can confide in. Let them be angry, sad, and even critical.
Don’t use your kids as messengers. Don’t do it. If there is something that needs to be said to your ex, find a way to do it without involving your kids. If talking in person is unproductive, use the phone. If that is unproductive use email or send a letter. All too often, kids are seen as the mediators. It’s unhealthy and can have long-lasting, negative effects on your kids.
Avoid criticizing your ex in front of the kids. Divorce is hard, especially when you feel you were betrayed or hurt in the process. It’s important to remember that as frustrated and angry you might be at your ex, your ex is still your kids’ parent. Kids report one of the hardest things for them is hearing one parent talk badly about the other parent. It makes kids uncomfortable, sad, confused, and resentful.
Try to keep some level of stability. A divorce is extremely unsettling in many ways. Two houses, constantly moving back and forth, new family members, etc. are all major changes. Keep some sense of stability in your kids’ lives by maintaining their hobbies, friendships, and other interests. If Saturday night is movie night, then keep it that way.
Take care of yourself. The divorce process is stressful, even if at some level it’s a relief. Find support in family and friends, seek out therapy if needed, and participate in appropriate activities that help relieve your stress. Like any stressful experience, self-care is vital for your physical and psychological well-being.
Reassure and love your kids. Last but not least, love your kids. Make certain that they know they still have two parents who love them very much. Kids need to know that they are loved and cherished in difficult times, especially when they feel they may be a part of the issue. It’s important to be more attuned to your kids during a divorce, they need to be reassured of their importance in your life.
These are general tips for helping your children during the divorce process. These strategies can also be helpful for families that aren’t going through a separation or divorce. Each family is unique and you may find yourself thinking one or all of these tips don’t relate to your family. That’s okay. My hope is that the general themes presented can fit in some way for each family.
Thanks for reading and feel free to share.
Salmaan Toor, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Find more great family information from Dr. Toor at: www.tfcknoxville.com
Happy 2014 From The Paul D. Jeter Law Firm!
We hope everyone had a great holiday season and enjoyed some relaxing time with family and friends. As we begin 2014, please remember that the Paul D. Jeter Law Firm is ready to assist you with all of your legal needs including the following:
- Personal Injury – Car Wrecks, Motorcycle Accidents, Tractor Trailer Accidents
- Family Law – Divorce, Child Support, Child Custody, Adoptions
- Workers’ Compensation
- Business Law – Forming LLCs, Contracts, Non-Competes and more
- Probate and Estate Administration
- Criminal Law
- Wills
If you are in need of legal assistance this year, call Paul at 615-256-4747 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs. The Paul D. Jeter Law Firm is located in the Historic Washington Square Building in Downtown Nashville and Paul has successfully represented clients from all over Tennessee, including: Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Dickson.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season and we are looking forward to a great 2014 of serving all of your legal needs. Happy Holidays!
Paul Jeter
Modifying Parenting Plans Now Easier In Tennessee
The Tennessee Supreme Court recently ruled that parenting plans for divorced parents can be modified by any change in circumstance, even those changes that could have been foreseen at the time the original parenting plan was established. Until the decision in Andrew K. Armbrister v. Melissa H. Armbrister was released on October 21, 2013, any significant changes in circumstances that were reasonably foreseeable at the time of the original parenting plan was enacted were not grounds for modification.
This ruling should greatly increase the number of Petitions to Modify Parenting Plans that are granted by Judges throughout Tennessee. A parent is who attempting to modify the residential schedule of a parenting plan no longer has the burden to prove that the change in circumstance was not anticipated or foreseen at the time of the Final Decree. A remarriage, a change in stability of a lifestyle, children growing older and other “foreseen” circumstances can now be used to modify a residential schedule in a permanent parenting plan.
Call Paul at 615-256-4747 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation to discuss a possible change in Parenting Plan if your circumstances have changed since your divorce. The Paul D. Jeter Law Firm is located in the Historic Washington Square Building in Downtown Nashville and Paul has successfully represented clients from all over Tennessee, including: Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Dickson.
Halloween Safety Tips
As we all prepare for one of the most exciting nights of the year for our children it is important to keep in mind a few tips to make sure Halloween is safe and fun for everyone. Did you know that children are twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year? Here are a few basic reminders that we should all consider before our kids trick-or-treat:
1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers. The days are getting shorter and most people will trick or treat when it is dark so reflective tape or stickers will be much more visible to those driving.
2. Avoid masks that obstruct the view of your children. Face paint is a great alternative.
3. Have your children carry flashlights or glow sticks to increase visibility and to make it easier for drivers to see them.
4. Make sure an adult accompanies young children. Obviously you know how mature your kids are but I would suggest that an adult supervise kids under 13 years old.
5. If you have children mature enough to trick-or-treat on their own, make sure they stick to areas and neighborhoods they are familiar with and trick-or-treat in groups.
6. Double-check your children’s costumes to make sure they fit. Costumes that are too big can cause kids to trip or fall.
7. Double check the candy and make sure that your kids don’t eat anything that has been previously opened or looks suspicious.
8. Be especially cautious and on the look out for trick-or-treaters when you are on your way home from work and driving. It is not a bad idea to get home a little early on Halloween to help decrease traffic in your neighborhood.
9. HAVE A FUN HALLOWEEN!
The Paul D. Jeter Law Firm is located in the Historic Washington Square Building in Downtown Nashville and Paul has successfully represented clients from all over Tennessee, including: Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Dickson.
Legal Tips Before Traveling Abroad
My sister-in-law and her husband are traveling out of the country this week and I was reminded of the importance to have a few things in order before traveling abroad. Here are a few tips to make your travels less stressful:
1. Make Sure You Have A Will
If you have a will, make sure it is up to date and that it accurately reflects your wishes. Make sure that you leave a copy of your Will with a family member or friend.
If you don’t have a Will, contact our office and we can assist you in getting all the necessary document s completed before you travel.
2. Complete a Healthcare Power of Attorney For Your Children
If you are traveling without your children, a healthcare power of attorney is a document that allows the temporary guardian of your children to make medical decisions for them while you are traveling. This document can be helpful if there is a medical emergency while you are away.
3. Check Your Overseas Medical Insurance Coverage
Contact your health insurer to determine if your policy applies overseas. If not, it might be wise to consider supplemental insurance.
4. Leave a Copy of Your Itinerary With Family or Friends
In case of an emergency, your family of friends will know exactly how to find and contact you.
5. Familiarize Yourself With Local Laws and Customs
You will be subject to the laws of the country that you are visiting, so be sure to do a little research before your travel. Travel agencies, embassies and tourist bureaus are valuable resources. Also, keep an eye on the news to check for any recent developments in the country you are traveling to.
Be sure to have fun on your trip and if you need any assistance before you go, call Paul at 615-256-4747 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation. The Paul D. Jeter Law Firm is located in the Historic Washington Square Building in Downtown Nashville and Paul has represented clients from all over Tennessee, including: Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Dickson.
Medical Treatment After an Injury
I am continually running into problems in my cases where an injured client does not continue medical treatment or has large gaps in treatment after an injury. Insurance companies and defense attorneys are using this against injured to claim that they were not hurt “that bad” or that they are just going back to the doctor to raise the amount of medical bills. Here a re a few tips to keep in mind if you have been injured at work or due to the negligence of another party:
1. Go To The Emergency Room Immediately
When you are injured, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment to determine the extent of your injuries. If possible, be sure to tell the treating physician exactly what part of your body is pain. This will help immediately document what and where is hurting.
2. Follow Up With a Primary Care Doctor or Specialist
The ER doctor will usually advise you to follow up with a specialist or primary care doctor. It is important to schedule these appointments as soon as possible if you are still in pain.
3. Attend All of Your Physical Therapy Sessions
When a doctor prescribes physical therapy, it is a good idea to attend all the visits and not to skip any sessions. Even if you are feeling better toward the end of therapy, continue to go to all the sessions that your doctor prescribed.
4. Avoid Large Gaps in Treatment
If you continue to have pain from your injuries, do not wait several months to go back to your doctor. Try to see your doctor at least once a month if you continue to have problems.
5. Do Not seek Pain Medication Refills Without Consulting your Doctor
Pain medication can be very helpful for serious injuries but doctors and medical offices will document if you are frequently using more than is prescribed and are seeking refills before the prescription has run out. Use only the amounts that your doctor has advised and talk to the doctor, in person, to discuss other options if the medication is not helping.
6. Complete Your Treatment Before Settling Your Case
In Tennessee, you only have one chance to settle your case, so it is important for you to have all your treatment completed before you consider a settlement offer from an insurance company. There are some injuries that will require future medical treatment and that can be calculated with the help of your attorney and doctors. If you do not require future medical care, be sure that your doctor has released you from care before you think about settling your case.
Call Paul at 615-256-4747 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your injuries and medical treatment. The Paul D. Jeter Law Firm is located in the Historic Washington Square Building in Downtown Nashville and Paul has successfully represented clients from all over Tennessee, including: Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Dickson.
What to Do When You are in a Car Wreck
What To Do When You Are In A Car Wreck
I am often asked by my clients and friends what they should do if they are involved in a car wreck. Each situation is different but here are a few helpful steps to take to assist you in properly documenting your claim and protecting your interests moving forward.
- Call the Police/Ambulance
Make sure that you or someone else has called the police and an ambulance if, necessary. A police report is a very helpful tool in documenting information about both parties and is necessary when there is extensive damage to your vehicle.
- Seek Medical Treatment
Go to the Emergency Room if you are in pain. Many people tell me they don’t like going to the Hospital and try to tough it out. If you are in pain, you need to get medical treatment as soon as possible. If you are injured and don’t go to the Emergency room, insurance companies can use this against you and claim that you were not hurt,
- Do Not Admit Fault
Do not admit fault to anyone. Focus on getting the proper medical treatment before you make any statements.
- Move Your Vehicle If You Or Other Drivers Are In Danger
If your vehicle is in a dangerous position, move it to the side of the road.
- Exchange Insurance Information
If you are able to, exchange insurance information with the other parties involved in the wreck.
- Take Pictures of Vehicles
If you are able, take pictures of damage to all vehicles involved in the wreck.
- Take Pictures of Your Injuries
Have a friend or family member take pictures of your injuries. This will allow you or your attorney to properly document injuries when you are negotiating your claim.
- Call A Lawyer
Lastly, and most importantly, TALK TO A LAWYER! DO NOT talk or give a statement to an insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. An attorney can properly advise you on how to approach your case and protect your claim.
Call Paul at 615-256-4747 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation. The Paul D. Jeter Law Firm is located in the Historic Washington Square Building in Downtown Nashville and Paul has successfully represented clients from all over Tennessee, including: Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Dickson