The shame of debt can blind us into believing that we have failed, and also that we are alone in having done so. If there is a silver lining in this strange and terrifying time, it’s that all Americans are in this together. If you’re considering filing bankruptcy during coronavirus-triggered financial hardships, rest assured you’re not alone. Nobody should ever feel like a failure for struggling with debt or filing for bankruptcy, even under more normal circumstances. I hope that recent figures of Americans filing for unemployment can remind you that countless other people are right there with you. 22 Million Americans Have Filed for Unemployment The coronavirus has impacted nearly all aspects of everyday life in America. It has
As the coronavirus prevents us from exploring the outside world, it’s also changed how we behave inside our homes, shaking up our ordinary routines—for better or worse. Wearing pajamas around the clock is relatively harmless, but some of the changes negatively impact our health. Throughout the country, many Americans have interpreted stay-at-home orders as permission to drink alone during the day. According to alcohol.org, 1 in 3 Americans say they are likely to drink more alcohol in isolation. This trend hits close to home; the same study showed that 33% of Tennesseans are drinking at home during the workday. Here are some recent numbers from Nielsen that help paint a picture of this dangerous trend. During the third week of
As numerous businesses close or go virtual in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, we’ve received many questions about how this crisis has impacted our work. Like all of you, we’re adjusting to these circumstances and taking precautions to keep all employees safe. But one thing has not changed: our commitment to our clients. That commitment has become even more critical over the past few weeks. Compensation for an accident or work injury is of the utmost importance during an economic downturn. Undoubtedly, there is a unique degree of uncertainty in these times, but the process for filing a personal injury case is the same it’s always been. We are operating with the same hours. Below, we’ve compiled answers to
April 15th suddenly carries less weight this year. Last month, the Treasury Department and the IRS extended the annual tax filing deadline until July 15th due to the coronavirus pandemic, a much welcomed three-month reprieve. But just because we have a reprieve doesn’t mean we should procrastinate. This is a time where many folks are hurting. Like many of you, I’m grateful that the IRS has made it easier for anyone struggling to make ends meet. However, from my perspective as a Memphis bankruptcy lawyer, tax season is a time for action. Whether you owe or if you’re getting a refund, I encourage you to tackle your taxes sooner rather than later. Your tax refund could be the key to
Though we all must take necessary precautions and practice social distancing to protect ourselves from COVID-19, elders face the greatest risk. As a Memphis personal injury lawyer, I know nursing homes can quickly become hotspots, as evidenced by the Life Care Center of Kirkland in Washington state. As of last month, at least 35 coronavirus-related deaths were linked to the Center. At one point, it accounted for more than half of the death toll in America. Washington’s Life Care Center is not alone. At an assisted living facility in New Jersey, nearly a hundred people have had the virus, Business Insider reports. It’s clear that nursing homes can quickly become dangerous for their residents. While the pandemic is beyond our
Police officers have a standard procedure for dealing with different suspicions. There are federal and state laws that mandate their behavior and the steps they must take throughout an investigation. When it comes to dealing with drunk drivers, the police must gather evidence quickly to confirm that the driver is driving under the influence. They have an array of tools at their disposal, but perhaps the most important are the breathalyzer, blood and urine tests. The only way to prove someone is driving impaired is to administer one of these tests. So, what if the driver refuses to submit? Take a look at how this could affect the driver’s defense. Implied Consent Laws Driving is a privilege reserved for those
Personal Injury Lawyer To be appointed the executor of someone’s will is a huge responsibility. You are in charge of disbursing your loved one’s assets and property to their beneficiaries. This is a powerful position where you must take on a lot of different roles. If you are unprepared for it, it can turn into a mess when you reach probate court. Having a lawyer by your side can alleviate your concerns and some of your duties. Here is what you need to know about executing a will. Call an Attorney If you are appointed the executor of a will, you should contact an attorney. While you can technically do it on your own, it can help to have someone
Few Americans were prepared for the severity of the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, I think it’s fair to say that few of us were prepared to face a pandemic in the first place. With every new day, the outlook seems more grim. Just as the spread of the disease itself has intensified, so too have the economic pressures. Economists are now predicting a much worse forecast than they were even two weeks ago. As a Memphis bankruptcy lawyer, I know we all need to prepare for that outcome. There’s always a reason for hope, even in the darkest hour. However, true change requires not only hope, but action as well. Here’s my advice to anyone who is concerned about debt
As more schools and businesses shut down across the country because of the coronavirus pandemic, many Americans see their homes as safe zones. I know that while staying inside may protect us from the spread of COVID-19, social distancing has brought new risks for injuries. As a Memphis personal injury lawyer, I know this is a difficult time for children who can longer expend their energy through daily recess. It is impossible for working parents to keep an eye on their children at all times. An unimaginable number of responsibilities have rested on the shoulders of parents across the nation over the past few weeks. They are working from home, cooking and caring for the family, and taking on the
Up to 80% of Americans say they live paycheck to paycheck. Many are unprepared for unexpected $400 expenses. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, more people than ever before are working fewer hours or losing their jobs completely. We should anticipate that more people will consider new ways to make ends meet, including payday loans. As a Memphis bankruptcy lawyer, I am asking you to think long and hard before resorting to these forms of short-term relief. I know these are trying times, but nothing is worth spiraling further into a nearly impossible-to-break cycle of debt. Often, payday loans entice people who do not qualify for traditional loans. It’s a cruel irony that vulnerable people, who are the least