Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs) are unfortunately, at times, misused to manipulate a spouse or gain an advantage in court. While many such complaints are denied, it's crucial to take them seriously. Appearing in court without proper legal representation is not advisable.
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An experienced attorney can guide you on how to navigate and even prevent such improper strategies. Therefore, it's important not to delay in seeking legal counsel.

​Furthermore, never take legal advice from your spouse. It's surprising to us attorneys how quickly individuals, without any formal training, seem to become legal experts. Always disregard such advice and rely on qualified legal professionals.

Did you know that Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are excellent vehicles for estate planning, particularly for holding real estate? If you own multiple properties or have a blended family, you need to give serious consideration to transferring real estate into an LLC if you have not already done so.

Many problems arise when an aging and disabled parent places one of their children on their checking account for convenience. This practice creates inequities when the parent passes away. On pay on death (POD) accounts, the remaining balance in the account automatically goes to the designated beneficiary, excluding the other siblings, which may have not been the deceased parent's intention. Therefore, it's crucial to exercise caution and consider the potential consequences before making such a decision.

Kentucky is a joint custody and fifty-fifty parenting time state. It is a high threshold to meet to overcome these rules. Don’t waste your time or money unless the other parent is unfit or dangerous. The greatest abuse in divorce is the use of your children as pawns. The courts will see through it, your attorney fees will skyrocket, and your children will later resent you. 

If a family member has been chosen as executor of a parent's will, don't skip formalities. Even though in the beginning everyone seems to be on the same page, things can change very quickly and a substantial part of the estate can end up being wasted on legal fees as disputes arise. We can help. Contact us today to schedule a free will consultation.

Notaries and CPAs are not attorneys. Unless they have passed the Kentucky Bar Exam, and most have not, it is illegal and a felony to practice law without a license. Reportedly, some notaries are dispensing advice in Louisville to immigrants because in their country of origin notaries are seen as or thought of as attorneys. If you see, here of, or know of notaries or anyone dispensing legal advice without a license, report them to the county attorney or to the Kentucky Bar Association. 

Don’t wait too long to prepare your will. If you are diagnosed that you are at the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, do your will immediately before you lose what is called testamentary capacity. Once you lack that, you will not be able to execute a legal will, and if you do, it may likely be challenged as valid. 

After a judge has signed your divorce decree, oral modifications between the ex spouses as to their marital agreement have no legal effect. If you want to modify your agreement, do it in writing and submit it to the court. 

If you think divorce is bad, wait till you have to pay the attorney's bill. The best way to avoid that is to avoid as much conflict as possible. Always consider the cost. When the marriage is not working out, don't add insult to injury by engaging in needless fights that will cost you thousands in attorney's fees.