In Tennessee, there are two types of statutes that might bar an otherwise meritorious claim: (1) statutes of limitation; and (2) statutes of repose. A construction defect case may be filed within the statute of limitation, but, nevertheless, be barred by the statute of repose which establishes an outer limit…
Rather than executing an entirely new will to change a provision in a will or, in order to make a specific bequest of property, sometimes a person will execute a codicil to an existing will, which, in effect, changes the will. Generally, codicils to wills are enforceable in Tennessee to…
Many real estate contracts, and other contracts, which are entered into in Tennessee and governed by Tennessee law, contain “time is of the essence” clauses. What difference do such clauses make in Tennessee contracts? A recent decision of the Tennessee Court of Appeals demonstrates how such a clause can make…
Landowners in Tennessee sometimes become defendants in eminent domain cases (also called condemnation actions) filed by the state, or a city or county government. These cases often become “battles of appraisers.” When the government files a condemnation case, it must pay just compensation to the landowner. Tennessee courts have defined…
This blog addresses Tennessee law regarding the liability of members of Tennessee limited liability companies to other members and/or to the LLC itself. In 1994, the “Tennessee Limited Liability Company Act” became law in Tennessee. In 2005, the “Tennessee Revised Limited Liability Company Act” became law. The Revised Act added…
Frequently, as part of a divorce, a spouse is required to maintain life insurance for the benefit of the other spouse or for children. In our practice, we have been involved in several cases where, in spite of a requirement in a divorce decree or marital dissolution agreement, a spouse…
In our practice, we are pretty frequently involved in cases (usually undue influence cases) where parties, usually relatives, are at odds over who should receive funds owned by a deceased relative in a bank account, or certificate of deposit. A recent case from the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Guess v.…
A recent opinion of the Tennessee Court of Appeals in a construction defect case between a homeowner and a contractor is worth the read for any lawyer or homeowner contemplating a breach of contract case against a contractor. The opinion touches on two areas of the law that might be…
In Tennessee, as in many other states, the law is not so technical as to deny a party a right to recover on a breach of contract claim just because the party’s contract was not expressed adequately either in writing or verbally. Where the facts make it clear that parties…
To say that Tennessee law which governs the rights of contractors and subcontractors to place liens on property is complex and full of potential pitfalls is an understatement. If you are owed money for work or materials, you should consult with a qualified, experienced construction lien attorney as soon as…