champagne Blog

Domestic violence cases are some of the most serious and emotionally charged matters handled in Tennessee courts. A domestic violence charge can arise from a single heated argument or ongoing issues in a relationship. No matter the circumstances, the consequences of such a charge are severe impacting not just your criminal record, but also your family relationships, employment, and reputation. At Champagne Law Firm, with offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, we represent clients across East and Middle Tennessee who are facing domestic violence allegations, as well as victims seeking protection through the court system. What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Tennessee? Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-111, domestic assault occurs when an assault is committed against: Domestic violence charges may include: Penalties for Domestic Violence Domestic violence is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by: However, aggravating factors (such as use of a weapon, prior convictions, or serious bodily injury) can elevate charges to a felony, carrying far harsher penalties. In addition, a domestic violence conviction in Tennessee can result in: Protective Orders in Tennessee Victims of domestic violence may seek an Order of Protection, which can: Protective orders are civil remedies, but violations can lead to new criminal charges. Learn more from the Tennessee Courts – Orders of Protection. Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges A domestic violence accusation can turn your life upside down, even before your case is heard. Defenses may include: An experienced attorney can examine the facts, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your freedom and your reputation. How Champagne Law Firm Can Help At Champagne Law Firm, we understand both sides of domestic violence cases. We represent: With offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, we provide compassionate yet aggressive advocacy for clients across East and Middle Tennessee including Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Nashville, Dandridge, Morristown, Jefferson City, Newport, Maryville, and Townsend. Contact Us Domestic violence cases are highly sensitive and require immediate attention. Whether you are facing charges or seeking protection, the right legal guidance can make all the difference. Contact Champagne Law Firm today at 865-228-8080 or reach out online for a confidential consultation.

Divorce is always a challenge, but when it involves business ownership, complex investments, or multiple real estate holdings, the process requires more than a standard approach. In these situations, you need an attorney who understands not just family law, but also the financial realities behind asset division. At Champagne Law Firm in Tennessee, Attorney Kelly Champagne-Deutekom is a sought-after specialist in high-stakes and high-asset divorce cases. Before becoming an attorney, Kelly spent years as a financial advisor with one of the nation’s leading investment firms. This background allows her to analyze financial portfolios, business interests, and property holdings with precision giving her clients an edge in divorce negotiations and litigation. Why Financial Insight Is Critical in High-Asset Divorce Dividing significant assets is not just about splitting numbers on paper. It often involves: Kelly’s financial background allows her to identify undervalued or overlooked assets, anticipate tax impacts, and ensure her clients are positioned for both immediate and long-term stability. A Team Approach to Complex Divorce Cases High-asset divorces often require input from multiple professionals. Kelly regularly collaborates with: This team-based approach ensures every angle is covered, giving clients confidence in both the process and the outcome. Protecting Your Future in Gatlinburg If you’re facing a divorce in Gatlinburg that involves businesses, investments, partnerships or complex property holdings, you need more than a traditional family law attorney. You need an advocate who can bridge the gap between finance and law to protect your wealth and your future. We proudly serve clients throughout Middle and East Tennessee, with offices in Nashville, Sevierville, and Rogersville. Contact Champagne Law Firm today to speak with a Gatlinburg high stakes and high-asset divorce attorney who brings both financial and legal expertise to the table. Call 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.

Graduating high school is a huge milestone. Whether you’re heading into the workforce, enrolling in college, or simply starting life as an adult, turning 18 means more than freedom it means the law now sees you as fully responsible for your own medical, legal, and financial decisions. For many families, this comes as a surprise. Parents who once had full authority to speak to doctors, manage school records, or sign paperwork suddenly find themselves shut out. That’s why estate planning isn’t just for older adults with property and investments there are immediate benefits for young adults as soon as they reach 18. Why Planning Matters at 18 Picture this: you’re away at college or working a new job when an accident happens, and you’re rushed to the hospital. Without proper legal documents, your parents or loved ones may not be able to access updates or make decisions for you. Even simple things like helping with a bank account issue or signing a lease become complicated once you’re legally independent. Estate planning documents create a bridge. They allow the people you trust to step in during emergencies without taking away your independence. Essential Documents for Young Adults Healthcare Power of AttorneyAppoint someone you trust to make medical decisions if you’re unable to. This ensures that your loved ones—not strangers—are guiding your care in an emergency. HIPAA AuthorizationA HIPAA release gives your chosen family members or guardians access to important medical updates and records. Durable Financial Power of AttorneyThis document lets a trusted person help with banking, paying bills, or signing contracts if you’re out of reach or incapacitated. Living Will (Optional)Although not required, some young adults choose to state their medical wishes in advance. It gives peace of mind and removes uncertainty for loved ones. The Benefits Go Beyond College These documents aren’t only for students. Whether you’re working full-time, serving in the military, or starting a trade, having a basic estate planning documents in place ensures your family can step in to protect you and your future when you can’t. How Champagne Law Firm Can Help At Champagne Law Firm, with offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, we guide young adults and their families through this critical step. Our estate planning options are designed to be simple, affordable, and tailored to your life stage. We make sure the documents meet Tennessee’s requirements and provide lasting protection. Taking the First Step Into Adulthood Turning 18 is about independence, but it’s also about responsibility. Setting up a few key legal documents is one of the smartest ways to start adulthood on the right foot whether you’re off to the University of Tennessee, beginning a trade, or starting your first job. Call Champagne Law Firm at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a consultation about estate planning for young adults.

Planning for the future is about more than deciding who gets what and it is about ensuring that your loved ones are protected, your wishes are honored, and your legacy is preserved. You may already have an idea of how you want your property and personal affairs handled but turning those intentions into a legally enforceable plan can feel overwhelming. Or perhaps you’re unsure where to start and need guidance in identifying your goals and the best way to achieve them. At Champagne Law Firm, our Knoxville estate planning lawyer helps individuals and families throughout Tennessee create customized, legally sound plans so you can move forward with confidence knowing your affairs are in order. Essential Estate Planning Documents A strong estate plan is made up of legal documents that work together to protect your assets and your personal well-being. Our Tennessee estate planning attorney can prepare and review: Trust and will attorneys also assist with business succession planning, charitable giving strategies, and asset protection plans to shield your wealth from creditors and lawsuits. If you are curious about the legal process after a loved one passes, the Knox County Probate Court website offers helpful local information. High-Net-Worth Estate Planning Expertise At Champagne Law Firm, we specialize in complex estate planning for entrepreneurs, investors, business owners, and multi-generational family enterprises. Our experience with high-net-worth estate planning allows us to integrate asset protection and business succession strategies into a single cohesive plan. If you own multiple properties, have substantial investments, manage a closely held business, or wish to preserve wealth for future generations, our team at Champagne Law Firm brings experienced professionals in finance and law. The creation of an estate plan often involves estate planning attorneys working alongside your financial advisors, CPAs, and family office professionals to ensure every detail is addressed. Additional information for Champagne Law Firm’s publication can be found on Yahoo Finance titled: Cracking the Code: The Husking of Financial Advisor Designations. Estate Planning for Second Marriages and Blended Families If you are in a second marriage or have a blended family, estate planning becomes more complex. You may wish to provide for your current spouse while also ensuring that children from a prior marriage receive their intended inheritance. Without proper planning, state law may not divide your assets the way you intended. Our estate planning lawyers in Knoxville use tools such as marital trusts, prenuptial agreements, and blended family wills to avoid conflict. A Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trust, for example, can provide income for a surviving spouse during their lifetime, with the remaining assets passing to your children afterward. Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan Many believe estate planning is only for the wealthy, but anyone can benefit from a solid plan. Without one, state intestacy laws decide who inherits your property, which may not reflect your wishes. An estate plan ensures: Even though Tennessee no longer imposes a state inheritance tax, residents should still understand potential federal tax obligations. The Tennessee Department of Revenue’s estate and inheritance tax page offers helpful information. Keep Your Estate Plan Current Life changes and your plan should too. Major life events like marriage, divorce, a birth, or changes in your financial situation should prompt an immediate review of your estate plan. Even without a major event, reviewing your documents every three to five years ensures they remain current and enforceable. Contact Our Knoxville Estate Planning Lawyer Today Estate planning can be daunting, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Champagne Law Firm we take the time to understand your priorities, explain your options, and craft a plan tailored to your needs. Call us today at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced Knoxville estate planning lawyer and begin protecting your legacy.

Blended families are increasingly common across Tennessee. Whether you are entering a second marriage, raising stepchildren, or managing obligations to children from a prior relationship, your estate plan requires careful thought. The goal is usually twofold: to provide for your spouse while also ensuring your children are not unintentionally disinherited. Without a coordinated plan, family conflict and unintended outcomes are all too common. At Champagne Law Firm, we help families navigate this delicate balance by designing customized estate planning solutions that reflect your real wishes, protect relationships, and reduce the risk of disputes. Key Tools for Blended Family Estate Planning Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements Tennessee law specifically enforces prenuptial (antenuptial) agreements that are entered freely, in good faith, and without duress. These agreements can clarify expectations, protect premarital property, and reduce the chance of disputes down the road. Even after marriage, postnuptial agreements can serve as important clarifying tools, especially where significant assets or business interests are involved. Coordinated Beneficiary Designations Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, pensions, and life insurance policies override the instructions in your will or trust. Without review and coordination, children from a prior marriage could be unintentionally excluded or a spouse could be left unprotected. A well-designed estate plan audits these designations, aligns them with your overall intentions, and ensures there are no hidden gaps. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Blended family estate planning in Tennessee often runs into pitfalls that can undo even the best of intentions. For example: At Champagne Law Firm, we focus on aligning each element of your plan—wills, trusts, titles, and designations so they work together as a complete and cohesive strategy. Thought Leadership and Financial Perspective Choosing the right estate planning attorney is especially critical in second-marriage planning. Many clients are balancing assets like retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and business ownership interests. Our founding attorney, Kelly Champagne-Deutekom, brings a unique background as both a Wall Street veteran and an estate planning attorney. This dual perspective helps clients design estate plans that are not only legally enforceable but also designed with finances and investments in mind.  For a deeper perspective on financial advisor credentials and selection, see Champagne Law Firm’s feature on Yahoo Finance: Cracking the Code: The Husking of Financial Advisor Designations Talk With Us Estate planning for blended families is about more than documents it is about protecting relationships, honoring commitments, and creating peace of mind for everyone involved. We take the time to map out multiple scenarios and outcomes, so your plan reflects exactly what you want, no matter what the future holds. Together, we can create a plan that provides for your spouse, protects your children, and safeguards your legacy. Call us today at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced Tennessee estate planning lawyer and begin protecting your legacy. Champagne Law Firm serves the communities of Middle and East Tennessee with offices in Nashville, Sevierville, and Rogersville.

For many Tennessee business owners, your company is more than just a source of income it is your legacy, your investment, and your family’s security. But what happens if a co-owner retires, becomes disabled, passes away, or simply decides to leave the business? Without a clear plan in place, disputes can arise, valuations can be challenged, and the stability of the company can be put at risk. This is where a buy-sell agreement becomes essential. At Champagne Law Firm, we help business owners across East and Middle Tennessee draft customized buy-sell agreements that provide certainty, prevent conflict, and protect long-term value. What Is a Buy-Sell Agreement? A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding contract between co-owners of a business. It sets the rules for what will happen to an ownership interest if certain “triggering events” occur, such as: By addressing these possibilities upfront, owners avoid disputes and ensure smooth transitions when life events occur. Why Every Business Needs One Without a buy-sell agreement, the transfer of ownership can become unpredictable and disruptive. For example: A buy-sell agreement provides a roadmap, giving clarity to owners, heirs, employees, and clients. The Kelly Champagne-Deutekom Advantage What makes Kelly Champagne-Deutekom particularly effective in drafting buy-sell agreements is her rare combination of financial and legal expertise. This dual background allows Kelly to design agreements that are not only legally sound but also financially practical. Common Structures for Buy-Sell Agreements At Champagne Law Firm, we tailor each agreement to the business and its owners. The most common structures include: Planning Early Is Key The best time to create a buy-sell agreement is long before it’s needed. Waiting until a crisis occurs often leads to rushed, costly, or contested solutions. By planning ahead, you ensure: Champagne Law Firm: Defending Today. Planning Tomorrow. Your business deserves protection against the unexpected. With her unique background as a financial advisor and attorney, Kelly Champagne-Deutekom provides Tennessee business owners with buy-sell agreements that bring peace of mind and stability. If you’re ready to safeguard your company’s future, contact Champagne Law Firm today. With offices in Nashville, Sevierville, and Rogersville we’ll help you design an agreement that protects your investment, your family, and your legacy.

Drug possession charges are some of the most common criminal offenses in Tennessee. While they may seem minor compared to trafficking or distribution cases, a conviction for possession can still carry serious consequences affecting your freedom, your record, and your future opportunities. If you’ve been charged with possession in Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Morristown, Jefferson City, Newport, Maryville, Townsend, Nashville, or anywhere in Middle or East Tennessee, it’s important to understand your rights and options. At Champagne Law Firm, with offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, we represent clients facing possession charges and work aggressively to protect their futures. What Is a Possession Charge? Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-418, it is illegal to knowingly possess or casually exchange a controlled substance without a valid prescription. The seriousness of the charge depends on: Even small amounts can result in arrest and criminal charges. Penalties for Possession in Tennessee Possession charges in Tennessee can lead to: Defending Against a Possession Charge Every case is different, but defenses may include: Why You Need an Attorney A possession charge should never be taken lightly. Without the right representation, you risk fines, jail time, and a lasting record. At Champagne Law Firm, we understand how prosecutors in Tennessee approach these cases, and we work to: Contact Us If you or a loved one is facing a possession charge in Tennessee, the decisions you make today can shape your future for years to come. Contact Champagne Law Firm today at 865-228-8080 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Tennessee criminal defense attorney. With offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, we represent clients across Middle and East Tennessee.

Contracts are the foundation of nearly every business and personal transaction. From construction projects and real estate deals to employment agreements and service contracts, clear and enforceable contracts protect your rights and define your obligations. When a contract is unclear, poorly drafted, or breached, disputes can quickly escalate into costly problems. That’s when you need a Sevierville contracts attorney. At Champagne Law Firm, with offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, we help individuals and businesses across East and Middle Tennessee draft, review, and enforce contracts to safeguard their interests. Why Contracts Matter A strong contract: Without a well-drafted contract, you may find yourself in a vulnerable position if disagreements arise. Common Contract Issues in Sevierville In Sevier County and surrounding communities like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Dandridge, Morristown, Jefferson City, Newport, Maryville, Townsend, and Rogersville, we frequently handle contract matters involving: How Champagne Law Firm Can Help Our attorneys assist clients at every stage of the contract process: We know the business and legal landscape of East Tennessee, and we put that knowledge to work for our clients in Sevierville and beyond. Contact a Sevierville Contracts Attorney Whether you are drafting a new agreement, entering a business partnership, or dealing with a breach of contract, having the right legal guidance can save you time, money, and stress. Contact Champagne Law Firm today at 865-228-8080 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with a Sevierville contracts attorney. With offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, we proudly serve clients across East and Middle Tennessee.

When a loved one passes away, the probate process can feel overwhelming especially if you’re navigating it for the first time. As a Nashville probate lawyer who has helped families throughout Davidson County and Tennessee, I’ve seen common mistakes that delay the process, create unnecessary costs, and sometimes even cause disputes among family members that may ultimately require the expertise of a Nashville litigation attorney. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can save time, money, and stress. 1. Not Filing the Will Promptly In Tennessee, probate begins when the will is filed with the Davidson County Probate Court. Waiting too long can result in administrative delays, missed deadlines, or even additional legal hurdles. Always file the will as soon as possible to begin the process. 2. Overlooking Required Notices The executor must notify creditors, beneficiaries, and other interested parties. Failure to provide the proper legal notice can lead to disputes or the reopening of probate later. Your probate attorney in Nashville can ensure all notices are sent correctly and on time. 3. Skipping a Proper Asset Inventory Tennessee law requires a complete inventory of the deceased’s assets. Leaving items out intentionally or accidentally can cause disputes among heirs and delay distribution. This includes real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, and even sentimental personal property. 4. Ignoring Tax and Debt Obligations Probate includes paying debts, final bills, and any applicable IRS estate and gift taxes. Failing to settle these obligations before distributing assets can result in personal liability for the executor. 5. Trying to Handle Complex Probate Without Legal Help While small estates may seem straightforward, more complex situations such as blended families, business ownership, or out-of-state property may require the guidance of an experienced Nashville wills and probate attorney. Without proper legal support, costly mistakes are more likely. How Champagne Law Firm Can Help At Champagne Law Firm, we handle every stage of probate from filing paperwork to distributing assets while ensuring compliance with Tennessee probate laws. We also provide estate planning services to help families avoid future probate complications. If you need help with a current probate matter or want to prepare your own will, call 865-228-8080 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Nashville probate lawyer.

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee can be a stressful and life-altering experience. With a DUI conviction comes severe consequences and potential jail time, hefty fines, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and long-term financial and personal implications. But remember: an arrest isn’t a conviction. Meticulous defense, grounded in a deep understanding of the law, can make all the difference. DUI Penalties in Tennessee Penalties escalate with each offense: Legislative Changes & Aggravating Factors can increase penalties—even for first-time offenders. Additional information regarding DUI Offenses can be found on the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security website. Common Legal Defenses in DUI Cases Solid DUI defense in Tennessee centers on undermining the state’s evidence. Common strategies include: With strategic review, charges may be reduced or cases dismissed entirely. Why You Should Work With a DUI Defense Attorney Appointing an experienced attorney ensures that: Your Next Steps A DUI arrest doesn’t have to define your future. Taking immediate action gives you the best chance to preserve driving privileges, your record, and your long-term well-being. If you or someone you care about is facing a DUI in Tennessee, don’t wait. Contact your trusted DUI defense attorney today. Champagne Law Firm serves the communities of Middle and East Tennessee with offices in Nashville, Sevierville, and Rogersville. Call us today at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.