champagne Blog

When a loved one passes away, the probate process can feel overwhelming especially if you’re navigating it for the first time. As a Dandridge probate lawyer who has helped families throughout Jefferson 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 Dandridge 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 Jefferson 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 Dandridge 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 Dandridge 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 Dandridge probate lawyer.

In today’s business environment, companies face increasing scrutiny over how they manage retirement plans and executive benefits. Whether your business is large or small, public or private, the responsibility of fiduciary oversight is significant. At Champagne Law Firm, we help employers across Tennessee navigate the complex world of executive compensation, retirement plans, and fiduciary compliance with confidence. Supporting Executive Benefits and Compensation Executive benefits and compensation packages are not just about attracting top talent—they are also about compliance and accountability. We assist companies in structuring executive compensation programs that align with business goals while meeting regulatory requirements. From stock options and deferred compensation plans to retirement packages, our attorneys provide guidance that protects both the company and its leadership. Retirement Plan Compliance and Oversight Managing employee retirement plans comes with strict fiduciary obligations. Companies sponsoring 401(k), 403(b), defined contribution, or defined benefit plans are held to standards of prudence and loyalty under federal law. This means plan sponsors must act in the best interests of participants at all times. We advise employers on their responsibilities, working to reduce risks of enforcement actions by regulatory authorities and addressing compliance issues before they become costly problems. Advising on All Parties in the Retirement Plan Space Retirement plans involve more than just the sponsoring company. Plan providers, third-party administrators, and investment managers all play roles in managing and overseeing these benefits. We work closely with your executive and benefits committees to clarify these relationships and ensure that each party understands its responsibilities. This oversight helps maintain compliance and protects the company from potential liability. Training and Compliance Support Strong fiduciary oversight also requires ongoing education. We provide human resource compliance training that helps your team understand its role in meeting fiduciary duties. By equipping executives, HR professionals, and committee members with the knowledge they need, we help create a culture of compliance and accountability. Corporations have come to lean of the following groups as additional resources: How Champagne Law Firm Can Help At Champagne Law Firm, we know that fiduciary oversight is a serious matter. Attorney Kelly Champagne-Deutekom’s background as former financial advisor and an attorney allows her to provide a comprehensive approach to tailored guidance crucial to your organization. With offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, Champagne Law Firm advises businesses across East and Middle Tennessee on corporate fiduciary oversight. Our services are designed to minimize risks, protect companies from regulatory action, and ensure retirement plans and executive benefits are managed with the highest standards of care. Taking the Next Step Fiduciary oversight isn’t optional—it’s essential. By working with experienced legal counsel, your company can meet its obligations, protect employees, and avoid costly consequences. At Champagne Law Firm, we provide the guidance, training, and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence. Call Champagne Law Firm at 865-228-8080 or reach out online to schedule a consultation about corporate fiduciary oversight and retirement plan compliance in Tennessee.

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee can be a stressful and life-altering experience. With a DUI conviction comes severe consequences—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.

For Tennessee business owners, the company you’ve built represents more than financial success — it’s your legacy. The question is not just how to grow your business today, but how to ensure it continues after you retire, transition leadership, or in the event of the unexpected. Without a thoughtful succession plan, even the most successful enterprises risk conflict, financial loss, or collapse. At Champagne Law Firm, we partner with business owners across East and Middle Tennessee from our offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville to create customized succession strategies. What sets our firm apart is the leadership of Kelly Champagne-Deutekom, who brings a rare combination of experience as both a former financial advisor and now as a seasoned attorney. Why Succession Planning Is Essential A succession plan ensures your business can thrive beyond your direct involvement. Without one, disputes may arise over ownership, management decisions, or distribution of assets. A strong plan can: In short, succession planning protects both the people you care about and the business you’ve worked hard to build. The Kelly Champagne-Deutekom Advantage Many attorneys draft legal documents for succession planning. Few bring the depth of financial and business insight that Kelly does. Before becoming an attorney, Kelly Champagne-Deutekom worked as a licensed financial advisor, managing complex portfolios, advising high-net-worth clients, and analyzing business valuations. She knows firsthand how assets are structured, how retirement and investment plans function, and how financial institutions view ownership transfers. Today, as an attorney, Kelly integrates that financial knowledge with legal precision. She understands not only what the law requires, but also how business, family, and financial interests must align for a plan to succeed in practice. This dual perspective makes her uniquely equipped to guide Tennessee business owners through every facet of succession planning. Tools for Effective Succession Planning At Champagne Law Firm, we use a wide range of strategies to create comprehensive plans tailored to each client. These often include: For business owners exploring long-term strategy, the Small Business Administration (SBA) succession planning resources offer helpful insights. Planning Early Brings Peace of Mind One of the most common mistakes business owners make is waiting too long to start succession planning. Unexpected illness, disputes, or economic downturns can create turmoil if no plan is in place. Starting early allows you to gradually prepare your successors, test strategies, and ensure the business is positioned for the future. At Champagne Law Firm, Kelly works closely with business owners to build plans that are both practical and protective. Her dual experience ensures that your strategy doesn’t just look good on paper, but also works in real-world financial and legal contexts. For Tennessee-specific resources, visit the Secretary of State Business Services Division, which provides guidance on business entities and legal filings. Champagne Law Firm: Defending Today. Planning Tomorrow. Your business deserves a plan as strong as the effort you’ve invested in it. With her unique combination of financial advisory experience and legal expertise, Kelly Champagne-Deutekom stands apart as a trusted advocate for Tennessee business owners. If you’re ready to protect your company’s future, contact Champagne Law Firm today to begin building a succession plan that safeguards your legacy and provides peace of mind for generations to come.

Champagne Law Firm Can Safeguard Your Rights in Tennessee Driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee can be a stressful and life-altering experience. With a DUI conviction comes severe consequences—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.

In Nashville’s fast-growing business environment, information is often your most valuable asset. Whether it’s financial data, customer lists, proprietary designs, or strategic growth plans, protecting that information is critical. A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is one of the most effective legal tools to secure sensitive data, preserve trust, and protect your competitive edge. At Champagne Law Firm, we help Nashville entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners draft, review, and enforce NDAs that are carefully tailored to their industries and objectives. What Is an NDA? A Non-Disclosure Agreement is a legally binding contract that prevents parties from sharing confidential information. NDAs are common in employment relationships, vendor contracts, investment discussions, and potential business partnerships. In Tennessee, NDAs also help safeguard uniform trade secrets under Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-25-1701(4), ensuring that proprietary information—like customer data or technical processes—remains protected. There are two main types: The right type depends on the nature of your business relationship. Why Nashville Businesses Need NDAs Nashville’s growing industries—from healthcare and technology to music and entertainment—thrive on innovation and intellectual property. Without an NDA, sensitive information can be misused. For example: By setting clear expectations, NDAs give Nashville businesses both preventive protection and legal recourse in the event of a breach. Tennessee courts will generally enforce NDAs that are reasonable in scope and duration, making them a crucial safeguard. Essential Provisions of a Strong NDA Not all NDAs are equally effective. To be enforceable and practical, an NDA should include: When an NDA Makes Sense Nashville businesses use NDAs in a wide variety of situations, including: If you are sharing critical business information, you should strongly consider using an NDA. How Champagne Law Firm Supports Nashville Businesses Drafting or reviewing an NDA is not a “check-the-box” exercise. Overly broad NDAs may be rejected by courts, while overly narrow ones can leave gaps in protection. At Champagne Law Firm, we take the time to understand your business, industry, and long-term goals. Attorney Kelly Champagne-Deutekom brings a rare perspective as both a former financial advisor and a practicing attorney. Her dual background allows her to create NDAs that are not just legally enforceable, but strategically aligned with your business and financial interests. Protect Your Competitive Edge If you’re conducting business in Nashville without the protection of a Non-Disclosure Agreement, you may be putting your company at unnecessary risk. An NDA provides peace of mind and legal strength to protect your ideas, data, and reputation. Contact Champagne Law Firm today to work with a trusted Nashville NDA attorney. We proudly serve clients throughout Middle Tennessee, with offices in Nashville, Sevierville, and Rogersville. Call us at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule 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 Rogersville, 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 Rogersville If you’re facing a divorce in Rogersville 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 Rogersville 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.

Property ownership in Tennessee is generally straightforward—you purchase land, record your deed, and enjoy your rights as the legal owner. But under certain circumstances, someone who is not the deed holder may be able to claim ownership of property through a legal principle known as adverse possession. At Champagne Law Firm, we help property owners and landholders understand their rights when faced with potential adverse possession claims or disputes over boundary lines. What Is Adverse Possession? Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows someone to claim ownership of land they have occupied and used openly for a set period of time, even if another person holds legal title. The idea is rooted in fairness and practicality: if a property owner fails to assert their rights for many years while another person continuously uses the land, the law may eventually recognize the possessor’s claim. Requirements for Adverse Possession in Tennessee Tennessee law (see Tennessee Code Title 28 – Limitations of Actions) sets out specific requirements for adverse possession. To succeed, the possessor’s use of the land must be: In Tennessee, the required time period varies: Common Situations Leading to Adverse Possession Adverse possession disputes often arise in cases involving: Why Adverse Possession Matters Adverse possession can have significant consequences for property owners. If a neighbor or other individual meets the legal requirements, they can file a lawsuit to quiet title and potentially gain ownership of your land. For property owners, vigilance is key. Failing to regularly inspect and protect your property could result in the loss of valuable land over time. How an Attorney Can Help Adverse possession cases are complex, requiring careful review of deeds, surveys, historical records, and witness testimony. At Champagne Law Firm, we help clients: Final Thoughts Adverse possession is a powerful but often misunderstood legal concept. Whether you’re concerned about losing land or believe you may have a claim to property you’ve used for years, it’s essential to seek legal guidance.

Champagne Law Firm Can Safeguard Your Rights in Tennessee Driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee can be a stressful and life-altering experience. With a DUI conviction comes severe consequences—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 StepsA 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.

Getting pulled over for speeding in Gatlinburg is stressful, whether you are a lifelong resident or a visitor exploring Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains. The Gatlinburg Police Department, Sevier County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, actively patrol major roads, making traffic enforcement a priority. What feels like “just a ticket” can quickly lead to higher insurance premiums, points on your license, or even the suspension of your driving privileges. If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Gatlinburg or anywhere in Sevier County, hiring an experienced attorney is one of the smartest decisions you can make. At Champagne Law Firm, our Gatlinburg speeding ticket lawyer helps locals, commercial drivers, and tourists protect their records and their wallets. Why a Speeding Ticket Matters More Than You Think Paying a fine might seem like the easiest option, but a conviction for speeding has long-term consequences under Tennessee traffic laws. Having a Sevier County traffic attorney on your side can often prevent these outcomes by fighting to reduce or dismiss the charges. How Champagne Law Firm Can Help At Champagne Law Firm, we don’t just handle tickets—we handle them strategically. Our legal team offers: Locals, Tourists, and Commercial Drivers May All Benefit for Attorney Services  No matter your situation, our goal is to fight for the best possible outcome so you can move forward without lasting consequences. Contact Our Gatlinburg Speeding Ticket Lawyer Today When you search for a Gatlinburg speeding ticket lawyer or a traffic attorney in Sevier County, Tennessee, we want you to know that Champagne Law Firm is here with the experience and dedication you deserve. Don’t let a speeding citation damage your record or your future. Whether you live in Sevier County or you were just passing through, Champagne Law Firm can fight for your rights and help you achieve the best possible resolution. Call us today at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.