champagne Blog

Douglas Lake is one of East Tennessee’s favorite destinations for fishing, water sports, and family outings. But a relaxing day on the water can turn stressful fast if it ends with flashing blue lights and handcuffs. Many boaters don’t realize that operating a vessel under the influence carries penalties very similar to driving under the influence (DUI). If you were arrested on Douglas Lake, it’s important to understand what you’re facing and how to protect yourself. TWRA Authority on Douglas Lake The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is responsible for enforcing boating laws across Tennessee lakes and rivers. On Douglas Lake, TWRA officers frequently patrol to ensure safety. They can stop your boat for equipment checks, investigate reports of reckless operation, and test operators suspected of impairment. The boating environment itself can intensify the impact of alcohol. Sun exposure, engine vibration, heat, and wave action all combine to magnify the effects of drinking. This means that consuming even a small amount of alcohol on the water can leave you more impaired than expected. If TWRA believes you’re operating unsafely, they may request field sobriety exercises, administer a breath test, or seek a blood sample. Refusal to comply can lead to additional consequences, including suspension of your boating privileges. Tennessee BUI Law Under Tennessee law, it’s unlawful to operate a boat or personal watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%, the same as for vehicles on the road. Importantly, you do not need to appear visibly intoxicated; if alcohol or drugs have reduced your ability to operate the boat safely, you can still be arrested. A boating under the influence (BUI) charge is a criminal matter. While the penalties differ somewhat from DUI cases, the consequences are serious and can affect more than just your boating privileges. Penalties if Convicted Beyond the direct penalties, a conviction may affect your insurance rates, employment, and even professional licenses. Potential Defenses Defending against a BUI arrest on Douglas Lake requires careful legal review. Some possible defenses include: An experienced defense attorney will investigate whether your constitutional rights were respected and whether all TWRA procedures were correctly followed. Why Work with Champagne Law Firm At Champagne Law Firm, we know the local courts, Douglas Lake, and the unique aspects of BUI defense. We have extensive experience handling both criminal charges and administrative boating privilege hearings. If you were arrested on Douglas Lake by TWRA, we can examine every detail of your case and challenge questionable evidence. Being arrested on the water is not something to take lightly. Your freedom, reputation, and ability to enjoy Tennessee’s lakes may be at stake. Acting quickly gives you the strongest chance at a positive outcome. Contact Champagne Law Firm today for a confidential consultation. We’re ready to stand up for your rights and help you move forward with confidence.

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 Brentwood If you’re facing a divorce in Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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.

When a loved one passes away, the probate process can feel overwhelming especially if you’re navigating it for the first time. As a Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City probate lawyer.

A trip to Gatlinburg is meant to be filled with mountain views, family adventures, and unforgettable memories. But when an accident happens whether on the road, at a Smoky Mountain attraction, or in a local business the excitement can quickly turn into stress, pain, and financial hardship. When you’re injured because of someone else’s negligence, having the right legal team on your side makes all the difference. Why Legal Representation Matters Navigating a personal injury case can be complex, and legal representation is often recommended to ensure that the injured party’s rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their losses. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly, offering far less than what a victim truly needs to cover medical bills, lost income, and long-term suffering. A skilled attorney helps level the playing field. What a Personal Injury Attorney Does At Champagne Law Firm, we advocate for clients every step of the way. Our role includes: Many cases are resolved through settlements, but when a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to take the case to court and fight for the outcome our clients deserve. Common Personal Injury Cases in Gatlinburg In a tourist destination like Gatlinburg, personal injury cases come in many forms: No matter the type of injury, the common thread is negligence—someone failed to take reasonable care, and you’re left paying the price. How Champagne Law Firm Can Help With offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, Champagne Law Firm serves both locals and visitors who suffer injuries in Gatlinburg and throughout Middle and East Tennessee. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges of personal injury cases in a tourist town, from navigating insurance coverage to addressing jurisdictional issues when out-of-state visitors are involved. We take the time to listen to your story, build a strategy tailored to your needs, and fight for full compensation. Take the First Step Toward Recovery The days after an accident are stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. If you’ve been injured in Gatlinburg or anywhere in the Smoky Mountain region, let Champagne Law Firm stand by your side. Call us today at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Gatlinburg personal injury attorney.

Estate planning is never one-size-fits-all, and for high-net-worth families in Tennessee, it is often far more complex than simply deciding “who gets what.” Wealth is tied to business ownership, investment portfolios, charitable foundations, partnerships, and real estate holdings that require sophisticated planning. That’s why choosing the right attorney is so important and why Kelly Champagne-Deutekom brings a unique approach. Prior to founding Champagne Law Firm, Kelly built her career as one of the youngest licensed financial advisors in the United States. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Kelly gained valuable insight into the world of finance and investments while working for one of the nation’s leading firms. She advised clients on the workings of Wall Street, guiding them through advanced investment vehicles, valuations, and asset management strategies. Today, as a practicing attorney, she brings that unique financial insight directly into her estate planning practice. For clients, this means not only receiving strong legal documents but also strategies designed to safeguard wealth across generations. Kelly’s clients are often business owners, entrepreneurs, and families who have spent decades building significant estates. She understands the challenges they face—whether it’s reducing estate taxes, shielding assets from creditors, or preparing the next generation to responsibly inherit wealth. Her background allows her to speak fluently about investment accounts, retirement planning, and succession structures in a way that most attorneys cannot. At Champagne Law Firm, Kelly designs trusts and estate plans tailored to each family’s needs. For blended families, she helps balance the needs of a surviving spouse with children from prior marriages. For entrepreneurs, she develops buy-sell agreements, succession plans, and business continuation strategies that keep companies stable through transitions. For families with charitable goals, she structures trusts and foundations that maximize impact while minimizing tax burdens. What truly sets Kelly apart is her ability to connect the financial and legal worlds. Many attorneys focus solely on documents, while financial advisors focus solely on investments. Kelly bridges that gap. Her dual expertise allows her to work closely with a client’s financial advisor, CPA, and other trusted representatives to ensure that every plan is both legally enforceable and financially sound. Based in Tennessee with offices serving Nashville, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Rogersville, Kelly works closely with families who want more than cookie-cutter solutions. Her clients value her depth of knowledge, her practical experience, and her commitment to protecting what matters most—their legacy. Estate planning for high-net-worth families is about more than avoiding probate. It is about creating stability, preserving values, and ensuring wealth continues to serve generations to come. With Kelly Champagne-Deutekom as your estate planning attorney, you gain more than legal counsel—you gain a partner who understands the full picture of wealth and law.

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.

Planning for the future is about more than deciding who gets what—it’s 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 Bean Station 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 Grainger 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. Click here to view Champagne Law Firm’s publication 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 Bean Station 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 taxpage 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 Bean Station 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 Bean Station estate planning lawyer and begin protecting your legacy.

In Knoxville’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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville Businesses Need NDAs Knoxville’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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville NDA attorney. We proudly serve clients throughout Middle and East Tennessee, with offices in Nashville, Sevierville, and Rogersville. Call us at 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.

When personal safety is at risk, Tennessee law provides a critical tool—orders of protection. Commonly known as restraining orders, these court-issued remedies are designed to stop abuse, stalking, harassment, or threats and to protect victims from further harm. At the same time, for individuals who have been served with an order, the stakes are equally serious: violations carry criminal consequences and can affect everything from employment to parenting rights. Whether you are seeking protection or responding to an order, understanding the process is vital. Who Qualifies for an Order of Protection? Tennessee law authorizes orders of protection for victims of domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and certain other harmful conduct. Domestic abuse includes not only spouses and romantic partners but also former partners, roommates, and close family members. A person seeking protection may file a petition with the court. In urgent cases, a judge can issue a temporary ex parte order the same day before the accused party is even notified. This provides immediate protection. Within 15 days, a full hearing is scheduled where both parties have the opportunity to present testimony, evidence, and witnesses. The Tennessee Courts website offers forms, filing locations, and step-by-step instructions, but the process can still feel overwhelming without legal guidance. An experienced Sevierville order of protection lawyer can help ensure your petition or your defense is handled properly. What an Order Can Do An order of protection is more than just a “no contact” directive. Depending on the situation, a court may: Violating any of these provisions is a criminal offense. Beyond criminal penalties, a violation can affect professional licenses, background checks, and future legal matters. If You Are Seeking Protection The more evidence you provide, the stronger your case. Consider taking these steps: Document incidents: Keep a detailed log of dates, times, and descriptions of abusive or threatening behavior. Save evidence: Preserve text messages, emails, voicemails, social media posts, or photos that support your claims. Identify witnesses: Friends, neighbors, or coworkers who have seen or heard the conduct can provide powerful testimony. Act quickly in emergencies: If there is immediate danger, call 911. After filing, carry a copy of the order with you at all times. You may also want to inform your employer, school officials, or childcare providers so they can take precautions if needed. Having an attorney will help ensure your petition is persuasive and presented clearly to the judge. If You Have Been Served with an Order Being served with an order of protection can feel shocking and unfair. However, it is important to respond carefully. Ignoring the order or violating it even if you believe the allegations are exaggerated or false can lead to criminal charges. Steps to take include: Read the order thoroughly and follow it exactly, even if it feels inconvenient. Collect evidence such as texts, emails, or social media interactions that show consent or contradict the allegations. Identify witnesses who can testify on your behalf. Work with an attorney who can negotiate boundaries, prepare your defense, and represent you in court. Remember, an order of protection hearing is a civil proceeding, but violations are criminal matters. Having strong legal representation can help prevent collateral consequences to your job, family, and reputation. How Our Firm Can Help Orders of protection are often tied to larger issues like divorce, child custody, or criminal charges. Our attorneys understand how these cases overlap and take a comprehensive approach to protect your rights and your future. We recognize the stress these cases bring, and we strive to provide the guidance and advocacy you need. Contact a Sevierville Protection Order Lawyer Whether you need protection or are responding to an order, it is critical to act quickly and strategically. Our experienced attorneys at Champagne Law Firm handle these cases with the urgency and care they demand. Call 865-228-8080 today to schedule a confidential consultation.