Brian E. Price Law Blog

Tennessee has developed a list of factors that is called the best interest factors which can be found under T.C.A 36-6-106.  These factors are statutory guidelines that are used by a court when making a custody decision in a divorce or any other custody decision involving a child. 1. The strength, nature, and stability of the child's relationship with each parent, including whether one parent has performed the majority of parenting responsibilities that relate to the daily needs of the child; 2. Each parent's or caregiver's past and potential for future performance of parenting responsibilities, including the willingness and ability of each of the parents and caregivers to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and both of the child's parents, consistent with the best interest of the child.  In determining the willingness of each of the parents and caregivers to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing pare

4. Technology and software accounting programs have made it very easy to accept payment through debit and credit card.  Many banks now offer debit and credit card services to their business banking clients.  I suggest that a company set up an automatic program whereby a customer's credit or debit card is charged on a regular basis which is usually monthly.  And be sure to get a signed authorization form from the card holder.  The customer has one less bill to think about each month and the company has greatly increased the odds of getting paid. 5. Finally, a company needs to communicate on a regular basis with customers and clients.  Regular communication includes newletters, personal contacts, and updates to inquire as to how everything is going.  Too many times, a company only contacts a customer in two instances.  First, when payment on a bill is due.  And secondly, when the company wants the customer to purchase a product or service.  Customers may refuse to make payment bec

Cashflow is the lifeblood of any business.  It allows the business to operate, make the necessary payments, and avoid taking on costly debt.  However, a customer not paying his or her bill can cause a huge problem with a business being able to maintain adequate and necessary cashflow.  It can even cause a business to go under if the bill not being paid is essential to the survival of the business. I have been contacted by businesses looking to collect past due accounts from customers.  Usually, when I talk to a business owner, I spot errors and mistakes that the owner is making when it comes to collecting from customers.  I am going to point out 5 easy and simple things that a business owner can do to help increase the amount of money collected. 1. Have a written contract Almost every business needs a written contract that spells out the terms of the transaction between the business and the customer.  I know that a written contract does not apply to every business such as restaur

Tennessee, like many states, passed new laws and statutes that went into effect on January 1.  I have gone through the very long list and picked out the three that are most likely to impact the most people. 1. Talking on a hand-held device (cellphone) while driving a vehicle in a marked school zone with the flashers operating is now a C misdemeanor that calls for up to a $50 fine.   2. Any lights that are in the front part of your vehicle must either be white or amber.  There are exceptions for law enforcement, mail carriers, school buses, and various other security vehicles. I did not know that lights for the front section of my vehicle came in any other colors but now I do.  3. And any handgun carry applicant who passed any combat pistol training or a small arms training program while serving in the military is exempt from having to complete the firing range test that is necessary to receive a handgun carry permit.  I would hope that a person trained in the military is abl

      I have to admit this is my favorite time of year. I love the songs, the food, getting and giving gifts, Christmas trees, decorations, and celebrating the birth of Jesus. I think this is the time to reflect on all  the blessings and good things that we have. It is very easy in life to get caught up in the everyday hustle and bustle of life to forget what is important versus what is not important.         Now is the time that most people take stock of their lives and count their blessings.  It is a good time to reflect on the good things that we have in our lives.  If you have your health, a home, food, friends, and family then you are truly blessed.  The problem is that we are thankful now but what happens once the holidays end?  Most people go back to forgetting all the good things in their life and looking at once they are missing.  They complain about traffic or the annoying co-worker.  Now, I am not saying that someone doesn't have a right to be sad, angry, or depressed

We should strive to show compassion to everyone who is struggling with something in life which includes drug and/or alcohol abuse. This includes not only the user but also friends and family members.  Those who are caught in the storm of drug abuse usually feel alone and rejected by everyone.  There is usually no solid foundation on which to rely or count on.  We should offer support and help in whatever capacity we can provide no matter how large or small. True compassion does not eqaul weakness.  It takes strength to show compassion and to provide grace to others. It requires that we help build up people when they need it the most.  This does not mean that we are required to give a free pass to someone.  Rather, it means giving help while holding someone accountable for his or her actions. We need to remember that everyone has a weakness and struggles with something to overcome.  For some people it might be food, shopping, or gambling. We all need to acknowledge that we are to pr