Family Law

• Divorce
  Whether a matter is a contested or uncontested divorce depends on the perspective of the person using the words. Often it seems a couple is in agreement on many points, but all too frequently negotiations break down, your spouse gets stubborn, and the fight begins and escalates. That makes the matter contested and higher fees will be required.
• Child Support
  If an individual isn’t following his or her obligations under the current order for child support, maintenance or another family law issue, you will need an experienced lawyer who will work to enforce your rights. However, the courts will only enforce orders that exist in the original judgment, which is why it is very important to have a knowledgeable attorney draft the judgment or settlement agreement. At the Law Office of Douglas J. Carter, we assist individuals and families in and around Johnson City, Jonesborough, Erwin and Elizabethton, Tennessee, with family law matters, including post-divorce litigation and modification. To speak with our staff regarding child support modifications, contact the firm online or by calling 423-926-9193.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  At the Law Office of Douglas J. Carter, we assist individuals and families in Johnson City, Tennessee, and surrounding areas who are going through the probate process or dealing with associated legal matters. Attorney Doug Carter has more than 35 years of experience handling family law matters, including divorce, child custody and support, mediation, probate and wills. To speak with a member of our staff, contact the firm online or by calling 423-926-9193.
• Adoption
• Paternity
  Paternity involves establishing the father of a child either so the man can establish visitation rights and be a part of the child’s life or so the mother of the child can collect child support. At the Law Office of Douglas J. Carter, we assist people in and around Johnson City, Jonesborough, Erwin and Elizabethton, Tennessee, with paternity matters. We can help by preparing and filing your paperwork and representing your case in court. To speak with a member of our staff, contact the firm online or by calling 423-926-9193.
• Spousal Support
  “Alimony” is defined, in pertinent part, by Black’s Law Dictionary, 9th ed., as [a] court-ordered allowance that one spouse pays to the other spouse for maintenance and support... after they are divorced. Alimony is distinct from a property settlement.  Tennessee recognizes four different types of alimony: rehabilitative alimony, transitional alimony, alimony in futuro, and alimony in solido. Each type addresses a specific need. Rehabilitative alimony is temporary support intended to assist the economically disadvantaged spouse in obtaining the education or training necessary to allow him or her to achieve a reasonable standard of living in comparison to the standard of living maintained by the parties during the marriage or to the post-divorce standard of living available to the other spouse. Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-121(e)(1). Where rehabilitation is not necessary, transitional alimony may be awarded to assist the disadvantaged spouse in adjusting to the economic consequences of the divorce. Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-121(g)(1). Alimony in futuro and alimony in solido are long-term forms of spousal support. Tenn. Code Ann. § 36- 5-121(f)(1), (h)(1). Alimony in futuro is typically awarded when a spouse is economically disadvantaged, but rehabilitation is not feasible, meaning that the disadvantaged spouse cannot achieve an earning capacity that will allow him or her to maintain an appropriate standard of living. Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-121(f)(1). This type of alimony is awarded on a “long term basis or until death or remarriage of the recipient” spouse.

Criminal Law

• Restraining Order
  Temporary (pendente lite) measures to maintain the status quo of the parties during the pendency of the action, such as custody,visitation, support, attorney’s fees, suit money, and injunctions or restraining orders.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Attorney Doug Carter has more than 35 years of experience dealing with insurance companies and adjusters while protecting clients in personal injury cases. He will effectively represent you by putting the time and energy into gathering information to support your case, investigating the scene of the accident and interviewing any witnesses in order to build a solid case for you. Doug is able to settle most cases before trial; however, should your case go to court, he has practiced in all the courts in the area, is familiar with the judges and is comfortable with the process.
• Auto Accidents
• Social Security Disability
  Doug and his paralegal Angela, help clients to understand their legal rights and fight to secure those rights. Your questions can be answered by email. Frequently asked questions and answers can be found in the FAQ section. The Firm handles domestic matters including divorce, custody and child support. Doug and his associates can also handle personal injury, social security disability, estate planning and probate.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  The honest, personal, dedicated service that Doug provides to each client has earned him the People’s Choice Award from the Johnson City Press for being the outstanding attorney in all of Johnson City. His experience and ability to effectively represent clients has gained him the reputation as an exceptional attorney. To arrange a free initial consultation, contact the firm online or by calling 423-926-9193.
• Wills
  Don’t let inaction cause family descent. In one instance, Mom promised her mantle clock to two sisters. When one took the clock, the other never spoke to her again. One fix is to put name labels on “precious items” with marking tape. A more certain solution is a simple Last Will and Testament. Families with young children need to consider protecting the kids with a Testamentary Trust.
• Power of Attorney
  Accidents, strokes and other unforeseen troubles can rob you of your ability to decide matters of importance. You can speak now to name your proxy with a Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive and Health Care Designee. Costs are minimal and you make the decision at a fraction of the cost for a Court-appointed Conservator.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy