Family Law

• Divorce
  Divorce is awful. No matter what the cause or basis for dissolving a marriage, the divorce process is stressful. Adding to this stress is the whole concept of dividing marital property. I believe that a great deal of the uncertainty and mystery surrounding a divorce action can be avoided by an understanding of how courts in Tennessee determine what is separate property and what is marital property and what the guidelines are for dividing marital property. Within the context of the music industry, this understanding is essential because copyrights and royalties are the types of property which can be subject to division in a divorce.
• Premarital Agreement

Business and Corporate Law

• Business Formation
• Limited Liability Companies
  I counsel clients with respect to the most appropriate business entity to form for their particular enterprise. Most music groups are stunned when I tell them that by performing together, they actually meet the legal definition of a partnership and become subject to the application of state partnership law. It is important for groups and individuals to work through these issues and choose a business entity that allows them the flexibility they require as well as the protections from legal liability afforded by such business entities. I have worked with clients for years in drafting partnership agreements, forming corporations and forming limited liability companies. Because limited liability companies provide such a unique method of flexibility in doing business in Tennessee, I try to keep up with the emerging trends in this area.
• Intellectual Property

Employment Law

• Employment Contract
• Severance Agreement

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Sawnie R. (Trip) Aldredge, a native of Dallas, Texas, has been practicing law in Nashville, Tennessee since 1983. Aldredge graduated from Vanderbilt University and Southern Methodist University School of Law. Concentrating his primary practice in the entertainment industry, Aldredge handles transactional matters and litigation. Aldredge has also had experience in corporate, estate planning, probate and domestic areas.
• Wills
• Probate