Each year, statistics have shown a steady increase in the number of clients whose legal needs were not being met through the traditional methods of providing legal services. Obstacles exist in the availability and the affordability of quality legal services for low and moderate income persons. The Knoxville Bar Association developed LAWLINE ONLINE to assist clients in determining in they have a legal matter or if another entity would be better suited to offer assistance. With the help of the local courts, governmental and community service organizations and more than thirty-five members of the Knoxville Bar Association, LAWLINE ONLINE became a reality in June, 1999.

By selecting on the topics below, you will find a series of  messages which aid in understanding common legal problems, recognizing potential legal problems and understanding how the justice system works.  Information on where to go if further help will be needed is also provided.  The messages are written in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner using everyday language.  Although it is not intended to replace the advice of an attorney or to provide specific legal advice, the service provides general information on over 70 topics.

Attorney/Legal Services
     How do I find a lawyer?
     Do I qualify for a free attorney?
     Legal Aid
     What if I am uphappy with my attorney?
     Changing Lawyers
     Legal fees/How do lawyers charge?

Automobiles & Traffic
     Must I take a chemical test when stopped by drunken driving?
     Shoud I fight a traffic ticket?

Bankruptcy
     Can bankruptcy help me?
     How do I file a bankruptcy petition?

Business Information
     Forms of business enterprises
     How do I form a corporation?
     Whatr is a patent, trademark and copyright?

Consumer Information
     Applying for credit or loans
     The bill consolidation loan
     Wage garnishment
     Collection Agencies
     Are you a victim of mail fraud?
     Illegal sales gimmicks
     Lemon Law
     Telemarketing scams
     Three day "Cooling off period" in consumer transactions

Criminal Law
     Rights of juveniles
     What to do if arrested
     Bail
     State payments to victims of violent crimes
     When may police legally enter your home?
     Pubic defenders - who has a right to them?

Employment
     Employment discrimination
     Health care rights during and after employment
     What if I am injured at work?
     Unemployment compensation

Family Law
     Legal separation-what happens?
     How can I obtain a divorce?
     Do I have grounds for annulment of my marriage?
     Co-parenting and residential custodian
     How is financial support for child or spouse established?
     What is child support or alimony is not paid?
     Who is responsible for the debt of husband/wife
     Co-parenting time
     How do I enforce parental rights?
     Child abuse
     Domestic abuse
     Adoptions
     Your name: Keeping it or changing it

General Procedures
     Small claims procedures
     What should I do if I am sued?
     Restraining orders and injunctions
     What if I can not afford court costs?
     Being a witness
     Jury service
     What is a deposition?
     What is a subpoena?
     What will happen if I am asked to be a witness?

Home Ownership/Rental
     Protecting your home from creditors
     Rights and duties of tenants
     Rights and duties of landlord
     What is trespassing?
     Noisy neighbors
     Rights of tenants in public housing

Immigration
     Immigration rules and regulations

Malpractice
     Medical and legal malpractice

Mediation
     What is mediation?

Personal Injury
     What is personal injury?
     Statue of limitations
     Negligence
     Comparative negligence
     Products liability
     Workers' compensation
     Defense

Public Benefits
     Your welfare rights
     Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
     Benefits available if you've had and accident
     Welfare for family with children
     Information about Medicaid/TennCare
     Food stamps

Wills & Estates
     What taxes have to be paid when someone dies?
     What is joint tenancy with right of survivorship?
     What is a trust?
     Gifts to minors
     Caring for sick or disabled people or their property
     What if I don't have a will?

PLEASE NOTE:

The materials contained in LAWLINE ONLINE are intended to, and do, provide only a broad overview of various legal topics. The general information contained in this material is not designed nor intended to be a substitute for legal advice on a specific legal issue or question. In addition, the information provided in this material is only general advice and may not be applicable to apparent similar individual problems, since only slight changes in facts change the applicable advice. If you have a legal problem or question, please consult an attorney.

Any publication, distribution, or other use of these materials without the express written consent of the Knoxville Bar Association is prohibited.