Off the Record: A Legal Podcast

Episode Summary: In this episode of Off the Record, host Rhett Burney shares invaluable insights on how to communicate effectively with your lawyer to save both time and money. Rhett emphasizes the importance of understanding the cost implications of the billable hour and advises clients to avoid using their lawyer as a therapist. He provides practical tips such as batching communications, being u...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Off the Record, host Rhett Burney delves into the complex dynamics of dealing with narcissists, particularly in the realm of family law. As accusations of narcissism become increasingly common, Rhett provides actionable strategies for effective communication and co-parenting with individuals exhibiting narcissistic tendencies. He introduces the "Exhibit A Filter...

Episode Summary: Exploring the nuances of contested and uncontested divorce in South Carolina, Rhett explains the key differences, factors influencing the direction of a case, and the impact on timelines and complexity. Gain insights into the critical issues of money, children, property division, and the crucial role of settlement discussions in expediting divorce proceedings, offering actionable...

Episode Summary: Real estate expert Jake Dickens joins the podcast to discuss the complexities of handling real estate transactions in the midst of divorce. From court orders to communication strategies, Jake sheds light on the unique challenges faced in divorce sales, offering valuable insights for both parties involved. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to divorce real estate sales in South C...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record* The attorney addresses the importance of discussing end-of-life wishes with family members before it's too late. Emphasizing the significance of estate planning documents, the attorney highlights the potential consequences of not having proper documentation in place. Listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges that arise when families d...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record*, Rhett Burney delves into the critical importance of regularly updating estate planning documents as life circumstances evolve. From overlooked probate pitfalls to safeguarding digital assets, listeners gain valuable insights on ensuring their estate plans align with their current wishes and protect their loved ones. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Intr...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record* Rhett Burney delves into the distinctions between probate and non-probate assets, shedding light on the complexities surrounding estate planning. From the implications of joint ownership to beneficiary designations, Rhett offers valuable insights to simplify the probate process for families. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & overview of...

Episode Summary: Rhett Burney delves into the intricate world of protecting businesses during divorces, discussing how courts determine business values, the impact of personal versus enterprise reputation, and the role of forensic accountants. Rhett also addresses key legal steps for business owners facing divorce, emphasizing the importance of early legal consultation and safeguarding business as...

Episode Summary: Rhett Burney delves into the complexities of emergency custody situations in family law, shedding light on what qualifies as an emergency, how courts respond, and the critical role of evidence in these cases. From defining emergencies to navigating conflicting stories, Rhett offers valuable insights for parents facing sudden crises in custody matters. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record* Rhett Burney and Lisa Mosbey discuss the evolving landscape of family law cases in the digital age. They delve into how technology, from social media to fitness trackers, can both aid and complicate legal proceedings, offering valuable insights for both attorneys and individuals navigating family law matters. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Rhett Burney delves into the complexities of high-conflict co-parenting situations, shedding light on the behaviors and patterns that define such cases. From communication breakdowns to financial disputes and child custody issues, Rhett explores the impact of these conflicts on children and the strategies courts expect parents to employ to navigate such challengin...

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of *Off the Record*, Rhett Burney sheds light on the critical aspects of property titling in estate planning. He emphasizes the importance of joint right of survivorship on property deeds to avoid probate complications and protect assets. Rhett also delves into the complexities of shared ownership structures and the pitfalls of quick claim deeds. Listene...

Episode Summary: Rhett Burney delves into the misconceptions around filing first in a divorce case in South Carolina. He clarifies that the court does not inherently favor the filing spouse and discusses the strategic advantages of filing second for trial preparation. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:45 – Strategic advantage of filing second for trial 03:30 – Factors influencing child custo...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record* Rhett Burney discusses the importance of special needs trusts in protecting benefits for individuals with disabilities. Rhett shares insights on how these trusts safeguard eligibility for programs like Medicaid and Social Security while allowing families to provide long-term support. Learn about the risks of leaving money directly to a child wit...

Episode Summary: Attorney Rhett Burney sheds light on the complexities that arise when divorce proceedings intersect with bankruptcy filings. From automatic stays halting family court cases to the nuanced division of marital debts and assets, Rhett provides insights into how these legal processes intertwine to impact families. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – Impact of bankruptcy filin...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record*, the family law and estate planning attorney sheds light on Intestate laws and what happens when someone dies without a will. Explaining the intricacies of property division and dispelling common misconceptions, the episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the complexities of estate planning. Key Timestamps: - 00:00 – Introduction...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record* Rhett Burney delves into the rights of non-custodial parents regarding access to their children's school and medical information under South Carolina law. Exploring key legal provisions, Rhett sheds light on the nuances of parental rights and decision-making authority in educational and medical matters. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record* Rhett Burney sheds light on the critical aspect of beneficiary designations and how they can override wills. He explains how various accounts like life insurance policies and retirement plans require careful beneficiary selection and discusses the implications of not updating these designations. Rhett emphasizes the significance of primary and c...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record* Rhett Burney sheds light on the critical aspect of beneficiary designations and how they can override wills. He explains how various accounts like life insurance policies and retirement plans require careful beneficiary selection and discusses the implications of not updating these designations. Rhett emphasizes the significance of primary and c...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record* Rhett Burney addresses the topic of gender bias in family court outcomes. He debunks common myths and shares insights based on his 30+ years of experience, highlighting the shift towards more equitable treatment for fathers and mothers in custody cases. Rhett emphasizes the importance of factual evidence and parental involvement in influencing c...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record*, family law paralegals Lisette Marin and Danielle Stubbs discuss the crucial steps and key documents required in handling contempt actions in family court. They emphasize the importance of gathering solid proof to support allegations of court order violations and offer valuable insights on preparing for contempt hearings. Key Timestamps: 00:00 –...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record*, family law paralegals Lisette Marin and Danielle Stubbs from the law office of Rhett Burney discuss the essential financial information needed for calculating child support in South Carolina. They break down the required paperwork, court expectations, and how various financial factors influence the child support calculation process. Key Timesta...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record*, family law paralegals, Danielle Stubbs and Lisette Marin from the law offices of Rhett Burney, delve into the intricacies of temporary hearings in family law cases. They discuss the significance of temporary hearings at the early stages of a case, the crucial documents needed, and the essential preparation process for clients. Listeners gain va...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record*, family law paralegals from the office of Rhett Burney, Lisette Marin, and Danielle Stubbs discuss the essential steps involved in initiating a divorce process in South Carolina. From gathering necessary documents like marriage licenses and birth certificates to understanding the significance of proper service and timelines, the paralegals provi...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Off the Record*, family law expert Melissa Smith sheds light on the complexities of emergency medical decision-making in scenarios where parents are unavailable or in the midst of custody disputes. From the authority of medical providers to the rights of non-custodial parents, Melissa offers valuable insights into navigating legal matters concerning children's...