Topics like debt, mortgage foreclosures, and wills and advance directives are never easy to think about or discuss. But, with an aging population and the economic downtown, it is critical for every person, regardless of their age or financial security. The seminars offered through the Community Law School program will educate local residents about how to protect themselves against fraud, make sure their wishes are observed at important moments, and provide them with peace of mind regarding healthcare and financial decisions. The Community Law School is a public education program sponsored by the Knoxville Bar Association that offers free seminars on areas of the law that concern every citizen. This program, formerly known as the “People’s Law School”, has been a great success, with over 5,000 graduates over the last seventeen years. Both sessions of the Community Law School will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the O’Connor Senior Center (611 Winona Street).
Approximately half of senior citizens have neither a living will nor have discussed end-of-life decisions with their children. Many Tennesseans think they’ve already made their plans known, but they don’t know that because of recent changes in the law, their old living wills may not be adequate. Many more Tennesseans haven’t completed the necessary documentation in order that their wishes will be observed at important moments in their life. Knoxvillians have an opportunity to learn about these changes, and to learn how to make their wishes known, at the KBA’s Community Law School on Wills & Estates. Persons interested in attending the “Wills & Estates” program will attend from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Many in our community are facing critical economic and healthcare decisions and don’t know where to turn for basic legal information about their rights and responsibilities. The Community Law School will offer a session from 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. entitled “Consumer Rights & Responsibilities: Protect Yourself and Your Assets.” Learn about legislation aimed to help vulnerable consumers avoid foreclosure and steer clear of rescue scams. Understand your rights if you are trying to pay off a debt and what to do if you are sued by a creditor. Learn how to avoid identity theft and what to do if your identity is stolen. This course will review how these issues impact you and your personal financial situation. The more information people have about these topics, the better they will be able to plan and implement decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
For most people, today’s law is a jumble of legal statutes and court rulings, and can lead to much frustration and many questions for anyone trying to understand it. The Community Law School is intended to provide unbiased information on the topics presented, including forms which can be utilized by the public.
For more information, please call the Knoxville Bar Association at 522-6522 or register and view directions atwww.knoxbar.org.
Program Partners
East Tennessee Personal Care Services
Knoxville Bar Foundation