In the emotionally draining, stressful, and time-consuming process that is divorce, a relatively new option for couples may provide a more efficient, lower-cost way of navigating towards a settlement. Collaborative divorce is a process in which both parties to a divorce are still able to select their own attorneys, yet sign an agreement which avoids expensive litigation in court. This client-centered method focuses on gathering information to reach mutually beneficial results, rather than assigning blame. The cost savings may be especially prevalent for couples with more assets, but both attorneys and any individuals going through divorce can benefit from the process.
New NICU Drug Prevention Pilot Program Underway
In an attempt to combat the rising number of infants requiring stays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after birth, Tennessee passed a bill in 2014 commonly referred to as the fetal assault law. Under this law, mothers could be prosecuted for the illegal use of drugs while pregnant, if the baby was born addicted to or harmed by the drugs taken by the mother. There were many opponents to this bill as most believed that this would not prevent the mother's drug use, but would simply deter her from seeking much needed prenatal care in order to avoid incarceration...and they were right.
