Douglass & Runger

Douglass & Runger Listen. Strategize. Protect. We support you through life's challenges no matter what the circumstances are!

Douglass & Runger is an association of attorneys, not a partnership, with over 45 combined years of experience handling probate, estate planning and family law cases in the greater Memphis and Bartlett areas.

Most people have an opinion about prenuptial agreements. Fewer understand what they actually do.Whether you said “They m...
06/05/2026

Most people have an opinion about prenuptial agreements. Fewer understand what they actually do.

Whether you said “They make sense,” “I’m not sure,” or “Not for me,” there’s no right answer.

Every couple’s financial situation, family dynamics, and goals are different.

What surprises many people is that prenuptial agreements aren’t just about protecting wealth. They can also help couples have important conversations about finances, clarify expectations, protect a business, address debt concerns, or preserve family assets.

For some couples, a prenup makes perfect sense. For others, it may not be necessary at all.

The important thing is understanding your options before making a decision.

If you’re curious about how prenuptial agreements work in Tennessee, including what they can cover and the legal requirements involved, our guide breaks it down:

👉 https://www.douglassrunger.com/prenuptial-agreements/

As Elder Law Month comes to a close, here’s a friendly reminder: planning ahead doesn’t happen all at once.Start with ju...
05/29/2026

As Elder Law Month comes to a close, here’s a friendly reminder: planning ahead doesn’t happen all at once.

Start with just one question from this list. Sit with it. Talk about it with someone you trust. Then, when you’re ready, move on to another question.

Preparing for the future isn’t about having every answer today. It’s about taking small, thoughtful steps toward clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Sometimes the hardest part is simply getting started. We hope these questions help make that first step feel a little easier. 💙

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.Their cou...
05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting the freedoms we enjoy today will never be forgotten. As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect with gratitude on those who gave everything for our nation.

From all of us at Douglass & Runger, PLLC, we wish you and your family a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

As Elder Law Month comes to a close, one theme stands out in the conversations we have with families: the difference a c...
05/21/2026

As Elder Law Month comes to a close, one theme stands out in the conversations we have with families: the difference a clear plan makes when everything else feels uncertain.

There’s a noticeable shift that happens when a long-term care plan is finally established.

Estate Planning Paralegal Whitney Vinson sees it often:

“Families are relieved after meeting with an elder law attorney and establishing a plan for long-term care by getting legal authority to act on their loved one’s behalf through estate planning documents.”

That clarity becomes especially important when decisions can’t wait.

“Families are also reassured to find out available options to pay for long-term care, like Medicaid and Veterans Benefits, as well as the financial protections in place for the at-home spouse when Medicaid is used for long-term care costs.”

While the process can feel heavy at the start, the outcome tends to be stabilizing.

“The real benefit isn’t just peace of mind. It’s having structure, authority, and options in place before a health event forces decisions.”

For many families, that’s the real turning point—moving from uncertainty to readiness.

Learn more about elder law planning:
https://www.douglassrunger.com/elder-law/

Yesterday at Robinwood Retirement Resort, we hosted an estate planning seminar with both residents and open house guests...
05/14/2026

Yesterday at Robinwood Retirement Resort, we hosted an estate planning seminar with both residents and open house guests.

One of the biggest takeaways was a shared realization in the room — many people wished they had started their estate planning sooner to help avoid some of the stress and uncertainty they’ve experienced along the way.

Even so, the conversation stayed positive and forward-looking. There were great questions, thoughtful discussion, and a real sense of people feeling more informed and empowered about their next steps.

We’re grateful to Robinwood for hosting us and to everyone who joined for such an engaging and meaningful morning. It was a helpful reminder of how valuable it can be to start thinking about your own plan sooner rather than later.

Throughout Elder Law Month, one of the most important questions we hear is simple but often asked too late:When should p...
05/12/2026

Throughout Elder Law Month, one of the most important questions we hear is simple but often asked too late:

When should planning actually begin?

Estate Planning Attorney Campbell Lewis explains:

“As soon as you have assets or relationships you want protected, and definitely before any health decline or incapacity.”

That timing matters because planning is what keeps options open.

Estate planning is the foundation:

“Estate Planning is comprised of trusts, wills, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and living will. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. It is important that your estate plan is in place to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

Long-term care planning requires even more lead time:

“Start at least 3–5 years before you might need benefits. Medicaid has a 5-year lookback on asset transfers. This can be triggered by advanced age, loss of spouse, or medical events or diagnoses that require increasing medical care for the individual.”

Once care is needed, choices can narrow quickly.

That’s why timing is one of the most important parts of the plan.

Start here:
https://www.douglassrunger.com/estate-planning/

Protecting families is kind of our thing. 🦆Shoutout to Kacie Collins, one of our family law paralegals, for spotting the...
05/08/2026

Protecting families is kind of our thing. 🦆

Shoutout to Kacie Collins, one of our family law paralegals, for spotting these ducklings in need and to the Bartlett Animal Shelter for the save!

Duckling season runs through July, so eyes on the road, Memphis.

And a Happy Mother's Day weekend to every mom doing whatever it takes to keep her family safe — feathers or not.

As we continue highlighting key topics throughout Elder Law Month, one pattern comes up again and again: families slowly...
05/07/2026

As we continue highlighting key topics throughout Elder Law Month, one pattern comes up again and again: families slowly shifting into decision-making roles without ever meaning to.

It doesn’t usually happen all at once.

A parent needs a little help. Then a little more. And gradually, adult children find themselves stepping into decisions that were never clearly assigned.

Estate Planning Paralegal Chris Knudsen explains:

“As a law firm, our obligation is to first determine who our client actually is—the senior adult. Keeping the senior in the ‘driver’s seat’ means making space for the autonomy of the senior adult by actively listening to their assumptions, goals, and wishes.”

That focus is intentional. It ensures that planning reflects the senior’s voice, not just the concerns of those around them.

“We strive to give the senior adult the opportunity to participate in planning, which is essential for their peace of mind moving forward.”

At its core, elder law planning isn’t only about documents or authority. It’s about preserving dignity while making sure decisions reflect the person they belong to.

When families plan this way, conversations become clearer, and decision-making becomes less reactive.

Learn more about elder law planning:

https://www.douglassrunger.com/elder-law/

In recognition of Elder Law Month, we’re sharing insights from our estate planning team to help families better understa...
05/01/2026

In recognition of Elder Law Month, we’re sharing insights from our estate planning team to help families better understand the realities of long-term care.

Most families don’t fully understand what long-term care actually involves until they’re already in the middle of it.

It’s one of the most common misconceptions we see in estate planning.

Senior Attorney Matthew Rhoads explains:

“Long-term care is custodial care that we begin to require as we age, such as assisted living, non-medical home care, memory care, or nursing home care.”

That distinction matters more than most people realize because this type of care is funded very differently than standard medical care.

“While there are some government benefits that can assist with the cost, one must first qualify financially, and this may involve depleting one’s financial resources.”

Without planning, families often discover these realities in the middle of a crisis—when decisions are harder, options are limited, and there isn’t enough time.

“Families who do not plan ahead usually learn the realities of long-term care only after a parent has an incident and begins to require care.”

Planning ahead isn’t just about finances. It’s about preserving choices and reducing pressure during an already difficult time.

Start the conversation before it becomes urgent:

https://www.douglassrunger.com/medicaid-planning/

Address

2865 Summer Oaks Drive
Bartlett, TN
38134

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+19013885805

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