A shocking murder case in rural Alabama has sent ripples through both the legal community and families across the state, while raising profound questions about estate planning in cases of family violence. On January 28, 2025, Michael McKenzie, 72, and Darla McKenzie, 68, both retired attorneys with distinguished careers, were found fatally shot in Etowah…
In a significant decision that could reshape how construction site injuries are litigated in Alabama, the state’s Supreme Court has overturned a directed verdict that dismissed a concrete finisher’s negligence claim against a subcontractor. The November 8, 2024, ruling in Marina v. Bama Reinforcing, LLC reinforces the rights of injured workers and clarifies the standards…
A powerful EF-2 tornado that struck Winterboro, Alabama, on March 15, 2025, has left behind extensive damage to public buildings, private property, and critical infrastructure. The storm, which was powerful enough to lift a school bus onto the roof of Winterboro High School’s gymnasium, offers important lessons about disaster preparedness and highlights critical legal considerations…
An investigation into a Mobile County, AL school bus accident that injured six students has revealed alarming details about the driver’s history and the circumstances leading to the crash. The February 12 incident has sparked concerns about transportation safety protocols and raised important questions about liability in cases involving school transportation accidents. The Incident According…
In a tragic event that has shaken the Hoover community, a family dispute turned deadly when 40-year-old Jonathan Arthur Barclay allegedly shot and killed his 55-year-old sister, Rosalind Barclay, on March 15, 2025. The incident, which took place outside Jonathan’s residence on Jasmine Way in an otherwise quiet neighborhood, raises important considerations about family disputes…
“Yellowstone” actress Barret Swatek is trading island paradise for Alabama pastures as she prepares to return to her Southern roots. The Alabama native and her husband, retired hedge-fund manager Adam Weiss, have placed their sprawling Maui estate on the auction block as they plan their return to Alabama. The couple’s decision highlights a trend seen…
In a significant transition for one of Alabama’s most important elder law and disability planning resources, Alabama Family Trust (AFT) has announced key changes to its leadership structure following the passing of its former board president. Leadership Transition at Alabama Family Trust Clayton Davis, who served as President of the AFT Board of Directors since…
New legislation introduced in the Alabama Legislature aims to fundamentally reshape how courts determine child custody arrangements, potentially affecting thousands of Alabama families navigating the divorce process each year. Proposed Changes to Alabama Custody Law House Bill 229, titled “The Best Interest of the Child Protection Act 2025,” was introduced on February 15, 2025, by…
When Kandace Brown received a jury summons, she faced an impossible choice. Brown’s daughter Parker would only feed directly from her mother—a common situation for many breastfeeding infants. Despite explaining her circumstances and submitting the proper exemption forms, county officials denied her request for accommodation. “The only way she will eat is by me,” Brown…
The case began in 2021, when Felicia Burdick-Aysenne and Scott Aysenne filed a lawsuit against the Mobile-based Center for Reproductive Medicine. The couple alleged wrongful death and negligence after a patient at the hospital housing the clinic gained unauthorized access to the cryogenic embryo storage area, removed several embryos, and dropped them on the floor,…