Side Bar
Bite-sized stories and real-world breakdowns that turn curious humans into legally literate adults.
Welcome to side bar
This is a space for clear, thoughtful conversations about the legal side of everyday life. Here, you’ll find practical explainers, relatable stories, and timely insights on topics that quietly shape your world — from adulting and money to family, work, housing, justice, and what’s unfolding in the news.
You don’t need to be an expert to understand how the law affects your life. Side Bar is here to help you learn the rules in a way that feels approachable, useful, and human — so you can make informed decisions with more confidence and a lot less overwhelm.
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Common Law Marriage: The Myth That Won't Die
No, there's no "seven-year rule." Brooke Hardie breaks down the real requirements for common law marriage—and why there's no such thing as a common law divorce.
Dog Bites, ESAs & Pet Trusts: What Pet Owners Need to Know
Pet custody, dog bite liability, and ESAs explained in plain English—plus how a pet trust protects your fur baby if you're not around.
Mediation, Arbitration, and the Art of Not Spending Your Life Savings Proving a Point
Mediation vs. Arbitration explained in plain English. Learn the difference, what arbitration clauses mean, and how to protect your rights.
Calling All High School Grads…Let’s Teach You Some Important Legal Basics!
A practical crash course in the legal basics graduates actually need: leases, cars, powers of attorney, taxes, credit cards, voting, and the general art of keeping themselves out of a legal sling.
The Constitution, Explained in Plain English
You don't need a law degree to know your rights. Brooke breaks down the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights in plain English.
Fourth Amendment Rights: When Police Ask to Search Your Car
Most Fourth Amendment rights aren’t lost through confrontation — they’re lost through politeness. Here’s how consent searches work and why knowing when to say no matters.
Your Gun, Your Road Trip, and the State Laws That Could Ruin Both
Traveling with a firearm? Gun laws change at every state line. Learn the 3 carry systems, reciprocity rules, and how to avoid accidentally breaking the law.
Hosting Responsibly: When a Good Time Becomes a Legal Problem
What’s your liability when you are serving alcohol at a get-together? You’d be surprised how much responsibility you have.
The 10 Things Every 18-Year-Old Needs to Know About Being a Legal Adult
A “Life Is Legal” Guide for New Grown-Ups (and the Parents Who Love Them)
Top 10 Legal Myths
Somewhere along the way, we all absorbed a handful of legal “facts” that are… wildly incorrect. Like “you’ll go to jail for ripping off a mattress tag” incorrect. This post is here to lovingly—but firmly—put those myths out of their misery before they get you into actual trouble.
PSA on Distracted Driving
We all do it. Every single one of us has multitasked behind the wheel and convinced ourselves it was harmless. Putting on lipstick in the rearview mirror while cruising down the highway.
Can Gift Cards Expire?
You want to send a thoughtful gift to your mom for her birthday. She has everything. She lives far away. And the thought of purchasing something, wrapping it in post-office-approved paper, figuring out postage, and standing in line makes you want to lie down for a bit.
Welcome to Life Is Legal…and Why I Started This Podcast
The law is everywhere—but the explanations aren’t. Brooke Hardie shares why she started Life Is Legal and what legally literate living really looks like.