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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Find the legal stuff that matters to your life right now — no scrolling required.
Probate & Estate Administration 101
What is probate? A confusing part of the law that most people nod along to without really understanding. Probate is the court-supervised process of proving a will, paying a person’s debts, and passing what’s left to the people who inherit it. What does an executor do, and what happens with a will and without one? And why trust property and accounts with named beneficiaries to skip probate entirely?
What to Do in the First 72 Hours After Someone Dies
When somebody dies, you do not have to handle everything by next Tuesday. But a few things really do need attention in those first days, and they're more basic than most people think. I walk through what to do right away, what can wait, and how to let someone help you carry it.
How to Have a Good Divorce
I sat down with Texas divorce lawyer Jodi Lazar to hear what a good one actually looks like, what it costs, and the three things that keep your legal fees from spiraling.
Can You Get in Trouble When Teens Drink at Your House?
Parents love to say the kids are going to drink anyway, so why not keep them safe at home? I sat down with my friend Katie Love, a mom of five, to talk about why that logic can put your house, your savings, and your family at risk. The good news is that you have a lot of control here.
What Every Parent Needs to Know About Teen Gambling
On this episode of Life Is Legal, I explain what teen gambling looks like now, what the law says, the warning signs parents often miss, and how to start the conversation before a small mistake becomes a crisis.
The Fine Print of Turning 18
I explain contracts, credit, leases, jury duty, and all the parts of turning 18 that no one explains.
Divorce Isn't Just Legal. Nobody Warns You About the Rest.
Divorce changes more than your legal status. Learn how to prepare your money, manage divorce brain, and find the support you need to move forward.
Who's Really in Charge of Your Money After You Die?
Choosing who gets your money is easy. Choosing who MANAGES it is the hard part. Brooke explains the trustee's role in plain English.
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.
So Your Parents Are Getting Older. Here’s the Stuff Nobody Told Us About.
Power of attorney, home care, and the caregiving binder every family needs before a health crisis hits.
Prenups, Community Property, and the Three Things You Should Do Before Divorce Finds You
Divorce attorney Jodi Lazar breaks down prenups, community property, and the financial steps every woman should take before marriage trouble starts.