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.
Browse by topic
Find the legal stuff that matters to your life right now — no scrolling required.
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.